We all end in the ocean.We all start in the streams.We're all carried along by the river of dreams.
Even without the snowy wintery substance sprinkled across the expanse of the yard yestermorning, I'd have to say it was still a rather fabulous Christmas.
The festivities began on the 23rd with the annual Grandma Brashear Birthday Bash cluster over the Auntie's house. Much to my excitement the majority of the fam was present, including Nick and Matt whom I haven't seen in ages. (Special Note to Beth Ribar: Matt is a professional techy for a living. You were right when you said Techies were the coolest.) We loitered about the house for a bit, munching on assorted snackables and Moon Pies. The Moon Pies were Stevie's idea, and they were stationed only a few feet away from the miniature corn dogs; also his idea. Apparently he had been wanting to do this in the year's past, but had neglected to set the tidbits on the table so that there would be a small mound for his later consumption. A small snippet of myself believes that Dee had some part in his forgetfulness, seeing as she has no desire to embrace the Kentucky comida aspect of this Holiday.
Anyhow, during our hitherage, gifts were opened, and obscenities were exchanged seeing as all the siblings were present. Let's just say that when the Maj isn't around, the Faj is most definitely not on his best behavior. All of this played out for John's viewing pleasure, seeing as he had most graciously accepted my invitation to accompany me on this family outing. Insanity was at an all time high, especially when Catherine's hand somehow found itself fit to examine the shirt I was wearing for quite a few very awkward seconds. We then said our good-byes and retired to our beds around the 2am hour.
Christmas Eve arose, and procrastination induced hell broke loose for the parental units. Regalos had to be wrapped with great speed seeing as the big day was only hours away. While los padres slaved away in the basement to the tunes of Charlie Rich, I hithered off to visit John's familia for a bit, and found his Grandmother a rather enjoyable individual. Church then had to be attended to, and I listened to the Bible story, complete with a Child's Instramental Group/Choir. As a result of this, that Little Drummer Boy song has been stuck in my head ever since. The Seasonal Religious Services ended and we headed back home for some last minute preparations before sleep claimed us.
Finally the morning arrived. We awoke a bit later than expected, considering that scurryment the night before. It was nearing 9:30 when the tree came into view of the hallway. Jenni and I plopped onto the couch in anticipation of the event before us. When the remainder of the family finally arrived in the living area, the ripping of wrappings ensued. It was a lot more paced so to speak than the years past. We opened them in turn, allowing eachother to see what the boxes had beholded and commenting on each before moving onto the next package. A few ribbons were thrown, and Gretchen scuffled about the floor for a bit, searching for ungaurded goodies. Hugs were exchanged and cookies were laid on the table for our now midday enjoyment. A half gallon of egg nog was removed from the Fridge's chilly compartments and we all had a bit. 2 o' clock neared and we had to trundle over the Auntie Janet's house for some dinnering. To say the least, the taters were delectible as usual, and the reese cup brownies were a lovely new addition to the buffet. Stevie brought some more Moon Pies for us to feast on, and Dot slyly shoved one in her purse for later taste-age.
Grandma's house was next on the list Christmas visitation. Everyone except Mark and the rest of the Virginia relations were there, causing quite a French family ruckus. John ended up learning the majority of the family names, and into what family sect they belonged into as well whilst the parcels and assorted snacks were distributed across the room. Typically the gathering would occur over Cheri's house, but the 21 and older kids loitered about in the kitchen doing their party thing regardless. Jenni, Lauren and I discussed cousin-like catch-up things since the last holiday.
I remember I used to think that being a grade or two older was the biggest bonding barrier ever. Now I think that I realized that it's not really so much after all.
It's sort of cool how much closer all the cousins have become over the years. Sure, we've had two get married within the last year or so, and one just got engaged yesterday (Congrats to Katie and John. I love you guys. :-) but I think we've all realized how much we can all relate to one another because it's just now processing into our mindset that whatever we've been through, whatever complicated whatnot we've experienced, we've watched eachother as they've pulled through it. Even if it was only a few times a year when we even got to talk, we still talked about it when there was no one else we felt we could. We're all on the same general 'grandkid' level when it comes to family. We weren't really raised by one of the French children, but all nine. I guess that's why I love big families; there's always someone you can turn to, and always someone who offers to push you on the rope swing at Cheri's. Or someone to play cards with in Grandma's basement. Or to rent all three of the Home Alone movies for you to watch becuase you say that you haven't. Or to whisper that your egg is hidden in Bobbi's car exhaust pipe on Easter. Or to give you their egg instead when they tell that Kurtis or Issac threw it into the tree and watched it explode. Just random stuff like that.
I guess I never really realized how much I loved my family until now. And the odd thing is, it's not because I've been watching the Holiday specials on the Hallmark Channel. It was just seeing everyone finally together last night, all crammed into the basement when it really hit me. Knowing that you can walk up to any person you see, even if they're partially intoxicated, and know that they'll still genuinely care about what you have to say is sort of a mind boggling feeling.
I see I've sort of started going on for a bit, but I suppose that's what happens when you go this long without updating the eljay. But I guess what I wanted to say is that even if you don't celebrate Christmas, or even beleive in the holiday thing as a whole, I still hope you're having an amazing day.
I love all of you, because I see you all as a part of my family too. Sure, we may not be connected by blood type or anything listed on a birth certificate, but I love you all just as much.
Thanks for everything guys. Have an effing lovely New Year, because you all deserve it. Tally ho. :-)