ahhh, Christmas!

Next to Thanksgiving, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays (and not because of the presents!) because I actually get to see my whole immediate family. This year was no different in that my sisters and their families came over for dinner and presents on Christmas Eve (a tradition we have been doing since I was 7 or 8 years old). This year we did do something a little different in that the family gathered around the television to play Rock Band! Everyone took turns banging on the drums, singing, and playing guitar. It was so much fun~even when Bosco (our German Shepherd) started barking when a certain someone was singing! That was pretty funny! Dinner was taken over by Brandon and my sister since Dominic decided he needed his mommy as we were trying to finish up dinner~they did an excellent job! I don't know what I would have done without them! This year Brandon and I decided we didn't really need anything for Christmas, but we did do a few gifts that seemed more meaningful than usual. I got the few things I really wanted: the Mamma Mia DVD and CD and a digital picture frame (so I can put all those pictures of my family in it!). This year was about being with the family more so than ever, and it was great to just hang out and spend time with them. It's so nice when you actually enjoy 

being with your family!

Christmas day was spent sleeping in a bit and I had to finish the last minute things prior to leaving for the desert.  Dominic spent his first Christmas day meeting his Tio's and Tia's (Uncles and Aunts), crying on Santa Claus' lap, and hanging out with his grandparents and cousins.  It's great going down to the desert because everyone wants to hold him and I get a little bit of a break, which I am so thankful for! I love that Dominic has family that loves him and want to be around him. I love that he will grow up with family and friends that will have been in his life since he was born, and that will help us teach him how special and loved he is! Since Dominic was being passed around from family member to family member I took advantage and ate my fill of the BEST gingersnap cookies I have ever eaten, and I enjoyed every one of those cookies thank you very much!  I loved them so much, I snagged the recipe and think I will have to make them for some of my co-workers if I ever get the chance.  Speaking of work, I go back to work on January 5th. I am so excited! I LOVE being a mom, don't get me wrong, but I love my job too. I have so many special kids that I work with that I can't wait to get back to work!

Well, I have some cleaning to do, Dominic is taking a nap and I have already had one, so its off to work in the house. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! Be safe if you are traveling, and please take care. 

All my love~

Dawnnie