The December Dance

I love the decorations, cards, twinkling lights, special treats (fudge, frosted sugar cookies, etc.), music, parties, smells, the feelings of excitement and anticipation, the remembrances of our Savior's birth and his gift to us, family, friends and even Santa and the giving of gifts! What I WISH I loved was the process of getting there; especially when I'm running behind. I am behind this year. I remind myself that the journey is what makes up our lives but in a secret place in my brain I wonder how it would feel to have all the decorations up, the cards mailed and the shopping DONE when December 1st showed up. I have never accomplished this feat! I have a feeling that I never will. I checked my gift giving list today and I'm probably not even half way done. No Christmas decorations are up. How could they be? I just barely put Thanksgiving away today. Cards - I remember discussing the cards with Greg and commenting that we needed a picture of us for our cards this year. That's where the card project still stands.

I can't account for all the other years when I've been behind but this year I know why I am. Having the entire family (minus one special daughter) for Thanksgiving for a week is my reason. I know it's a good reason. So I begin my December dance once again and once again, I'm behind!!!!

Thanksgiving guests come and gone

When your family is coming for a visit it's so exciting to plan and prepare. Then they arrive! It's fun, exciting and exhausting. Everyone looks good, you see your growing grandchildren and you have a sudden fear that makes you wonder if you'll make it to the end of the visit with the ability to smile, think and move. You are also curious whether your home will remain standing when the visit is through. I expected to feel relieve (just a little) when everyone departed but I didn't. The house seemed empty; all the smiling and happy faces were gone and Dad & I were alone. It should not come as a surprise to parents that they love their children and families and enjoy their company but we both were surprised at our feelings of loss. Thanks for being willing to come and put up with everyone living on top of each other. Thanks for pitching in and helping with the cooking, cleaning, arranging, managing, talking, visiting, playing and loving and care taking of all the children, etc. It was a Thanksgiving of firsts; the very first time I didn't do the dishes and enjoyed a nap while my sons hand washed the china, goblets and silverware. I went to sleep listening to my boys talk and laugh together as they worked. Thanks for that lovely gift! And thank you all for the wonderful memories! I've still got the laundry piles as proof that you were here!

It was a great Thanksgiving and we are blessed!

First Post

It will be a miracle if I finally actually do a blog. My family will be shocked!