Dear Mom,

I woke up this morning, started composing another letter to you while still lying in bed, and thought it's really time to start the blog.  And also?  These flannel sheets are really warm.  Target.  $16.99.  Black Friday.  You can't go wrong.  I miss telling you little things like that.

You've been gone for almost three years, and I've been thinking about this blog that whole time.  Every time I think of something I want to tell you...it could be something small, like how awesome those flannel sheets are, or something big, like the fact that this year, Paolo and I finally bit the proverbial bullet and bought into the Disney Vacation Club, something you'd always kicked yourself for not doing.

Let's dwell on that for a little bit, shall we?  Mom!  Paolo and I bought into the Disney Vacation Club for our eleven year wedding anniversary.  And Mom?  We bought in at the Grand Floridian.  The Grand Flo, Mom.  Can you BELIEVE IT???  I'm still in shock.  Number one, that it was actually a smart financial decision, and number two, that if we wanted to, we could stay at the Grand Floridian every time we go to Disney for the next fifty years.  You know how Paolo and I have always done the traditional anniversary gifts?  Well, eleven years is steel.  We figured the structure of our "new home" counted.  I know you'd agree.

And believe me.  I realize that vacation and smart financial decision seems like an oxymoronic concept, but if anyone would understand...it's you.  Remember when we went in December when Amadeo was about three and saw the huge gingerbread house in the lobby?

I don't think I'll ever forget just happening on the kiss goodnight at the castle...or our solo ride on Pirates of the Caribbean while Nana stayed with a sleeping Amadeo...or feeling like a child again when we saw the Osbourne Lights.

I know I'll never forget our last trip together.  January 2010.  I was pregnant with Garrett, and we stayed there.  At the Grand Flo, just you and me.  I'll never forget that our very last ride together was Pirates.  And every morning when we woke up, you said good morning to Garrett (who we didn't know was a Garrett yet and just called jelly bean), and patted my belly.

Every morning.  I wish you could see him now.  I miss you.  I often wonder if you'd find him just as exhausting...but in a good way, of course...as I do.  I wonder what you think of the fact that we named him for you.  That Garrett was the only way I could figure out how to get a boy's name out of Margaret, and actually ended up being the only name Paolo and I could agree on.  I wish that we didn't have to lose you and gain him in the same year.  That you could have had some time with him.  Michelle thinks that you and Granddad met him in heaven before he even was born...and believe me, that would certainly explain some of the Corcoran mischief I see in him.

Now, instead of pops and fruit snacks from Mimi's purse, they come from Mama's.  I'm a mom and a grandmother all rolled into one.  I wish I didn't have to be.  I'd rather have you here to spoil them.  Especially for Christmas.  Amadeo and Garrett are so excited.  I am too.  It's the first time since you passed that I'm actually looking forward to the holiday.

And I think it's really fitting that this letter ended up being about your favorite things: Disney, Christmas, and family.

So keep an eye on us, would you?  I know you are, but believe me, we can all use it.  And Mom?  Merry Christmas.

Love,

Your Pumpkin