CHRISTMAS EVE WITH CHARLEY

My adorable granddaughter, Charley Ellen, spent her first Christmas with our part of her family. For many years, we've done our Christmas dinner and presents on Christmas Eve to allow everyone to accomodate extended families and in-laws. Tonight was our family's first celebration that included our two month old angel.

Charley and her mom and dad arrived all decked out in their festive Christmas garb - Darrin with his plaid reindeer antlers, Allison with her angel halo headband and Charley in her Santa suit and hat.

Daddy & Charley - she has grown up so much in the past few weeks!

Charley checking out her Mama's angel halo.

The happy family - Charley still can't get over Mom's halo.

Charley weighs about 6-1/2 pounds now - that's what Darrin weighed at birth. I can't believe how much bigger she is now, but then she has gained half of her birth weight! She is much more alert and eager to check out her world.

Something on the ceiling was much more interesting than the gift - wait 'til next year!

It's a reindeer bib from Auntie Karen & Uncle Steve.

I can't get enough of this little girl and could literally hold her for hours - in fact, I do sometimes. It is amazing how quickly and how much they change at this age.



My sweet, beautiful little Santa girl.



I call this her paparazzi picture - "Please, no more photos!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

MONTY

Just about 10 years ago my son, Darrin, met his future wife, Allison. Darrin was flying for a small cargo airline in El Paso, Texas, and Allison was working in Silver City, New Mexico. Allison had a pug dog that she named Monty who Darrin soon fell in love with and "adopted". Here is one of the first pictures Darrin took of Monty back in El Paso.

Isn't this the cutest face you've ever seen?

Monty soon became a member of our family.....we all adored this little pug with the too big tongue, protruding bottom teeth and a propensity to steal & eat kleenex from waste baskets or purses! I called him my "grandpug" and my father was the designated "pug-sitter" whenever Darrin and Allison traveled. I think Monty enjoyed it since Pop was quite liberal with the biscuits.

Tonight I received a call from a tearful Allison that Monty had passed away. He was 15 years old and had been showing his age lately. We all knew that his health was declining....his breathing became shallow last night and today he didn't eat. This evening he was laying on the couch between Darrin and Allison, his favorite spot.....Allison said he took three deep breaths and died.

Monty had a good life and was loved by so many people. Although he wasn't a classic beauty, he had lots of personality and was a real sweetheart. He will be missed...but we all know that he is in a better place now. Rest in peace, Monty.....we all love you!

Darrin and Monty several years ago.

Monty meeting his new little sister, Charley.

Me, Charley and Monty a few weeks ago.