Believe

"Believe"  Josh Groban

"To believe - is to have faith and confidence in the truth of something."

I've been thinking a lot lately.  About all that I believe in and where it has taken me.  About memories.  This month sure carries plenty of them.  The happy.  The sad.  The tough.  The my-cheeks-hurt-from-smiling-and laughing-so-hard ones.  Yea, we'll go with some of those cheery ones today.

Last Thursday night, was our annual "Christmas with the girls."

It's one of my favorite December traditions.

And it goes a lil' something like this...

  Jessica and I head on over to Kelly's house - bags and baskets of goodies in tow.  Unload said goodies.  Eat yummy food prepared by Chef Kelly.  Watch a few ravishing performances by Addison and her backup dancer, sister, Chloe. Sit down, get comfy, and watch as paper gets torn, bows get tossed and ribbon makes for great photo ops.  Addison and Chloe blow up the living room with Christmas spirit and us ladies- we take it all in. 

We get giddy.

All of us.

I look back on our past Decembers together and I know believe that this sweet tradition is one that will last through the years to come.

I started going through old pictures last week (one of my many late night obsessions) and was amazed at how much really DOES happen and change in 3 short years.  December 2008 started with sweet baby Addison discovering Christmas and all its wonder.

(cue "old" photos)

"Christmas #1" December 2008

Little Miss Addison about to open her first pretty and colorful present from Jessica.  If you haven't noticed in past posts - Jessica's got some major talent.

I totally would have gone for that one too, Addison.

Addison and I

"Let's be honest - I rock this hat like no other."

Laughing big after Kelly read my card to Addison. I knew she liked penguins. What I didn't know, was I purchased a card for a "little GUY."

Reindeer ducky

Merry Christmas, peeps!

Christmas Eve Day 2008

***

"Christmas #2" - December 2009

"So, Mom...whaddya say?! May I begin?"

Addison was ready to try out this opening gift thing. 

Sitting pretty and patiently with presents from Jessica.

Presents from Mimi

"Here, Mom...I'll help you."

Precious.

"Ohhh, how'd you know I was eyein' these up @ Target last week?!"

Jessica embroiders a mean shirt.

Snowball head

Addison Kelly and Jessica

Addison and I making fishy faces - love it!

***

"Christmas #3"  December 2010

From - Jessica

From - Mimi

Miss Chloe joined the fun this year.

Jessica and tiny Chloe.

Beautiful Chloe sportin' her new and fabulous hat made by my friend, Kelly.

Me and Chlo Chlo.

Right before Addison discovered she was getting my old Blackberry as one of her gifts.

And after.

The end of Christmas #3 (Jessica and I did not plan our outfits, promise.)

and the beginning of...

"#Christmas #4"  December 2011

The kitties go nuts when the wrapping and tissue paper come out.  They have to be all up in my business.

Muffin was scopin' the goods.

As was Twinkie.

All finished.

Jessica's works of art.  I seriously want to hang these in our dining room.

Jessica and Chloe after a "bread party."

Addison politely borrowed my necklace and put on a show for us.

"I heard there are presents.  Is this bag big enough?"

We put the shiny ribbons and bows from Jessica's gifts to good use. 

Love the stripes, Kelly.

Princess Addison and I

Chloe says, "Christmas ROCKS!!  Dude, like totally!!"

         Ummm, adorable. Another masterpiece of Jessica's. She totally added those sweet flowers.

"Ohhh, this will look just splendid with my skinny jeans and kitten heels!"

She adored her new skirt from Jessica.

We tried for one of those "cute kissy face photos."  Chloe had the right idea.  Me - not so much.

I'm laughing out loud.  Poor Chloe just had a face full of Mimi's red lipstick.  And, I love Addison in the corner.

Jessica and Chloe showing me how it's done.  So sweet.

Hmm, I wonder who those kitty pjs are from?

Chloe says, "Don't stop BELIEVING!!"

(hold on to the feeeeeeeling)

Reading "The Nutcracker" to Addison before bedtime.

(Jessica helped me with the big words.)

We have Addison to thank for these lovely photos.  She even insisted her book would make a nice prop.

Whether crazy - silly...

or all smiles...

I'm totally in love with these girls.

                    

"Christmas #4" was a charming one.

And I do believe #5 will be just as sweet - if not sweeter.

***

Memories. 

Every single one of them...

(Take it from Muffin...)

Get wrapped up in them.

Keep on Believin',