Christmas is Family

Everyone of us have had things occur that hit our pocketbooks, hard, in the last few months. The last couple of weeks were just the icing on the cake of the entire year. I have been pretty proud of my kids. They have put thought into what they could do for each other, stepped out of the box, and come up with wonderful ideas for each other. I sat looking at the tree, all of the gifts, for everyone, all twelve who would be here on Christmas Eve and the next day. It looked so skimpy compared to the past. I wondered how it would be taken, after all the years of going overboard. It has been an adjustment, but all are taking on the challenge and when they really think about it, they know that it is OK. I have even seen little glimmers of pride when they pull off a coupe.

1. So here is the tree, the great big old tree. I was thinking about digging out some of the pictures from previous years with the gifts spilling out well into the room, because there were so many. I decided not to. It would be embarrassing to admit that we had actually had such obscene celebrations. I am still enjoying the wonderful pine smell and it is still slurping up about a gallon of water every day, and Garrett still loves the Chwismus tree.

Now with the pressure off, I have good ways to spend my time. Ironing, mending, sewing valances, making bedspreads for big boys (they didn't get done when I got sick, so I bought new "Cars"sheets at the last minute). Finally finishing a comforter that was actually started last March (can you believe it?).

Culling out more books and creating a wonderful relaxing reading corner in Jon & my woodsy bedroom where Jon can escape, put his feet up and fall asleep in a comfortable rocking chair. What the heqq, maybe I will even hang the cute little shelves above the dressers!

Aunt Sassy made a beanie hat for each of the grandkids. They were so cute on all of them, but Garrett REALLY liked his and didn't want to take it off. She picked out good colors for each of them and made them all after her semester finished!

2. Stephen, Gabriel and

Mariah opening gifts.

Rob and Brianna gave Stephen & Mariah a night at a resort, with no kids and they could sleep in! Jon & I kept the boys until mom & dad came to get them to head down to Bisbee. We very quickly figured out that we needed to divide and conquer. Sure was glad that we have a futon in the monkey room for Gabriel, Garrett slept with Papa in our bed, and I snuggled Lincoln to sleep to go down in the pack and play in the monkey room. He was up and down several times with a cough, but Gabe sleeps really soundly, so it worked out OK.

3. Just a couple of hours after the boys took off to see Grandpa Joe & Grandma JoClair, the girls arrived to spend the night with us while Rob and Brianna went to the resort. Poor Tati loves doggies! She wants to pick Daisy up and haul her around and just love on her. poor Daisy tries to be a good sport, but there is a limit to how much loving a 9 lb. dog can take!

As I was trying to get the girls to settle in for the night, we turned on Little Mermaid. The girls got so relaxed, they were very still and miracle of miracles, Daisy jumped up on the monkey room bed to snuggle in. I told the girls to stay real still and Daisy would stay there . . . . poor Tati just couldn't contain her excitement.

Finally one movie and one book later, the girls were out cold and sure enough, here came Daisy!! she spent hours there, even snuck under the covers for awhile. A certain little girl didn't believe me, so Tati Pearl . . . this picture is for you!!

Now, tonight, I am sitting back, unwinding, going through the pictures that I took, not very many of them, but enjoying remembering the good times that I got to spend with my family.

The next challenge: Coming up with ideas to pull off our traditional "Southern New Year's" dinner. Once again, the thinking will have to leave the box, use some imagination, and depend on the love that we all share as a family for one more get together before Rob returns to the rest of his training.