happy holidays!

To hell with what they'll allow. <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/angryrazz.gif" width=15 height=15> Me, I'm all for a whole different set of circumstances. But I'll say amen to the rest of what Stew said. Defiantly (sic). <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/wink.gif" width=15 height=15>

I spent Christmas morning opening up so many nice and thoughtful gifts, but my eyes kept welling up as I was looked at my kids and John, knowing I already had everything I need.

There is laughter back in our home! The seams of the house are stretched beyond their limits. There is the wonderful smell of the pine tree mixed with artists paint, the aroma of turkey and fresh baking.

There's the welcome chaos of beautiful- way too loud - music.

My son is downstairs finishing an art project, my daughter is baking (yet more) cookies. Both are getting ready to recieve their friends for an all night visit and viewing of the Christmas Story...and more laughter.

And me...a promise that John will take off New years, so we can spend our first one together - EVER.) and right now, a snoring Beagle puppie wrapped up next to me in a Simba blanket. Life just doesn't get any better than this.

And luckily -- and thankfully, I am able to share this joy with all of you. Its such a comfort to know I can say things like this to people that won't think Im too corny or boring. That will be happy for me...and that will understand how much I appreciate what I have now, cause they know a bit of where Ive been.

Lovely people who will read this and know how sincere I am when I say I thank them for all the little and big things they have been to me... AND that I really do wish you all the best things in your lives too. Because you all deserve it!

Love you,
ReginaC

Regina C., thank you for defining the holiday, the time, us.

Ah, Regina, that was lovely and having the friendship of you and John is a valued gift for all of us.

yes, what pat said. we love you, too, regina!!!!

Regina, finally got caught up with the posts. What a lovely Christmas picture you painted. Here's hoping for a wonderful New Year, too.