Magic.

This time of year is just magical. And I don't think all magic has to make you smile...it can make you laugh or cry because this season is all about reflection of what's most important.

Especially when you add in the dusting of snow that transformed the backyard into a picture perfect December Day. Hearing intermittent shrieks of 'It's snowing!'

The kitchen hidden under pots and pans with baking goods strewn all over the surfaces. Add in Nora screaming about making another 'muffin man' cookie which is really a gingerbread man, but we'll blame Shrek for that misunderstanding.

Making a donation to Hope Hospice at home in Texas for all the loved ones that have passed. There is a way to find joy beyond the tears.

Nora saying with awe 'The decoration is beauuuutiful mommy. I LOVE it!' (insert mommy tears at her joy)

There's the daily snuggling on the couch to watch Frosty the Snowman and squeal at all the same spots AGAIN. It never gets old.

The mommy tears as I snuck away from the house this afternoon to grab a gift for her. She specifically asked Santa for a pink dollhouse. And then....we spotted it while out and she told me we needed to go home to tell the elf! That elf soooo comes in handy.

Rich taking Nora out to shop for 5 hours. I stayed home with my perfect cup of coffee and cookies wrapping gifts with my favorite movie on....''White Christmas''

Being able to ship a gift to a friend in Canada to brighten her days. We've never met but she is so loved.

Nora unwrapping a gift from her great aunt and uncle prematurely. More tears, but she hasn't done it again.

The surprise we are keeping from Nora. The one where I go pick my parents up from the airport and bring them home so she can open the door.

My cousin graduating from A&M University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering...aka rocket scientist. The day was exactly 6 mths after his mom passed away, can't help but feel that she was there.

Hosting the neighborhood ladies cookie exchange party. Love, love sharing in the spirit of friendship.

I'm sure to keep adding to this post. Many years from now I'll never remember the holiday moments of 2010 that kept me smiling and laughing and crying.