Today was the day Xavier has been waiting for…he’s been asking every day since we put up the Christmas tree when there will be presents under it.  Last night we added the first wave of presents - gifts for Geno that Xavier helped wrap and gifts from my Aunt Nina (my mother’s sister).  With each present put under the tree he proclaimed “AWESOME!”

This morning started out as a bummer, Geno had been having trouble with his computer and he left a message stating that if he wasn’t on by 8:30a to start opening without him.  We had planned to open gifts on the webcam. After making a pancake breakfast the boys and I were excited to see Geno get on at exactly 8:30a.  So we set up the webcam and off Xavier went.  He opened both his presents and his daddy’s presents.  Derrick and I also opened up our gifts.  We were really blessed that Geno was able to watch from thousands of miles away - technology these days. I also took a few pictures (see below).  After presents it was time to start our Christmas dinner. I decided to go all out for the boys this year.  I made turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, greenbeans, cherry pie and homemade cranberry sauce.  Derrick and I ate until we were stuffed. Xavier, however, ate a little turkey. He’s not been wanting to eat and try new things lately.

We then cleaned up and got ready to see National Treasure. I’m really glad we Fandango. When we got there the line was wrapped around the building.  We were able to walk right up, hand the lady our paper and walk right in. I did hear someone mention (loud enough for me to hear) that they’ve been waiting for over 30 minutes and I’m able to walk right up.  Luckily, the ticket lady said “Sir, she Fandangos”. We rushed in to get seats. I initially left Xavier with Derrick inside the theatre while I waited in line for snacks. However, after standing in line not even 3 minutes I asked a nice couple behind me if they could hold my spot so I could go back and get him.  They did and right as I was walking into the theatre out pops Derrick with Xavier (who had been crying).  I went back and stood in line and thanked the young couple.  The couple in front of me gave the cashier a hard time. The man wanted his large drink to be as follows: small amount of regular coke, half of diet and the rest Mr. Pib - light on the ice.  The woman wanted the cashier to put one scoop of popcorn then spray butter, then another scoop, then spray butter….etc.  After they finished and left for their movie I tried to make the cashier smile by saying “Is this Starbucks?” Apparently he got the joke as did the couple behind me because they all laughed.  For those that didn’t get it…well, I’m sorry I will blame it on the Geoffrion (my mom’s side) sense of humor.

 Now, National Treasure was chosen because I really didn’t want to see Alvin and the Chipmunks and Derrick really didn’t want to see Water Horse. I should now add, Xavier really didn’t want to see National Treasure.  I should have known, especially when the only time he didn’t want to go into the hallway and play games was when there was a car chase going on.  He ended up falling asleep about 30 minutes after the movie started, it was a catch 22.  I say that because he was quiet through the rest of the show, however, he was wired until about 1045p when he finally closed his eyes. The movie was pretty good but man, Derrick loaded the popcorn with a TON of cheddar topping. It was so bad even he didn’t want it. Luckily, large popcorns are refillable to he dumped it and got a fresh batch - with limited cheddar topping.

I guess you could say that today was a good Christmas. The only thing that could have made it GREAT was if Geno could have been here with us.  However, I am grateful that we have the ability to talk just about every day and technology allowed him to share the gift opening with us this morning when many others didn’t get that chance.

Well it’s about 66 more days and Geno should be on his way home, if not home already.  It’s been a long long road and I will be glad when he’s home and the next turn in our lives begin. We don’t know where the next year will land us in the Army. Could be overseas, could be right here…but where ever it is…. Home is where the Army sends us…

Xavier’s beloved skates. Tomorrow we are going to buy him knee and elbow pads (he already has a helmet)

His “Horsey”

Derrick’s “Tech Decks” - mini skateboard