Christmas '07

Christmas Eve at our house. This year, white lights and new blue and silver bulbs:

Sienna demands attention from Uncle Dan. Her eyes glow like an alien in the dim light:

Mickey and Sienna get Christmas cookies from Grandpa & Grandma Schmid. They also got bones the next day from Grandpa & Grandma Zimmerle. Spoiled doggies:

Gift opening time with the Schmids:

What's Christmas without the dads opening shirt boxes?

Christmas Day at my parents' place:

Yummy homemade cookies my mom made:

This year had many nice festivities, including parties I had with my ESL students who generously showered me with thank yous, hugs, and gifts. I keep telling them that I'm only doing my job as a teacher and that they don't need to thank me for it! The Saturday night before Xmas, the Buckley clan had us over for visiting, gift exchanging, and a lovely homecooked Italian meal, as Aunt Donna is part Italian.

The Friday night before Xmas, we went to Coco Pazo Italian restaurant in the city with friends Mildred and Revell:

After dinner, we walked down Michigan Ave. looking at window displays and lights and then had dessert and tea at the Ritz Carlton Cafe. Mildrecita stands in front of their grand tree:

In front of the large, beautiful fountain, which you can't really see in this picture. I love going to the peaceful Ritz around Xmas time, sitting on the plush furniture and having sweets, while listening to piano and the fountain. Prior years, the Ritz had huge gingerbread town displays and a chocolate fountain, where a server would dip fruit in the chocolate for guests. I was hoping that was still there, but alas, it wasn't. New Chef I guess. Still a nice time. And the chocolate souffle was out of this world decadent:

Beautiful handknit hats and scarves a retired lady was kind enough to make (90 sets!) to sell in order to raise money for a student of mine with a dibilitating disease and high medical bills. It was truly a Christmas blessing to raise money to pay for her dental surgery. Our students at World Relief, churches in West Chicago, my church members, relatives, etc. were all very generous in donating. My student has been saving up for 8 years just to make a downpayment and lost all her teeth in the meantime. She will have a new smile soon and an easier time trying to pronounce new English words.

My friend Jean and I celebrate Xmas a couple days late at Benihana's: