Thomas Team's Early Christmas

(Above) Christmas 2005 (CT 8, Shay Shay 6)

Well, I made it until after breakfast before breaking down! With much joy, Shayla started squealing with delight as soon as she woke up (in our bed, between us) and I explained the "email" (wink) I received from Santa explaining why he had to bring her presents early this year. Well Shayla wasn't going to argue with early presents so she hopped out of bed and started jumping up and down! Later, when I uploaded our pictures from the morning, saw this one and noticed the "orb" above our heads I could only call for Shayne as the tears pour down my face again this morning. I take comfort in easing my own agony by telling myself that Christi is indeed with us! The above pictures gives me that comfort! Amazing!!Shayla was busy all day playing with her new toys. While I was saddened that Shayla wasn't able to play with her sister, it still made me very happy to see her happy. Tonight, Shayla is out on a "Girls' Night" with the beautiful Grine girls. They were taking Shayla to Wendy's and then to see a movie. We are all richly blessed to have this wonderful family in our lives.

This year, for the first time, I also took special note of the angel on the top of our tree which we've had for at least 13 years. I believe it looks so much like our angel - with her pale skin, blue eyes and pretty blonde hair. (Miss you, sweet Christi!)

Shayla LOVES her snowboard!

The snow and cold weather can't get her soon enough - for Shayla! (Today's temps were in the 50s - not cold enough for snow.)

Shayla gives one of Christi's cats (Buckeye) her Christmas treats from Santa. We talked about how Christi must be happy because her sister and cats are happy with their new toys today!
Shayla took a break from all of her toy playing to create a "Gingerbread Cookie Tree" with me this afternoon. Now if she'd only let me try a bite (smile).
Christi's cat, Buttercup, receives her toys from Santa.

Christi, 8, Christmas 2005. (The PJs look familiar!) We miss you, dear Christi and trust you're enjoying the Christmas season with the birthday boy, Jesus!

Shayla and Santa yesterday at the mall

Last weekend, after going to ski, Shayne bought Shayla hot chocolate! I love this picture, plus it reminds me of a similar one taken of Christi with my mom on top of the Empire State building when she flew to NYC to help with Christi's surgery (which was cancelled in March of 2003 because her cancer hadn't been reduced enough, according to MSKCC). Mom and Aunt Marty ended up treating us to a great time in NYC as their hotel room had a kitchen and we enjoyed great home cooked meals for a few days! Christi loved "staying at Grandma's" doing crafts and playing cards while Shayne, Shayla and I stayed down the street at the Ronald House). Christi's very successful surgery ended up taking place in July of 2003 (on my deceased father's birthday).
After Sister Gertrude joined Christi in Heaven last month, I could not find this picture. Today, I did! The photo was taken on Christi's First Holy Communion day back in April of 2004. Christi is giving Sister the "Get Well Soon" box she made for her. Inside it contained mazes and "things to do". When Christi & I visited with a very ill Sister Gertrude back in July, she told Christi that she still had the box and that she still had some work to do on the activities inside. Rest in peace, sweet Sister and Christi.