Mary's Prayer...Really?

So my mom is now obsessed with her Christmas present. She is on every morning, she is on every night rereading and rereading entry after entry-I think she's finally gone mad. After all of these years she has held strong but-the love, the love has finally broke her. She has truly taken over. It has gotten to the point where she is telling me what I should say and how I should say it! All for her to sit back and act suprised-as if she didn't just practically write it herself. Hmm, maybe that's what she's doing... putting the bug in my ear of what she wants me to say and then making me do all the dirty work. Moms, I swear- can't live with them, can't live without them.

So here you go, mom-the song we were listening to last night that you thought I should put on your Christmas blog.... it makes it appropiate for Christmas because it says the words prayer and Mary, according to your book. The stuff you come up with sometimes...

Mary's Prayer

Christmas Morning

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much to all of you who have contributed to our little Leslie's 2011 Christmas Blog! Be sure to check the "Recent Comments" section on the sidebar to find a present Santa left for you!

 And as each proceeded another, my mom became more and more enthralled, as she moved closer and closer to the screen of the computer. Her hand gently perched itself over the top lip of her mouth, as her eyes dashed across the page. Tears streaming. -The first moments of the big unveil. Upon reading the first few words, tears began to stream. The first few WORDS!

With a chuckle here, and a sniffle there, but for the most part, silence filled the air as my mom read her blog. I'd say it moved her pretty deeply. One thing I know about my mom, her silence is her most powerful actions. Every once and awhile, the silence would break and she'd let out a faint, "oh. my. gosh."

There was truly no stopping her-all 28 postings she read from the moment she laid eyes on the blog.When she had reached the last word, she turned to me and smiled. She reached her arms out to me and looked at me with those adorning, red eyes, and said, "I just feel sooo overwhelmed with love right now!"

I only hope that this blog will be a happy place for her on her saddest of days, a blanket to fall back on. Everyone of you, represents threads in this blanket just as everyone of you represent someone my mom can fall back on.

Mom, I hope you had a very merry Christmas and let this blog be your perpetual Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night,
Alexis

Getting Everyone Together

The mass email that got sent out:


Hello everyone!


This is Alexis, Leslie's daughter! So I've got some top-secret information for you guys. This Christmas, I am making a Merry Christmas blog attributed to my wonderful mom and how much I love and appreciate her. On here, I include heartfelt posts with inside jokes and special memories that I've shared with her. Although she would be more than fulfilled with hearing my voice, I would love to get some close friends in on the gift. Hearing a couple of you guys write even one paragraph to her, would make her feel so loved and so special. She loves and cares for all of you guys more than you probably even know. She calls you her "people".  (Which sounds like a reference to "I'll call my people" now reading it back, but it's more like saying you are her people that will always be there for her- her family.)


Now, I know that you guys are probably very busy with your own holiday madness, running around, putting the finishing touches on your gifts for loved ones, but if you have the time, just jotting down a few words to our little Leslie would really make her Christmas. Just attach a word document with your kind words in a response email to alexiszoke@gmail.com (that's my personal one) or something like that. Again, doesn't have to be too much, just something from you.


I'll be showing it to her on Christmas no earlier than noon, so anytime before then! Again, I am so sorry that it's so last minute! I really appreciate your help and I am hoping to somehow document her response... somehow, so you can see her reaction to your kind words. I hope to hear from you soon!


I hope all of you are having a happy holiday season, yourselves! Wishing all of you the best of wishes and sending lots of love you and your families way.


With love,
Alexis

Stocking's Ready

Dear Santa,

My stocking is already hung over the fireplace, waiting your you're arrival. Take note of the excellent craftsmanship and wonderful stitching pattern that is embroidered along the sides. And marvelous sock like formation- pretty stunning, huh? Probably the best you've ever seen... Being that it was brilliantly crafted by yours truly, I'm probably gonna score some major brownie points on your nice list. And since you've probably never had a child as clever as I make her own stocking, I expect I'm on the top of that list, huh? No shock here- I've gotta do what I've gotta do to get some decent presents around here.

I expect the milk and cookies to be gone when I wake up.
Alexis

Made With Love

From: Jenny

Merry Christmas, Leslie!!
I am so happy that you & I were able to reconnect! You have not changed and you are the sweetest most genuine person I know. You have always prioritized the most important things in your life which makes me so glad to be in your circle. I wish you were still here to chat about life at PF Chang's happy hour! But I'm happy for you that you found such a great opportunity to take advantage of and lead you down yet another new path in your life. I envy your free spirit and willingness to jump into a challenge head on - you are such a strong person. Another reason why I like hanging with you... :) I can't wait to come visit you & Alexis this summer! And drink yummy wine and catch up on stories.  I'm hoping we both have some good ones to share by then...pretty sure we will... Hope you guys have a very merry Christmas and the new year brings you everything you hope for!! Miss you!

Jenny

I Love You, Always Forever

Dear Mama,

Our souls are forever connected. If something happened to either one of us tomorrow, it would be like all the light in the world crossed over with the one that passed. It would be almost unbearable- just the thought makes me want to tear up! It would be almost unbearable, except when you think of all the love we have for each other. With all of that love, it's not just limited to one lifetime as we crossed each others paths- it's eternal. Every memory we would relive of one another would keep us connected. And when you think of how many times we think of each other in one day when we both are still alive and living- think of how connected we would be. I love you, always forever.

I Love You, Always Forever

Your soul mate,
Bitty

From: Natalie

Dear Leslie,

There are few gems in the world that shine as bright as you.  Your kind and genuine soul is more of a blessing to me than you'll ever know!    I am in awe of you and your beautiful, incredible daughter, and the relationship you two share;  you two are a gift to the world and everyone you touch, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of it!!   I smile every time I think about you, and I am sending you so much love as we travel into 2012!   I miss you both here in Phoenix, but I know you two are hard at work changing lives in California!!  And you will continue to change the world with your faith and genuine love for everyone around you.  <3  I love you so much!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!! 


Love always,

Natalie

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

From: Jennifer

Dear Leslie


You are such a dear friend and wanted to share a poem....Cheers to life long friends!

A Friend's Greeting

I'd like to be the sort of friend
that you have been to me;
I'd like to be the help that you've been
always glad to be;
I'd like to mean as much to you each
minute of the day
As you have meant, old friend of mine,
to me along the way.


I'd like to do the big things and the
splendid things for you,
To brush the gray from out your skies
and leave them only blue;
I'd like to say the kindly things that I
so oft have heard,
And feel that I could rouse your soul
the way that mine you've stirred.


I'd like to give back the joy that
you have given me,
Yet that were wishing you a need I
hope will never be;


I'd like to make you feel as rich as I,
who travel on
Undaunted in the darkest hours with
you to lean upon.


I'm wishing as the days go on that I
could but repay
A portion of the gladness that you've
strewn along my way;
And could I have one wish this year,
this only would it be:
I'd like to be the sort of friend that
you have been to me.
                    ~ Edgar A. Guest


Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and happiness!! Lots of love, Jennifer

Passion

Dear Mama,

One word that I'd describe you as- passionate. You might think that you are way too much in your head to let yourselves get carried away with things, but it's beyond that. It's how when conveying your truth, or explaining something you love to someone, you take it the extra mile. Lot's of words and exaggerative hand gestures that make for hours longer of the conversation that probably wasn't necessary, but in your mind very much was in order to correctly portray your topic.

It's how when picking a type of cheese for a party, each selection has it's own background story and it's own things to consider. How we will stand there until you realize that we aren't choosing what kind of house we want to move to, nor how we want to spend the rest of it, but that what the impossibly undeciding matter we are standing in the middle of the Trader Joes produce section we are so intently enthralled in is what kind of cheese we want. And in one split seconds, when you realize this the words "But it doesn't really matter, I mean whatever. You choose, I don't care." slip out of your mouth as you walk off in the direction of where I am guessing something is. We usually end up getting both kinds.

But most of all, it's how much you love and believe in me. Someone that gets herself all worked up over problems that aren't even hers- someone that physically feels hurt when she sees me cry. Someone that despite her upbringing, converted a whole lot of anger and frustration into sheer love and adoration for her tiny little life she held in her hands.

Better Christmas Song

Dear Mama,

Have you noticed the playlist I magically put on here? All of your Christmas favorites, just how you like them- slow and dreary! ;D Here's a better holiday song that the theme of it- you should seriously concider taking up with Mitzi next year!

From: Trish

Leslie,

My goodness..... I think it was about 12 years ago that I met you. From the moment that I met you I thought WOW... this is a human that I want to be like, you're strong, focused and so determined to acheive and go beyond the acheivment.... You have made such an amazing impact on my life I don't even think you know... I still, till this day always think, 'what would Leslie do'! I know it's been 10 years since we have had a chance to actually catch up but I know that when we have the chance we will pick up right where we left off. You never stop amazing me with your strength and drive.


I love you dearly and wish you the Merriest Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous New Year.


Hugs and Kisses Lady :) xoxo


Trish

Trust

" Stay humbled, be yourself, and always do your best,

And as they say- God will do the rest "

Our spirit guides are always watching over us, every minute of every day. They do their best to look out for us, every step of the way. Trust in them

She'll Be Home for Christmas

This is how I picture you- running through Target!

From: Kris

       

My Lovely Leslie -

                You are an amazing person!!! I’m truly blessed and thankful to have you as a friend. No matter how much time goes I know that when we get together we share a strong connection that it feels like no time has passed at all. I value your friendship and kindness. You have a beautiful heart and a pure soul. I wish you nothing but the best in life and can’t wait to see you conquer California! You are so driven and generous and I know you will do great things. You’ve obviously raised a wonderful daughter who was so thoughtful and sweet to put this together for you. I look forward to a lifelong friendship and I can’t wait to visit! I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas! Much Love!!!! Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox0x0x0 Y

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                Kris

                                                                                     

Just Another Chapter

Dear Mama,

We are embarking on such great things going into the new year! And it is all thanks to the choices you are making now that will pay off in the future. Instead of making excuses and taking the easy way out, you show me time after time that by putting your nose to the grindstone, you reap bigger rewards.

Unlike most parents, you let me into your thought process when at crossroads with something. Though you might not even notice what you are doing when you talk it out with me, you are preparing me for my life ahead of me. Challenges that I could have faced, but by you expressing your own process in getting yourself in and out of situations, I have such a better picture of what it might look like if I come face to face with it down the road. And by having a better picture of what it looks like, I know how to detect it on my radar and not make the same mistakes you made. You just being you and us having the relationship we do is SO reflective of the person I am becoming.

Don't ever feel bad for any mistakes you make, Mama. What might look like mistake right now, is a lesson down the road- for both of us. Like we say, it's just another chapter in our book.


How many chapters is it now?
;) Bitty

From: Ashley

Leslie,

I know you're enjoying your new home, but that doesn't mean I don't miss the heck out of you! When you left, you said something that really stuck out to me. You said that you knew this was the right move and that you knew good things were waiting for you once you made the transition, but I have to tell you that no matter where you go or what you do, good things will always come to you because of who you choose to be.

It's always nice to have good friends, but to have a good friend who is also a good person is tough to come by and that's exactly what you are. The life you're living and the successes you have are all due to your work ethic, your positive outlook on life, and your willingness to always go the extra mile to help someone out. Thank you for everything you do, and please know that you serve as one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. From the day I met you at Aloosions, I've looked up to you and admired the person you are. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and PLEASE don't stay gone for too long! There are a million of 'your people' waiting for you to visit! Love you and miss you Les!!

Ashley Littlejohn

Carol of the Bells

Dear Mama,

So it's no secret that you sing songs that you clearly don't know the words to. Don't think I don't hear you spitting out sounds that sound like the words to the song! With this being said, I have a challange for you. Carol of the Bells is one of those songs that are probably better left just listeneing to because trying to sing the words to the song will turn your face blue, they sing so fast! Therefore, I'd like you to try it. Here are the words- I'm ready any time.

From: Mitzi

Leslie,

From the first time we talked on the phone, I recognized that you are someone special.  Then we met in person and I knew I wanted to work with you.  The more I get to know you, the more I admire who you are.  You commitment, determination and dedication to achieve meaningful success in your life is commendable.  Your personality; gentle yet persistent, calm yet energetic, and always positive; touches all who come in contact with you.  The courage you displayed when moving to California with the most treasured part of your life, Alexis, amazes me.  To start a new life that hopefully holds to the values you hold dear, and not knowing positively, takes a great deal of courage and faith.  You ran, (or drove) to the unknown and I hope that all you desire will be achieved in yours and Alexis’s life.

I’m blessed to have met you, and am grateful and humbled to call you family and friend.

Mitzi

I Have A Special Hero

I have a special hero
a truely selfless soul
She tells me countless times
That she only has one goal.

To help lift you bitty bird
to spread your wings and fly
So you do not depend on me
when I meet my eternal lie.

And to give to you your future,
to set you up for life
I promise I will make it, sweetie
and relieve us of our strife.

My goal bitty bee,
when you're up and gone
is to be a foundation for you
Something to fall back on

Because you see, darling child
you must understand
When I was young like you
I could not comprehend.

This was for I did not have a mother
no one to hold my hand.
Now, you see little girl
why I'm with you to the end.

As she would say these things to me
I felt so warm and bright,
because she will always be
my angel in the night

She takes her personal experiences
and turns them into good
She converts all those bad feelings
and all those can'ts into coulds.

All of us should respect
such a wise woman to learn from
But if you have not noticed already,
this woman is my Mum.

--Bitty

From: Dawn

Leslie,

You are the type of friend that I can not talk to for a year and we can pick up right where we left off.  You make me laugh harder than almost anyone I know and we end up laughing our heads off about nonsense most of the time on the phone.  Distance keeps us from seeing each other as often as we would like but you are one of my dearest friends no matter how far apart we are in miles.  The “Story of Leslie” is an amazing success story that I’m not sure everyone that knows you knows in its entirety.  I know that you don’t even see how amazing you are most of the time but you have overcome so many life obstacles and become this amazing woman.  I used to always say “WWLD?” when having to make a grown up decision because you always handled things with such maturity and grace.  And the fact that you have this amazing little woman following in your footsteps is yet another testimony to how special you really are.  You have done a stellar job in raising Alexis and it makes my heart smile to know that you have the relationship with her that you so wanted and spoke of so often.  I love you like crazy, Lady!!!

Dawn

From: Stephani

Dear Leslie,

JURIS PRUDENCE

Judgments and opinions are all around me-
some spoken,
some silent,
but nonetheless evident
in a frown, a shrug a sigh,
a raised eyebrow, a barely audible "tch-tch".

My life is full of judges and juries.
Thankfully, you're not one of them.
To what do I owe your absence of evaluation and criticism?
How can I explain
your unconditional positive regard-
your complete acceptance of me as I am?

What say ye,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury?

Motive: Love
Opportunity: Plenty
Verdict: Innocent of any crime
Sentence: A lifetime of friendship

This is just who Leslie has become.  A lifetime friend who tries everyday to walk through her life without judgment of others.  This is one of her best qualities!  Thank you, you're a rarity!

Love, Stephani

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Winter Wonderland

Think Gucci.

A Christmas Miracle

Dear Mama,

So this year is our first year in San Ramon, California and very first Christmas. As we packed our car up and moved here two months ago, many things did not come with us. Thanks to our wonderful friend, Mitzi, she lent us our 2011 Christmas tree this year, along with all the cute little ornaments and trim. As I was putting it up, it hit me: we actually did. We actually made it out to California in enough time to celebrate the holidays! How amazing is that? We did it.

Now, I know that you feel like my Christmas won't be to the level you want it to be but mom- we did it. We up and moved, got the heck out of dodge and landed in this beautiful town as everything trickled into place. You made our Christmas wish come true. I've got you, the pups and that silly little Santa night light- thank you, Santa, my wish has come true.

We did it. You did it,
Bitty

From: Mary

What words describe Leslie?  Someone who is polished, caring, beautiful inside and out. She has a Hamptons way of speaking and cute little laugh that is so unique but so very Leslie. She lights up a room with her presence. And of course she shares a birthday with someone special to me. And she's the only person who gives me a bouquet of flowers on her birthday! What else can I say about Leslie? She's simply amazing! 

Love,
Mary

Maps for Christmas Lights in San Ramon

All I Want for Christmas is You

Dear Mama,

Today is December 1, 2011- the first day of your Christmas gift.

For Christmas, you always get me one big gift and then fun little stocking stuffers. You never seize making my Christmas's amazingly memorable, whether it's ride alongs through Christmas covered neighborhoods, lounging  around on Christmas morning in warm socks and new pajamas, or just simply sipping on cups of chai tea lattes and chatting away. But what you don't know is that those little things you do on Christmas day are not what actually makes my Christmas's so memorable. It's just being with you. All of those things make it feel like the cliche Christmas everyone puts in their minds, but what really makes them special is you. Everyday, you give me the greatest gift anyone could possibly ask for- a best friend, a loving mother- you give me my person. Someone that believes in me probably more than I even believe in myself. Someone that gives me your unconditional, undivided love every single day we walk this earth together. Someone that I know will stay with me even after we can't walk this earth together anymore. You and me, our souls are forever connected. Everyday, you give me a gift that means even more than that one big present on Christmas morning. Everyday, you give me you.


Your person,
Bitty