The "Making It Count" Story

It was an ordinary day. Christmas day. And .... I survived it for the 66th time. Come to think of it, it certainly isn't ordinary. The whole family is here. Son Derek and his wife Barb and son Caden, daughter Brynn with husband Dave and girls Courtney and Camille, son Tad, my mom Dorothea, and my lovely wife Carol. We went to Derek's house early this morning to watch Caden open his gifts from Santa. He was extremely excited, needless to say. At noon, the whole gang arrived and we had a few snacks and opened the gifts. Had a great time. Always did, and always will. Hey, it's Christmas and to top that off it falls on a weekend. You know you only get 52 weekends in a year, so you have to make them count and when a holiday falls on a weekend, that's doubly neat! Well, the gifts have been opened and it's soon time for our Christmas meal. Usual ham, scalloped potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin bread, pineapple stuffing, brussel sprouts, cauliflower with butter and garlic sauce, and banana split dessert. Kids finished fast so they could play with their new toys and electronic items. Adults pitched in and cleaned the table and dishes. Time for relaxing and some TV viewing. You know, being it's Christmas and all, you can do just about whatever you want, and it's OK. What a fantastic time we all had. Took my mom home and she was exhausted. Too much excitement for one day for her. Hope your holiday was filled with family, fun, and the joy of the season. Merry Christmas to all!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - pixs from the top are: Camille and Courtney with their new iPods, Carol reading her new cookbook to Rocco, and Caden with his new electric scooter.