The Grace of Madison: Christmas Recap (Part I)

Here it is Christmas Eve, and I've already been to 4 Christmas parties!! Madison and I started out on Thursday afternoon at her party at school. When Cheryl and I arrived, I was surprised to see all eight kiddo's sitting somewhat quitely at the table eating Christmas cookies! I didn't know that was possible with (8) two-year olds. Madison had to show out a lil' bit when we arrived, and didn't stay seated long! She ate Christmas cookies, showed us her toys, and exchanged gifts with the other kids. Party #1 was in the bag!

Friday evening after work, We took off to Tippah County and Grandy and Pop's house. It was good to be Home. Madison was greated with hugs and kisses, but didn't take long to go straight to the Christmas tree. Awaiting her under the tree was her first battery operated riding toy. Grandy and Pop had her a pink 4-wheeler, and she was a lil' confused at first. It took her awhile to get the hang of it, but after that, she was cruising the living room with a big grin on her face! It's amazing to me, how much her smile is like Scarlet's when she gets really excited! It lights up the room :) We exchanged gifts with Mom and David that night, and boy did we rack up!! Madison got alot of new clothes, and also got her first Toy Kitchen (which was not fun to assemble, btw!!). I scored a new vacuum for my house, a leaf blower, and some new clothes. We played hard on Friday night, before she finally gave out and went to sleep. Party #2 was over!

Saturday, Madison got to take the Tour de Ripley. Her and Pops went to town on Saturday morning and went visiting. There were alot of people hoping to see her this weekend, and I think Pops got alot of this done with his trip to town. Saturday evening we had dinner and opened gifts at Mrs. Jamie's. Madison was not her normal chipper self Saturday night, but pulled thru in the end. She got a few new baby dolls, and some more cute clothes. She had fun playing with Molly and Madison (Nicole's Madison).

Sunday Morning we went to church with Mom and David and then onto Dedo's for Christmas fun! Everyone was at Dedo's and it was alot of fun. We had a delicious lunch, and we remembered Scarlet by lighting a pink candle for her before we said the blessing for lunch. That was a touching moment for me, as I know how much Scarlet loved Christmas, and how much she would have loved to see Madison enjoy this special time of year. Madison was abit overwhelmed come present time! She could sense that something was not normal, and would just get real excited, and just scream and smile!! It is quite humorous to watch her get so carried away! She had alot of gifts, but was just as enthused with other folks gifts as her own. She got another riding toy from Dedo, and some dolls and clothes from Lane and Sherry. She enjoyed Eli and Drew's punching gloves, however, we had a hard time keeping them on her hands. By the time we were ready to head to Cordova, she was give out. She slept the entire way home, and was still give out come bedtime.

I am having to work this morning on Christmas Eve, and Madison and Mimi are heading to visit Scarlet this morning. This evening we have Memaw's party, and then it's off to bed and to await Santa coming at Mimi's in the morning. We are having Christmas with the Lawrence's on Christmas Day, and then hopefully everything will get back into a routine.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and will recap tonight and tomorrow later in the week. Enjoy the pics!!

Madison enjoying Christmas Cookies with her Classmates