By Georgia Osten
It was whirlwind Christmas if I may say so myself! We wanted to go to Mass on Christmas Eve before we made it to League City/Friendswood area to be with our kiddos. The plan was to hit Sacred Heart in Galveston for the 5 O’Clock. No problem, I had the broccoli casserole and the sweet potato casserole ready to go in a cooler for transport. Pies were baked for the EMS crowd, the poor guys without a working oven. Thanks to Jose for frying them a turkey again for their holiday meal.

As usually happens, plans change. Our son wanted us to be at his house earlier, so we found a Mass at 4pm in Friendswood. It was a packed house, the Children’s Mass. Our son had a packed house too, I think 22 of them, over for the Holidays. As their tradition develops, their friend, Anthony, made a Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo and our son, Matthew, waited in line for homemade tamales from a local truck. The wine was flowing. I brought some fudge and Jelly Cookies and my daughter, Leigh, brought a Key Lime Pie from her special baker in Pasadena, Water Oak House. If you ever get the chance, give her a call. We ordered an Italian Cream and a Rum Cake from her, Pecan Pie from Goode for our treats at our daughter’s.

As The Littles and their cousins prepared to go to bed on Christmas Eve, we made our way back over to Leigh’s for some much needed Mexican Train and more Christmas beverages.

I have no idea what time we finally got to bed, but 6 am sure did come around quickly the next morning. We had planned to go back over to Matthew’s for “wake up time” on Christmas morning at their house. As Pierce came down the stairs, he spied Leon! Uh oh, Leon was supposed to have gone back to the North Pole Christmas Eve. We were supposed to say good bye to him and give him a hug or shake his hand or SOMETHING! Their Daddy told them Leon just wanted to hang around to watch them open their presents. Good one, Matthew!

But, guess what else The Littles found? Santa had brought a new puppy, her name is Winnie! Winnie is thrilled to be a part of this lovely family. She’s already made herself right at home, found a corner of a rug to chew on, to heck with all the toys the kids mysteriously pulled out of their stockings that Santa left.

After the ruckus with six under the age of 7, we went back over to Leigh’s in League City to open gifts with the College Kids! They were all sitting out back by Our new fire pit. How Exciting! Can’t wait for them to come visit and deliver it to us! We’ve already planned a place on the deck for it!

The unwrapping continued inside for what seemed like hours. Mimosas and champagne, some Caymus, more games, stopping every once in a while for more meal prep. Instead of prime rib, we were all craving a repeat of Thanksgiving Dinner, it was unanimous, why not? And, just like Thanksgiving Day, which was here at the beach, we all took a little power nap. Well, mine was two hours long, but I was pretty revived and ready to keep going after a little rest. PawPaw pretty much napped in front of football for most of the day.

Lovin’ our time together! Missing our gang in TelAviv, we Face-Timed several times during the weekend, and I can’t wait ’til we’re ALL back together again! Until then, My Cup (continues) to Runneth Over.

Life is good, We’re Blessed!
Happy New Year Y’all!

[Dec-28-2021]