My Birthday Gift...the Jolly Old Man!

I don't mean to sound sappy...but really, I have been blessed with the greatest birthday gifts today.  It's been a rough week with Jon and I both sick with what appears to be bronchitis but life must go on.  So today, our normal day off, Jon had to work (oh, bah-humbug, FedEx!) leaving Kristina and I to fend for ourselves.

Around 10:30am, I found myself awakened by my little angel who slept next to me last night (a weekend treat we allow occasionally).  Since I was up until the wee hours last night trying to straighten up the house and prepare a spot to put a Christmas tree eventually, I didn't mind the late morning wake-up call...

And what was the first thing she did?  She serenaded me with "Happy Birthday, to you!"  I mean really, how much better can it get?  Well, it did.  We cuddled for the next 90 minutes while we watched "The Polar Express" movie for the 4th time this weekend.   There isn't much in this world that can bring back the reality of Santa Claus except for the belief as seen through the eyes of a child.

It's been raining all day...my favorite weather.  God timed it right for me!  After we finally got dressed and daddy returned home, we took off on the adventure of the day:  to go and see Santa Claus at the local Northridge Mall.  As Kristina held our fingers tightly as we walked through JC Penney, her head bobbed back and forth trying to get a glimpse of the man in red who sat boldly at the exit of JCP right there in the center of the mall.

As we approached, Kristina stopped and gasped -- and waved at the jolly old man.  He didn't wave back - I don't think he saw her.  My heart dropped momentarily -- darn it, why couldn't he see her?

We went to get in line -- and there was no line!  What luck -- only one kid on his lap giving us 30 seconds to prepare her hair and remind her to think of what she really wants for Christmas. Then the moment arrived and a lady with a red apron told us "he's ready!"

This is it ~ the moment before seeing Santa
(who sits right behind where Kristina is standing!)

We directed Kristina to Santa and she bolted -- right into his arms!  I think Santa was quite shocked...I don't think many kids greet him with a bear hug!  As Santa and Kristina conversed, I crouched there taking pictures with my iPhone.  (Darned my regular camera -- I lost the battery charger and the battery was dead.  Guess it's not the camera's fault....)

As soon as Kristina saw Santa, she ran up to him
and gave him a big hug.
(He has her lifted off the ground!)

Hanging out like old buds who go back years and years...

They talked for quite awhile so I kept taking pictures as the apron ladies took their share, too.  As Kristina got off his lap, Santa said, "Well, be a good girl if you really want to get that Barbie house."  Barbie house????  What?  Kristina already has a Barbie condo...where did the house come from?  Aw, geez - looks like we have to do some talking...

I was so busy taking pictures that I couldn't hear all the things she was telling Santa...but he was listening!

"Now you'll have to be a good girl...",
words from the wise man!

As we finalized which "professional" photo package we wanted, Santa called me over.  "Who, me?", as I glanced around.  Kristina stayed with Jon as I approached this very, real-looking Santa Claus.  Santa says to me, "I have to tell you, she really, really wants a bell from the movie she's been watching.  Here, I want you to give this to her."  With that, Santa handed over to me a bell on a leather cord.  I was shocked.  (If you've seen the movie, then you know what I'm talking about.)

Yes, all of us can hear the bell ring.  Believe in the season!

We debated about giving it to her on Christmas morning or at that very moment...and so we decided not to wait.  We called Kristina over from checking out the local make-up booth, and had her close her eyes.  Then, with a few shakes, she heard the bell in her ear.   She opened her eyes with excitement as she learned it was from Santa Claus.  I'm such a softy...I had tears in my eyes just watching her.  (sigh)

This is the moment Kristina looks at the bell from Santa
 for the first time.

Kristina's in shock as Santa Claus is looking at her...

A very happy girl.  May you always hear the bell ring,
Kristina DeAnn!

After taking a few photos over by one of the Christmas trees in the hopes we have one good enough to put on a Christmas card (yes, that's still a project to conquer...), we then headed over to my favorite restaurant for dinner, The Bear Pit.  Kristina ate every chicken nugget (a first!) and then it was time to finally head home for dessert.

Kristina and nana made cupcakes over the weekend so after "making fire" as Kristina called it and lighting the candles, I was once again serenaded.

I'm so thankful for so much, including my birthday cupcake!

Overall, it really was a wonderful birthday.  Very quiet but as one gets older -- that's ok, atleast with me!  And now, as I just checked in on my angel to give her one last kiss of the night, I found an empty bed.  Yes....someone is warming up my side of the bed and it's not Jon!

Life is grand and I am so blessed.  :)