Christmas wrap-up

It used to be that our Christmas season was crazed. We always put on a show at the church when we were in charge of the Fine Arts department, so we had tons of rehearsals and LOTS to do. I'm sort of a rehearsal freak, so we would have a couple of months of two or three times a week of rehearsals. Needless to say, it left us with little time to do much else. Now that we're in the children's department, we thought we'd have pretty relaxed holidays, but somehow this year, it hasn't worked out that way. We've gotten less sleep and had more to do in the past few weeks then we ever did back then. It makes me equally happy and sad when Christmas is over. Sad because there's a part of me that feels like I missed it all and happy because honestly - I just need to regain a sense of normalcy in my life... and in truth, I haven't felt it since we put our house on the market in August. It's not normal to live that way. It's also hard to consider the first few weeks after childbirth 'normal.'.. especially this particular childbirth and the subsequent pain.

So today, the day after Christmas, I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'm so glad that 'normal' doesn't seem as far away anymore...but there's something so magical about Christmas, that in that respect, I'm sad I've sort of 'missed it.' All I'm left with is an even messier house and the need to play 'catch-up' in so many aspects of my life. I don't want to take the tree down for fear I haven't fully enjoyed the dancing lights in the darkness of the night. I sort of like the way the stockings look on my mantle and that anticipation of giving the perfect gift... it's gone. (for now.)

Of course, I do have my memories to get me through. One of my favorites:

I actually missed it because I was in the kitchen getting a bottle for Sam, but I was able to score a Nintendo Wii for Adam. It wasn't so much a Christmas present as it was a 'thank you for everything the past four weeks' present. And it wasn't so much planned out as it was "if you happen to run across one of those, I'll buy it from you..." I have to admit, what I've seen so far, the thing is pretty innovative... and actually pretty fun. We've had a lot of fun playing it, and it's pretty amazing that Ethan seems to be the best one in our house. He's incredible at these games - and I totally stink at them.

So now I'm faced with the prospect of setting up house around here... something you'd think wouldnt' be too terribly difficult, but overwhelms me every time I think about it. How do you do it when you've got the typical everyday stuff to take care of? I mean, I do laundry and dishes for what seems like hours every single day. It's getting old. Especially when there's actual organizing and unpacking to be done! Moving is tricky!! (Remind me never to do it again!)

Overall, the kids had a great Christmas. Sophia got an American Girl doll from my parents so now along with taking care of the house and the three children I've brought into this world, I'm also required to dress and care for Nicki, the modern day American girl doll. Let me tell ya, there's not much else I'd rather do.

Ethan made out like a bandit with the Cars stuff. Fifteen individually wrapped die cast metal Cars... who knew it could cost so little to make a four-year old's entire Christmas something to scream about? Sam pretty much didn't get anything except life this year. We figure that's a pretty good present.

And that's our little Christmas wrap-up. I'm hoping to go see PS I Love You sometime while it's still in the theater, and I'm going to muster the courage to get back to the Weight Watchers scale, in spite of the knowledge that the three numbers glaring back at me are likely to send me into a state of depression before they motivate me to get off my butt and change them.

Oh! I have to tell you, August Rush was absolutely amazing. I loved it. I wished the ending were just a little more... hm... something... maybe just a little more... but overall, this was a great movie. The music really made me happy and this little boy made me smile. Kind of an odd role for Robin Williams, but he's great in it, of course. I highly recommend it!

I'll leave you with this Christmas greeting: and impromptu shot from yesterday, just after opening presents and just before realizing I'd once again undercooked the cinnamon rolls.

Happy Christmas:

 

Comments

[Cyndi Hoehn]

Next year you'll be settled in and Sam will be older - maybe Christmas will feel a little more Christmas-y! The picture of the kids by the tree is adorable!!

PS Got the Jan. MM mag today and your article is great, I LOVE the date book idea =)

[Krista]

your kiddos are so cute. you have a beautiful family. i am with you on the bittersweet feeling of christmas being over. ready for some normalcy but sad to have it past already.

[jenn]

merry Christmas my friend!

[Bridgette Mehlig]

Merry Christmas ! ! ! I hope that yours was great ! : ) It sure sounds like it ! lol. WOW ! I can't believe that P.A. got a Wii ! Those really are fun ! My Grandma and Grandpa have one ! They pretty much just got it for us grandkids ! lol. But they play with us ! : )Because P.A.'s been talking about wanting one and I'm glad that he did get one. I can tell he's the type of person who would LOVE it ! ! ! : ) Very cute picture of Sophia, Ethan and Sam ! Have a great rest of the week and we'll see you soon ! Lots of Love.