Ho Ho, … Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even that mouse …
That I found in the garage while putting Lily’s toys together.

Hated to do it, but given the run of the garage and soon enough he’d think he owned the place. Him and all his furry little brothers and sisters. Ha! Don’t mess with me ol distant relative of MM. Those old timey wood mouse traps really do work better than anything else. Er... sorry. Back to Christmas and Ho Ho (that's Lily's name for Santa Claus).

Lily’s first Christmas at home with Austin. Throughout the holidays, she gave every indication that she had been there, done that. Nothing surprised her or caused her to think anything was different than normal. Parties, eating, celebrating, eating, praying, eating … Lily had a wonderful time and Austin was right there with her showing her the ropes (no telling what he told her about good ol’ St Nick). Amanda and Emily also enjoyed celebrating the season with Lily Grace. What a wonderful thing to see as Lily has come to know and love her big sisters and to bond in a special way that must be some sort of secret code between sisters. Anyway, we wondered what Lily’s reaction to Christmas morning would be. We had a few early observations as gifts were exchanged between family members and friends. Lily certainly knew that if something was wrapped up, it needed to be unwrapped … and the sooner, the better!

Now, about that Christmas Eve construction project. It took a Rocket Scientist to put this stuff together... Houston, we have a problem. Just kidding, I didn’t really put together Lily’s toys. That’s the job of the elves at the North pole. . I was just helping Ho Ho with a few last minute details. He actually did most of the work, just needed a few adjustments to finish the job. I’m sure he appreciated our last minute efforts.

Finally, Christmas morning arrived. Lily and Austin came downstairs around 7:00 am – full of anticipation at what jolly old St Nick had left for them. Their eyes were bright and wide, as they surveyed the study and living room to see what had happened. Austin was tremendously surprised and shocked to find the new set of electric drums that he’d told Lizzy that he was getting a few days earlier. Seems somebody did a lousy job of hiding the foot pedal. Santa, we’ve got to talk about tactics and techniques before Lily gets any older. This is just not working any more. How was I to know that he’d look down in the floorboard while he moved the foot pedal out of the way and asked himself quietly, "What's this!!"

Lily was equally surprised to find her playhouse and all the dolls in it. She really enjoyed opening gifts, anyone’s and everyone’s. Her eyes were as big as we’d ever seen them. It was such a joy to see her excitement, knowing that even though she wasn’t able to express it yet, she fully appreciated the things Ho Ho had brought for her. She loves her dolls and her playhouse (BTW, Ho Ho, you left that thing completely unassembled and I still have piece parts lying around here!).

Connie also was surprised by what Ho Ho had brought her, though she wouldn’t allow any pictures to be posted. You know, jammies and all. Hopefully, she’ll treasure the portrait and framed “Lily-gram” forever. I had an oil painting of Lily that was done in China and a Chinese description of her personality (written specially on a red hankerchief by the orphanage director) framed for her. They turned out awesome.

Oh, well. Enjoy the pictures and as usual, thanks to my special friend who encourages me to post early and often. And from now on, each time we pass through Knoxville on our way to the mountains, we’ll pause and thank God for that special friend.

Merry Christmas.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four