December/Christmas 2017

Confession:  I'm writing this in February of 2018 and will be post-dating it.  I wanted to jot some memories of the holidays down but between the time that has passed and the congested head I'm battling from my current state of sickness, I don't have it in me to do much.  So here is a fly-by overview of the month and its festivities, mostly in picture form.  

Pre-Christmas Snow:

For the first time that I can ever recall, we got a pre-Christmas snow right here in Georgia.  It caused us to cancel all plans for the weekend and sent our holiday spirits soaring.  It was absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't get enough of the view of the Christmas lights under the blanket of white.  The kids had a wonderful time playing in it the next morning, but didn't last long without waterproof gear and gloves.  

Other pre-Christmas highlights:

Our church partnered with Path Project (the 2017 Timber Trek beneficiary) to put on a Christmas party at a local mobile home community.  Our small group went to serve, and the kiddos of the group did a fantastic job taking lead on the craft table!

Packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Our first annual holiday movie marathon and family room camp out

Visit with Santa 2017

Visit with Santa 2017

The kids' letters to Santa 2017

Audrey's and Luke's class parties.  Audrey's was a storybook theme with a book at each station and an activity/craft to go along with it.  Luke's was a gingerbread man theme.  Both of them were a big success and the kids had so much fun.

And then came more celebrating!  Six celebrations in six consecutive days.  We were tired by the time it was all said and done, but it was a lot of fun and thank the Lord we were all healthy and well!

Christmas Celebration #1:  Our friends the Taylors at our house

We had the Taylors over for lunch and exchanged gifts.  The kids had a blast like they always do and the adults sat around and caught up about everything under the sun.  They left all too soon and we said what we always say..."I wish they lived closer and we got to do that more often."  

Christmas Celebration #2:  David's mom's side of the family at his aunt's house

The biggest highlight of this celebration was getting to meet two week old Baby Carter, David's cousin's newest addition.  The kids were absolutely enamored.  I was too, even after he projectile pooped on David's aunt and I caught some stray friendly fire.  We had a great time eating, laughing, and cooing over Carter.  

Christmas Celebration #3:  David's parents at their house

After church on Christmas Eve morning, we went to David's parents' house and celebrated Christmas with them.  The kids had a blast hunting for the Christmas pickle in the tree, opening their new air hockey table, and working on football plays in Luke's new GT football uniform.  Audrey got a new camera and loved posing everyone with their gifts.  They also loved giving their grandparents these shirts.  After lunch, a round of air hockey, and an indoor snowball fight, we headed home to get ready for Santa.

Christmas Celebration #4:  Us at our house

We spent most of the day lazily opening gifts and sorting through the loot that Santa left.  In my never-ending quest to pull together a special Christmas gluten-free breakfast, I made crepes.  Everyone loved them...except Audrey wasn't too keen.  The kids got such a kick out giving each other the gifts they'd chosen, which was very cool to watch.  Luke also put his new bug vacuum to work right away and found three specimen to suck up and show us.  (We're still looking for the gnat.)  David loved his Boston puzzle and new puzzle mat and everyone in the family somehow ended up with new slippers this year.  We played all the new games Santa brought - Battleship, Sorry, and Life - and worked on Audrey's new lightbox and Luke's new Train My Dino.

In the early evening, my brother and niece came over and we ate a nice dinner in the dining room and let the kids visit and play until bedtime.  It was a fantastic Christmas Day full of sweet memories.

Christmas Celebration #5:  My mom and brothers at our house

The next morning my mom, brother, sister-in-law, and nephews joined David, the kids, and me along with my other brother and niece at our house to continue celebrating.  We tried to keep the food simple and just had hot cheese dip, fruit, chips, a Chick-fil-A nugget tray, and Christmas cookies (I also attempted crockpot hot chocolate that was WAY too rich and no one liked...) We wanted to focus on the time together outside of the kitchen.  The kids did great patiently taking turns opening their gifts.  One of my favorite parts was watching everyone unwrap the custom frame I had made for them with a favorite quote of my late grandfather's:

We sent my mom and middle brother and his family on their way and let the other cousins play outside in the warm sunshine before heating up a feast of leftovers and watching the Trolls Holiday Special.

Christmas Celebration #6:  My dad and stepmom at their house

Our sixth and final celebration was at my dad and stepmom's house with my brothers and their families again.  We had a delicious brunch, took pictures, and let the kids check out my dad's Polar Express train set before diving into the presents.  Everyone spoiled their dog Sophie and Audrey and Luke jammed out with Grandpa to "Little St. Nick"...a shared favorite.  We hit the road in the early afternoon, but not before the kids got a lesson on the right way to crack walnuts by a real wood fire.  

It was a wonderful December full of so many awesome events, parties, and traditions continued.  Even after all the Christmas celebrating, the partying continued with my birthday and New Year's Eve.

I celebrated my birthday with a good run and a Chick-fil-A biscuit.  Later we did some shopping and ate dinner at Provino's at about 4:45pm, as one does when one reaches a certain age.  It was a wild and crazy night, for sure.

The next day, we closed out the year with our friends the Kirkleys as we rang in 2018 with London at 7pm and were in bed by 9pm.  Early to bed and early to rise, as they say...

Here's to another happy and healthy December in the books.  

Many wishes for a wonderful 2018!

December/Christmas 2016 Recap

This December recap should be an easy one to write since it really wasn't all that long ago, but it feels harder to recall because of the pace of things.

We jumped right into the holiday spirit the first weekend by attending our little town's holiday fest and tree lighting.  I went early to volunteer for our church's booth and David and the kids came later. Unfortunately the weather was chilly and drizzly, but thankfully the event planners thought it through and put all of the booths in the lower level of the covered parking deck.  We helped the kids make reindeer ornaments out of pinecones, rode in a horse-dawn carriage around the downtown area, listened to the orchestra play a few Christmas carols, and watched the tree light up.  Most of our small group was able to meet us there for it, so it doubled as our end-of-semester social.  The kids and I took the van home and changed into cozy pajamas while David picked up Zaxby's.  We lit the fire, turned on the tree and garland, and ate while we watched Frosty.  Ahhhhhhhh.

The next morning we went to church and turned in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes that the kids helped to shop for and pack.  If you haven't heard about Samaritan's Purse and the incredible work they do, be sure to check them out at www.samaritanspurse.org.  It is a fantastic, tangible way to involve kids in giving.

That afternoon we headed down to our neighborhood clubhouse for "Cookies and Cocoa with Santa."  The kids hesitantly approached him and gave him their letters: 

I heard Santa point to the word "Jesus" on Audrey's letter and say, "He takes care of all of us, doesn't He?"  So sweet that Santa knows his rightful place.  They talked with him for another moment and then I took as many pictures as I could in two minutes before they ran off for the cookies and cocoa portion of the evening.  We visited with some neighbors, profusely thanked the organizer (because, boy, do I know), and went home.  

Audrey and Luke with Santa 2016

The next week things began to pick up a bit.  I had a meeting with Audrey's teacher and my co-room mom about their class's winter party, there was a PTA Board Luncheon, and David had his potluck lunch at work.  That Saturday we got all dolled up and attended his company party at Chateau Elan.  It was very well done and we had a nice time mingling and catching up with people.  I am so very proud of him and how he's advanced over the twelve years he's worked there.  I got to meet a lot of his employees that are under him and, aside from feeling really old, I loved getting a glimpse of that side of him.  

 David and me at his company Christmas Party at Chateau Elan

The next week was Luke's class party and Christmas program, both of which went very well. For his party we made snowman soup, reindeer food, decorated an ornament and a cookie, and played "pass the candy cane" and bell toss.  His program was just as precious as it could be and he went after it with the seriousness and focus of a Buckingham Palace guard.  He barely cracked a smile the entire time, but he hit every note and motion with precision.  We went back to his classroom for "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake and punch.  We presented his teachers with their gifts and helped clean up before racing to get Audrey back to school.  (Yes, I took her out so she could go because family support matters more than missing two hours of school.)

Luke (in the blue head wrap) giving it his all at his preschool program

That Saturday we had our "Alabama Christmas" with David's mom's side of the family.  We ate and ate and ate and then unwrapped and unwrapped and unwrapped.  The kids played with their new toys while the adults watched and catnapped.  As usual, it was delicious and filling on multiple levels.  We left there and headed home blaring our Alabama Christmas CD.  

That Monday the 19th was when I got the word that my grandfather had passed away.  I went over to my mom's that night to be with her.  By the next morning, I'd decided I was going to go to Baltimore for the funeral, so I booked all of my travel arrangements and then went to put on Audrey's class party.  I thought I was doing fairly well at staying focused on the task at hand until I stepped back to admire the banner I hung and it read "WONDERLAND WINTER."  Thank goodness for a co-room mom who handled more than her fair share of the work and watched my back too!  

The party went really well.  The theme was snow/snowflakes/wonderland winter (apparently).  The kids made a snow globe ornament with their pictures I'd taken the week before, put together a tea light snowman ornament, played Plinko with a giant board my co-room mom had left over from one of her kids' birthday parties, and had a make-a-snowman relay where teams raced to wrap each other in toilet paper and put on buttons and a hat. After everyone had cycled through the stations, we let them walk through a popcorn bar where they mixed their bag of popcorn with a bunch of treats like marshmallows, chocolate chips, pretzels, and skittles.  The kids had so much fun, but I will say I really miss getting to go around and enjoy it with Audrey because I'm always leading a station.  Still, I got to see her when she came to mine and stole glances and pictures the rest of the time. 

That evening I finished getting everything in order for our Christmas celebrations and started packing.  The next morning I hit the grocery store, took Luke to school (and thanked the Lord I'd already planned on having the pizza delivered directly for his class's special lunch), and went home to finish packing.  David's mom was picking up Luke at school, so I got on the road to the airport around 1pm.  The details of the trip are all written out here, but in summary:  it was a heartbreaking loss of a hero at a really tough time of year, but God was faithful to bring peace and comfort.

I got back late on the 22nd and we went to my brother's house on the 23rd to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family (less my mom of course.)  There was an understandable and mostly unspoken sadness that hung in the air.  I shared a story or two I'd heard on the trip, but we all wanted the focus to be on giving the kids their cousin Christmas, so we kept the reminiscing to a minimum.  Some time around 3 o'clock that day the adrenaline that had been pumping through my veins since Monday wore off and I hit a major wall of bone tiredness.  We got in the van, waved goodbye, and snaked our way around 20, 285, 400, and Hwy. 20 to home.

The five cousins celebrating Christmas 2016

The next morning after the first decent night's sleep in about a week, I got up and put on my running clothes.  Even though it was Christmas Eve, my body and my soul desperately needed my Saturday morning run.  I didn't go fast or far, but I did get my usual post-run Chick-fil-A biscuit and David's burrito and headed home to my couch and coffee.  That thirty minute window of post-run chicken biscuit and coffee is always one of the biggest highlights of my week and it felt especially comforting that morning.  

David's parents came over mid-morning and we celebrated Christmas with them.  We exchanged gifts and enjoyed a pizza lunch (I had actually planned on cooking this year, but they graciously understood my need to not mess with it.)  His mom was nice enough to bring two homemade desserts, which is really the most important part, so we managed just fine. We ate and went back to gifts for a little bit before cleaning up and getting ready for Christmas Eve service at church. 

David and I had to be there early to work the greeter team, so the kids gave his parents the grand tour and then we joined them for the service.  The music was both salve and salt to my wounds as praise and worship usually is for me.  The message was good, but truthfully I still wasn't 100% focused.  The kids got to join us in "big church" for the occasion and they truly enjoyed it.  We closed with a candlelit "Hard the Herald Angels Sing" and went out to the lobby where David and I worked the first time visitors' table for a few minutes.  We said goodbye to his parents and went home to cook our traditional Christmas Eve taco dinner.

Audrey and Luke with their Grandmom and Granddad (David's parents) 

before the Christmas Eve service

After we ate, we let the kids open their ornament gift of the year: a pink bicycle for Audrey to commemorate her learning to ride a bike and a GT football for Luke since he became such a big fan this year.  We set out cookies, milk, and carrots and spread reindeer food in the yard before hustling them upstairs for our final Jesse Tree devotional and a reading of "The Night Before Christmas."  They were excited, but jumped in bed quickly and stayed very quiet.  Santa came and we watched part of a Christmas movie and went to bed.

The next morning, I got up early and went downstairs to enjoy some peace, quiet, and coffee in front of the Christmas tree.  I prepped breakfast a little and then finally around 7:15 decided I was tired of waiting on everyone to wake up and went to stir them.  The kids did their very own walk down the stairs this year (I've usually carried someone or held a hand) and stared at their gifts with big smiles.  As requested, Audrey got a typewriter and a lego set and Luke got a robot costume and a lego set along with some other surprises for both of them.  (Don't worry - their stockings had the stuffed kitty and toy tiger.)  They dug in and played and we sat back and soaked it all in, loving every minute.  We took a break for breakfast and then did stockings.  They opened gifts from each other and one from David and I (we only do three for each of them from us) and then David and I opened ours from the kids. This year I'd surprised David with a six-string "banjitar/guitjo" and he was stoked. We don't do gifts every year, but I do love when something cool comes to mind and I get to pull it off.  We ate lunch and all took naps/rests...well, David practiced on his new toy, but the rest of us napped.

After we got up, we gave the kids their biggest gifts - new bicycles from us.  They were pretty shocked.  Audrey wasn't necessarily pumped, but Luke was.  She was nervous about how big it was and not being able to touch the ground easily.  Reassuring her she'd get the hang of it, we loaded up and took them over to a nearby park to test them out.  After some coddling, Audrey gained some confidence.  We thought Luke might be able to do it sans training wheels since he'd dabbled on the balance bike, but he wasn't quite ready for that yet, so David put them back on.  We let them ride for about 45 minutes and then went home to open the last gift and start prepping dinner.  We ate our ham, corn pudding, green beans, mashed potatoes, potato salad, rolls, and macaroni and cheese on our fine china in our pajamas in the dining room and it was as delightful as it always is. We played some more and turned in for the night fat and happy.  It had been a truly wonderful day and I was so grateful for it. 

David playing with his new banjitar in his new pajama pants from the kids

Audrey and Luke on their new bikes

The next week involved a lot of core family time and rest, which is exactly what we needed. The days that followed were a mix of chill and a little adventure.  Each family member got to pick one thing they wanted to do on the break, so we worked our way through the list. Audrey wanted to go roller skating (the kids did great!), Luke wanted to spend that night at his grandparents' (they did on 1/1), David wanted to go on a hike (we went near our usual lake trails), and I wanted to do some bookstore perusing and eat lunch out (and declutter a little and get a mani/pedi...so Mama got to pick a few things...so what?)  It wasn't anything particularly grand, but it was nice.  The Taylors came through town towards the end of the week, so we had them over for dinner and caught up a bit, which was wonderful.  For my birthday we lounged at home and then ran some errands.  Dinner was our usual Provino's Italian restaurant (free + a gluten free option = done.)  David and the kids gave me a gorgeous 13.1/triathlon bracelet that I loved and much cake was eaten.

The next day we stayed in, took down Christmas decorations (or started to at least - lawdy, we have a lot), and watched Georgia Tech beat Kentucky in the Taxslayer bowl.  That night we cuddled up and watched Fixer Upper, our new family-friendly tv obsession (I've always loved it but got them hooked a few months ago).  I discovered a streaming video on YouTube that let you watch New Year's in London, so we turned that on around 6:50pm and rang in their new year early with sparkling cider.  The kids went to bed around their usual time because we are mean parents and we settled in for four hours of trying to keep our eyes open.  We barely made it, but we made it...not unlike how most people feel about surviving 2016, I imagine.  

All in all, it was a really nice Christmas season.  Less busy/stressful than years before, which takes a ton of intention and work, but is well worth it.  Thank the Lord we were all healthy for the festivities this year because I think an illness would've been enough to do us in. Expectations were kept in check and the schedule of family celebrations was just perfect this time around.  Looking back I see all of this as God's grace.  He knew what was coming for our family with the loss of my grandfather and He covered us well.  

I hope your December/Christmas 2016 was a special one as well & here's to 2017!

December 2015 Recap/Christmas 2015

Even though it's December 29th as I begin this post (it won't be finished until the 31st - it's a doozie!), I'm sitting in the sunroom with the tree lit and outdoor deck lights on and Christmas music playing soaking up one last moment of the season.  This is it, y'all.  Starting today it's all coming down.  It'll take a day or five to get it all boxed back up, which I'm dreading.  It's all of the work of decorating without one iota of the reward or excitement.  But it's gotta be done.  I know I'm ready because two days ago I was looking around thinking "No! Not yet!  Just a little longer!" and then last night that turned into "That's it!  Take it down.  Put it away.  NOW.  I'm done!"  

In the same way my body is craving a salad, my soul is craving this house to get back to some sense of organized normalcy.  

It's been a fun, celebratory month for sure.  We began with David's company holiday party (for which I shopped endlessly for a dress only to order one, pay two day shipping, and have it not arrive in time.  Don't worry...I didn't go naked.  I wore one of the few formal dresses I'd held onto that I'd worn to the party about 8 years prior.  Can you believe no one recognized it?! ;) )  Believe you me, though, it looked very different on me than it did pre-children.  Thankfully I had a scarf wrap and it was dimly lit in there.  

Anyway, the party was great.  It was at the Georgia Aquarium downtown, which was an amazing venue.  We got to tour the place first, so I ignored my aching feet and we walked through some of our favorite spots with David's coworkers.  We circled back to the ballroom and sat at the table with several of his employees (that stills sounds weird that people call him "boss.")  Dinner was delicious and the company around us was delightful.  I tried not to consider the fact that they may have just been sucking up.  We stayed and mingled for a while before making an early exit to get home and relieve my dad and stepmom.

Gussied up for David's 2015 holiday party

The next morning we wrote notes out for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, prayed over them, and delivered them to church.  That afternoon was our neighborhood Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event.  As usual, Audrey was timid and Luke was mesmerized.  They sat on his lap for a quick chat and a few pictures.  We visited with some neighbors as the kids ate the GF cookies I brought and had some craft time.  

2015 Visit with Santa

Later that week was Luke's preschool Christmas program and I cannot express how much joy this event brought me.  He sang his heart out and did those motions like it was his JOB.  We laughed through the whole thing, only pausing long enough to gasp in fear that he was going to accidentally nail the little girl next to him in the head as he swung his arm in front of him for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."  It was the most hilarious thing.  We let Audrey skip school to go with us, which both kids enjoyed immensely.  I figured he'd sat through enough of her programs through the years that it was only fair!  After the performance, we went back to the classroom for a few refreshments and pictures before I scooted out to take Audrey to school.  

Luke's 2015 Preschool Christmas Program

Eyes squeezed tight, hollering for heaven to hear.

The rest of that week I spent busily preparing for the kids'  class parties, shopping for gifts, mailing Christmas cards and packages, etc.  On Saturday, we took the kids out to dinner and then drove around in search of Christmas light displays.  Our church did something really interesting this year by giving a "reverse offering" to the congregation.  They asked us to pray about what to add to it and how to give it away.  Our family chose to buy some Publix gift cards and then drive around less affluent neighborhoods and put them in mailboxes with a note that read "Your light display really brightened our holiday.  We hope this gift brightens yours.  God loves you so much" and had 12Stone's info on it.  The kids had a blast picking which houses to give them to and it was neat imagining the families' faces as they got that surprise the next day.  After our deliveries, we drove around a few more neighborhoods and discovered when we were almost home that our own was by far the most decorated.  The social committee put on a competition this year and the neighborhood really stepped up its game.  

The next day we had church and delivered mini pound cakes to the kids' small group leaders and teachers.  (Note to self:  Order them next year.)  Afterward, we ate lunch with some of David's dad side of the family and then raced home to get Audrey to a birthday party and David on the road to the airport for a business trip to New Mexico.  Not the best timing, for sure, but what are you going to do?!  Thankfully the week flew by, but because I'd managed to get a lot of stuff accomplished the week before, it wasn't too overwhelming.  Some highlights:  On Monday Luke and I had lunch with my dad and stepmom to celebrate Dad's birthday and I finished Christmas shopping (yeah...dirty little secret: I'm rarely done with everything for everybody until mid-December.  I really want to get better about that, but somehow it never works out).  I spent most of Tuesday at Audrey's school decorating and getting the kids' fingerprints for a teacher gift and Wednesday was full of final teacher gift prep and class party details.  I loaded up the van that night and tried to get some sleep for the next day which was...dun dun dun...BOTH kids' class parties.  

The morning dawned early and the coffee brewed strong.  I managed to get everyone up, dressed, fed, and out the door on time and we dropped AJ off at school.  We went over to Luke's preschool early to deliver all the little gifts for his school's admins, music teachers, director, nurse, etc.  and then help set up for the party.  His party was super simple per the teacher's request.  There were no decorations and no special food, just four centers for the kids to circulate through.  They got to decorate a cookie, make reindeer food, complete a craft, and do a bell toss game.  We finished earlier than planned, but managed to stretch it out a bit by giving the teachers their framed fingerprint prints and gift card wreaths.  Poor Luke cried when I had to leave, but Mrs. Alyson swooped him into her lap and I made a clean break. 

I headed over to Audrey's school and unloaded the van for party #2.  Because of the timing of the party, we couldn't do much set up until the class went to lunch.  My co-room mom got sucked into a longer subbing job than she expected, so I was flying solo getting everything ready.  I was in a full-on sweat by the time some of the parents showed up and I immediately put them to work laying out the craft while I finished decorating.  The kids came back from lunch and marveled at the Candy Land Wonderland:  gingerbread house door decor (from last year's party), laminated paper squares on the floor to make a walkway, paper lanterns wrapped in cellophane to look like candy hung from the ceiling, and a candy bar set up with tulle and white lights.  I led the class in doing their gumball machine ornament craft (admittedly not with the best explanations, but live and learn) and then they all took some time to play Candy Land at their tables while I hot glued the ornament together.  After the game, we presented the teacher with a Glory Haus initial burlee and gift cards attached and a framed Christmas tree print with the kids' fingerprints.  They settled in to watch the Candy Land movie while snacking on popcorn as we called them back to fill up treat bags of candy from the candy bar.  They were so adorable as they made their choices.  Many could hardly believe their luck and looked skeptical that adults would just stand there as they took gobs of sweets.  You could definitely tell a lot about personalities from observing them:  some would gingerly pick out a few from each jar, some would make comments about getting one for their sibling, and others would take fistfuls until we intervened.  The movie ended and the kids began packing up to go home.  My co-room mom and I stayed and took down all of the decorations (Audrey thought it was the coolest to get to be at school "so late") and then we loaded up the van and drove home.  I walked in the door more exhausted than I've been since the Timber Trek (possibly more so?!) and incredibly thankful that David was home from his trip.  We filled him in on the day's excitement and then I disappeared into a hot bath until it was time to make dinner.  The day had been a success...and also a glaring confirmation that I am not meant to be a teacher.  Being around all those kids was mostly fun, but there are a few I would absolutely smack upside the head if I had prolonged exposure.  Still, I am glad to get to make those special memories for my two and their classmates.

Double Class Party Day

The next day, Luke and I stayed home to break down the party decorations and put it all away.  David came home early that afternoon and I took off to get a massage and a hair cut...appointments I'd been wise enough to book weeks earlier to ensure some post-party pampering.  I stopped by the grocery store and picked up some frozen pizzas on the way home.  While they cooked, we changed into pajamas and settled in for a viewing of Charlie Brown Christmas.  You could almost hear the cozy sigh of relief rising from our house.  We'd gotten through the crazy busy part of the month and made it to winter break.  Only just in time, too, as they next day was celebration #1 in Alabama.  

We headed over the state line the next morning and spent the day eating delicious food, unwrapping gifts, and visiting with David's mom's side of the family.  The kids were delighted with all of their new toys and goodies.  After showing such interest at Thanksgiving, Audrey a keyboard from her Aunt Barbara.  (We got to hear a lot of Jingle Bells.)  We also went outside and tried Luke's foam rocket launcher.  It was such a fun day full of family and playtime.  

David's maternal grandparents with their grandkids and great grandkids

On Sunday we went to church and then had a total chill afternoon.  We put together some legos that the kids had gotten the day before and played a game.  We baked cookies and delivered them to neighbors.  I ignored the mess around us for a little longer and just relished the day with everyone together at home.  

That Monday the kids and I got up and drove to Greenville, South Carolina to meet our sweet friends the Taylors at a children's museum we love there.  Kara and I caught up as best we could in between counting children and running them to the potty.  We ate lunch there and then exchanged gifts in the parking lot before trekking home.  As usual, we hated to leave them and wished they lived closer, but were very thankful we got to spend the time together that we did. 

The Sinyard and Taylor kids

The next day I cleaned the house from top to bottom and hit the grocery store to stock up for the rest of the week's celebrations.  Thankfully the kids did a fantastic job of playing together and entertaining themselves.  I tried to only intervene in the arguments that looked like they were going to result in bloodshed.  Ah, siblings.  Can't live with them, can't kill them and blame it on someone else when there's only two of ya.  

On Christmas Eve Eve (yeah, it's a thing), we had plans to go do a special Dollar Tree sneak attack idea I'd seen on Courtney DeFeo's website (author of In This House We Will Giggle).  You leave stashes of $1s and $5s around the store with notes so that people can find them as they're shopping and hopefully get a really sweet surprise.  Unfortunately, our minivan had other ideas for us.  I'd noticed the night before that it seemed a little slow to start, but when we buckled up and I turned the key, it was dead.  I tried several times over and long story short (read: edited because it's still too fresh), when I finally pushed the van out of the garage to get it ready so I could ask a neighbor to pull in our driveway and jump it, it started.  We drove up to Auto Zone and they tested the battery only to tell me that it was not the battery.  They suggested it was the alternator.  Sounds expensive, doesn't it?!  I took it to a repair shop across the street and left it running while I went inside and asked if they could squeeze me in.  They could not.  So I called another mechanic we'd used before and, thankfully, they said they could do it that day.  I asked for a ballpark figure and tried not to swear in front of the children when he answered me.  We took it in and waited for David, who had been at work all of two hours by that point, to come get us.  We ended up doing our Dollar Tree mission, though I won't lie and say I didn't think about keeping those stashes for ourselves at that point.  We picked up our Honeybaked ham slices and drove home, trying to remain cheerful.  It was a real effort on my part mainly because of the money, but also out of selfishness.  Dealing with that was not how I wanted to spend my last day alone with the kids before we began making the Christmas celebration rounds.  The pouring rain outside didn't help things.  (Side note: this has been the wettest December ever.)

Anyway, to make a long story short, we bought a new alternator for the van for Christmas.  I kept reminding myself to be grateful...an expense like that right before Christmas would've meant no visit from Santa for many people.  It would've meant returning a lot - or even all - of the gifts under the tree.  For us it did hurt, but it didn't send us into a panic and I truly was thankful for that.  We made and decorated Christmas cookies that night, which surely helped lift our spirits. David and I just sat there and marveled at how big the kids had gotten as we watched them concentrate and do such cute details on their masterpieces.  

Fast forward to the next day:  Christmas Eve.  David's parents came over that morning and we exchanged gifts.  Their company and generosity was much appreciated and we had fun watching the kids dive into their new toys before eating a gourmet meal from Pizza Hut.  (They really do love me just as I am, God bless 'em.)  The morning ended with rousing slot car races and it looked like a quintessential Christmas with the kids hovered over their new track.  

Audrey and Luke with their Grandmom and Granddad

After they left, we put the kids down for a rest and cleaned up a bit before getting them up and ready for our Christmas Eve service at church.  Childcare was only offered for preschool and under, so since Audrey was going to sit with us we gave Luke the option as well.  He debated after hearing our repeated warnings about staying quiet but ultimately decided to join us.  It was a nice service (except for the part where the pastor explained the three stages of life:  you believe in Santa, you don't believe in Santa, you are Santa - WHA?! Why would you do that with a room full of kids, sir?!  Thankfully, we didn't get any questions about it from our kids , though I imagine he fielded his fair share of them from parents.)  Singing Christmas worship songs with the kids was really cool and they managed to do well sitting still.  

Dressed up for Christmas Eve service

We drove home listening to Alabama Christmas CD and cracking up at Luke belting out "There's a CANDLE in the WINDOW!"  We quickly threw together our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of tacos and sat down to eat.  Now here's where you'll have to humor me as I keep it real:  I don't know what happened exactly, but things began to unravel.  I think we were stressed from the rush of getting to church and keeping the kids quiet there and then racing home to get them fed.  We had a small disagreement about something minor and then suddenly David and I were snipping at each other.  We took the kids outside to pour out their reindeer food on the lawn and noticed the Christmas lights had shorted out again from all of the rain.  The snipping continued.  Then I pulled out the kids' traditional ornament gifts for them to open and barked at Audrey for starting to open hers when I wasn't looking.  I apologized and smoothed things over, but then she broke it pulling it out of the box and burst into tears.  I slowly turned those into laughter by making some jokes but everyone was more than a little edgy.  Insert more snipping.  I swallowed my pride and attempted to reach out to David by teasingly poking at him, which he was not at all in the mood for.  He got more frustrated and I felt humiliated.  The damage was done and I started crying and couldn't stop.  Not because anything was so terribly wrong, but more because it was Christmas Eve, everyone was stressed, and we were fighting over absolutely idiotic stuff.  In other words, my expectations of the picture perfect evening had crumbled and I was furious with myself.  I knew better than to have those silly expectations in the first place, let alone react this way when they didn't get met.  The night we'd waited weeks...months for was finally here and we, mainly me, were ruining it.  Ah, perfectionism.  Just when I think I've tamed you to a manageable level, you bite me in the butt.  

I tried to hide my tears through the reading of our last advent story and then get a grip while I read The Night Before Christmas.  You know how it is though.  Sometimes the more you try to calm yourself down, the more the floodgates open.  I snuggled with Audrey as she talked sweetly to me, knowing something was wrong.  She asked me if there was anything I wanted for Christmas (not helping the tears, kid) and I squeezed her tight and assured her that I already had it.  That was the real reason I was so mad at myself:  I had every single thing I'd ever wanted and yet I was behaving this way.  I prayed for God to help me get it together and the anger slowly dissipated as I sang her a song and tucked her in.  David and I talked things through and made up before Santa came on the scene.  We crashed into bed exhausted but feeling a lot better than we had a few hours prior.  

The next morning Christmas came and I woke up early and took a shower.  While David woke up and got dressed, I turned on all the Christmas lights and did a final check on the layout.  I prepped the cameras and then we went in together to wake the kids around 7:30 (because of the layout of our house, they can't leave their rooms without seeing the stash from the catwalk, so we make them wait and then close their eyes until they're on the stairs.)  

Finally they walked down and ran to their loot, exclaiming that Santa was "very generous!"  We ate breakfast (just pancakes, bacon, and eggs because that's what AJ wanted) and then opened stockings and began exchanging gifts.  Since we only give the kids three from us, we stretched it out all day and let them take time to play in between.  We built the fort they got, let them dress up in their costumes (Batman and mermaid), listened to karaoke on their new mic, and played with the Gotham City Jail and Shopkins storefront.  For lunch, we ate leftover tacos and then David and I opened another gift from the kids (the first was GT boxers for him and a robe for me, the second a map puzzle centered on our address for him, jewelry for me.)  Everyone settled in for a nap/rest and then, when they woke up and we saw the sun peeking out for the first time in days, we went out for a walk and some scooter riding.  As we strolled to the end of the driveway, we noticed our mailbox had been hit.  We later found out our neighbor's son saw it happen, but didn't get a good look at the car and the guy had only jumped out to assure him it was fine.  Regardless, I was determined not to let it ruin the mood, especially given the drama the night before.  We went inside and let the kids watch the Tom and Jerry DVD Audrey had given Luke for Christmas while we cooked dinner.  I called everyone in the dining room where we enjoyed our ham, mashed potatoes, GF mac and cheese, deviled eggs, green beans, GF corn pudding, and GF rolls.  It was delicious and the kids loved eating on fancy plates with candlelight.  We cleaned up and they opened their last gifts (Journey Girl doll for AJ and a set of super hero mashables for Luke) and then did FaceTime with Pam and Ed for a little while.  

Opening some gifts

We tucked two very happy kids in bed and I relished the inner calm I felt and thanked God for a great day.  David and I finished watching Christmas with the Kranks and ate Publix peppermint ice cream.  It had been a lovely Christmas day.  

The next morning I woke up early and did what has become my traditional post-Christmas shopping spree from 7am - 10am.  I didn't buy much - no decorations - but did grab a few gift bags and boxes and found Luke a birthday present and some new pajamas.  It's more about me getting a few hours alone sandwiched in between days of extroversion.  David and the kids met me and we drove to my mom's to celebrate with her, my brothers, and their families.  We ate lunch and visited while the cousins had a blast running all around and playing together.  The food and gifts were secondary to the company, catching up, and reminiscing, as they should be.  It was a nice visit and after snapping a few pictures, we left early afternoon to make our way back home.  Our van was acting up again (yeah, SUPER excited about that) but we made it home without incident.  

 David, the kids, and I with my mom, brothers, and their families

The next day was Sunday, but our church didn't have any services.  Our plan was to stay home and chill.  As I ignored the growing chaotic mess around us (no small feat for me) and got in the floor to play with kids, I quickly shushed them to listen carefully to a strange noise.  No doubt about it:  there was an animal in our walls or ceiling.  Next thing you know, I'm standing in the yard watching a squirrel on our porch roof while David threw rocks to scare it off and then climbed up to patch the hole he'd seen it crawl out of.  He succeeded and we ate lunch.  The kids went down for nap/rest and I left to go get a new power cord for my laptop that had gone caput on Christmas.  While I was gone, David replaced a battery terminal in the van (he'd had it tested earlier that morning at Auto Zone and discovered it was bad and also had a bad terminal.  They put in a new battery since it was still under warranty and the bought the parts to fix the terminal.  And let's just pretend that the bad alternator killed it and that, though the mechanic should've caught it, he didn't but he didn't rip us off with an unnecessary alternator.  I just need to believe that or I may drive up there and punch the jerk in the face.)  He also put on a new mailbox because he is superman and can't quit.  We celebrated with a trip to the park after the kids woke up and went on a little hike through the trails per David's request.  It felt wonderfully warm and sunny outside and we felt good getting out and enjoying some fresh air and exercising.  

Monday brought about our fourth and final family celebration (fifth if you count our personal one...We're practically Jewish) at my Dad and stepmom's house.  We ate brunch, opened gifts, and watched the cousins do more running around and playing.  My sister-in-law set up a makeshift nail parlor and painted Audrey's toenails and fingernails with some of her new nail polish, which she loved.  All too soon, it was over and time to pack up.  The van started like a champ thanks to my amazing hubby's handiwork.  We drove home, unpacked, and ate hot dogs in front of the TV like the health nuts we are.  

David, the kids, and I with my dad, stepmom, brothers, and their families

The next day we made some returns, let the kids spend some of their Christmas money at Toys R Us, and went to pick up my birthday present:  A new iPhone 6s to replace my four year old iPhone 4.  We came home and began taking down some decorations until David's parents got there to watch the kids while we went out on a date.  We went to an indoor shooting range and then out to dinner at Tin Lizzy's.  We stopped by a little gift shop I like and then hit the grocery store for a few things on the way home.  

Wednesday was my birthday.  33 - yowza.  I woke up to pouring rain announcing that I would not be taking my birthday run like I thought.  I sat in the sunroom and worked on this post before getting the kids up and feeding them breakfast.  We continued the work of taking down all of the Christmas stuff and they were actually big helpers at disassembling the tree and wrapping up ornaments.  We played around and I got to open my presents (a long cord for my new phone and a paper cutter I asked for).  After lunch, Audrey gave me a birthday manicure...with a little help.  When they got up from rest, we went out to a couple of stores including Barnes and Noble, where they loved playing and reading.  Before long, it was time to head over to Provino's for my birthday dinner.  They give you a free meal on your actual birthday and also have a gluten-free menu, so it was a no-brainer.  We ate and then I made a quick return at Kohl's before we drove home to hear a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday and eat some peppermint ice cream (David had snuck over to Great American Cookie Company to get me a slice of cookie cake that was devoured later.)  The kids really did treat me so sweetly all day and adhered pretty well to the "no whining or fighting on Mommy's birthday" rule.  In fact, it was a nicer birthday than I've had in the last several years.  Not because of any grandiose gesture or gift, but simply because the kids are older and "get it" now.  And the recent reminder I'd experienced about adjusting expectations probably didn't hurt, either. 

They treated me like a queen all day - complete with a crown!

Which brings us to today.  The 31st.  (SHEW.  Are you still reading?!  Take a sip of water and hang in there - almost done!)  Today we took the kids over to Pam and Ed's and then ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel before running some errands and heading home to complete the great un-decorating of Christmas 2015.  (WHY DO I HAVE SO MUCH CHRISTMAS STUFF?!)  We knocked it out in a couple of hours and then I read and napped while David worked on his new security camera "toy" and his puzzle.  Thought it looks a little emptier around here, it is very nice to have everything mostly back to order.  The place needs cleaning and I had to stop myself several times from decluttering because I have the urge to just start tossing stuff so badly right now.  I imagine there will be a good bit of that done in the coming weeks, but for now we're cozying up for our last evening of 2015.

My husband beside me, my sleeping babies down the hall, a full belly, a beautiful warm home and family and friends that love us as much as we love them.  Thank you, God.  

Happy New Year and may 2016 be your best year yet!