Merry little

First of all, this was a nice, quiet Christmas, and was exactly what I needed.  

I was really sad the Colin got sick and they couldn’t come up.  And I was sad to miss Madison and her family.  We had a low key day with lots of good food, nice gifts, family, football and conversation.  The last month has been absolutely crazy.  I am feeling refreshed, content and, if I was being honest, a tiny bit bloated!  

Quincy being home makes me happy.  She has been working during her break but I liked having her around all day today! 

For those of you who have been around our family, Madison is the neat freak.  She can’t stand a mess, and often cleans up as we are all still in the process of making the mess.   We joked about who was going to clean up and took a photo to send to her so she would know she doesn’t have to come home next week and clean up after us!  

We had a few face time calls from Evelyn.  She had a wonderful Christmas with her grandparents in Virginia. (For some reason I thought they lived in Tennessee- I guess they are close to the line.) Not having the grandkids here felt weird.  I am glad they have so many people who love them, but I can’t wait to get them back here!   

Mallory not only took Madison’s place as trash lady, she also helped me a ton with cooking and coordinating stuff. She is the Christmas maniac of the group.  And I’m so glad she keeps us on track so we have traditions and Christmas spirit.  

Cameron came and spent most of the day here and then left to go be with Lauren and her grandparents.  It was good to have him here.  

Preston is hanging for a couple days with us.  I’m happy to get some time in with him.  He and Cameron helped Jim with a few projects and talked football with him.  

Harper was instrumental in helping me with technological gifts I received.  She’s great that way!  

Saige was absolutely elated that we cooked up a ham.  The girl loves to eat pork.  She was excited about her new stuff and now the girls are making big plans for bedroom switches and projects there.  Can’t have a break from school with out a project can we? 

Jim and I are incredibly blessed.  I feel that as families go, I won the lottery.   Jim is awesome about embracing my craziness. Our kids are growing up, but are turning into amazing adults. I am thankful that we had this day, that we have enough, that our kids are happy, healthy (mostly), well-equipped people.  I am thankful that my husband is supportive and sweet.  Also for living in a community where we are able to have a comfortable home, good neighbors, friends and relatives close by. I am thankful for happiness and contentment in a world that seems to try hard to accomplish the opposite.  Life is good.

And would it even be Christmas if I didn’t say “nothing is over like Christmas!”  We have a small amount of celebrating left to do, but when the brunt of the gifts are opened, the food is eaten and the adult children return to their own homes, it feels like over has happened.   Anyway - from our household - Happy Birthday Jesus!