Break the silence already! How was Christmas?

What is it about writing that scares me silly?  I just can't start to write something without stressing out.  Will it be funny?  Will I be witty?  Will anyone even read it and do I care?

So - since Facebook is just a tad bit limiting, I feel I should do a Christmas summary here.

For those of you who stay at home for Christmas, you have no idea what our holidays are like.  For those of you who visit at least 4 different homes to celebrate Christmas, you are close to understanding.

We do this mainly because we just love our family. We feel both blessed and cursed that they all live so close together.  While it means that we can see everyone, it means that we need to see everyone!  We try to spend as much time as possible while still having a bit of time just to ourselves.  This year we spent 4 days driving (2 each way) and then 9 days in Colorado.  This time was split somewhat between Denver and Colorado Springs.  

It was a lovely visit.  The snow was beautiful and the family was so gracious.  We also enjoyed getting to see all the toddlers and babies that have shown up in the family over the last 2 years.  Now that our kids are past those years we feel we can really enjoy seeing our siblings with their little ones.  I can only imagine how the Grandparents handled having kids ages 2 to 11 to entertain and plan for!  And the noise...  I think we'll be bringing earplugs for all next year.

The kids traveled amazingly well on the road and we are prepping for a big, super fun, fight off the SAD, trip coming up in February!  Stay tuned...

Now - the pictures!

Making cookies at home.

Christmas at home!

Each night in Denver a different girl was in charge of setting the table.  This was a highlight of the trip for them and they loved it!

Crazy tacos in Denver.  (with Claire's table setting.)

Anna's table setting.

Making the noodles...

Chatting with Dad.

Let's make cake pops!

Christmas morning.

Stocking time!

Katherine's table setting.

Awesome.  Christmas in the Springs.

Grandma makes beautiful things.

Katherine's favorite face!  And her favorite present.

Our family rocks.  And cousins are a gift from God.

Thankful Five #5

Dark days, early sunset and late sunrise - I'm needing to force myself to make a Thankful List!  I'm not looking at my past lists - so forgive me if I repeat myself.

1.  Our children.  They give life purpose.  They help me to understand why our Savior gave up his life for us.

2.  Healing wounds.  There was a time in my life where it seemed so many of my relationships were in tatters.  I'm thankful for time and for words of forgiveness.

3.  My wonderful husband.  Matt is truly my rock.  He is patient, generous, kind and adoring.

4.  Starbucks Via.  I find a hot cup of coffee so comforting in the winter and I don't often have the energy to go out and get some.  Our coffee pot is on the fritz and I'm enjoying this instant blend.

5.  Our church.  I found myself in tears this morning as I watched our congregation pour onto the stage to donate toys and toiletries to our community.  We live in an area with so much money, power and prestige and I love that Willow Creek challenges us to give more and live on less.

Parties and Winter/S.A.D.

I've started the write many blog posts and never get past the first line.

Life has been cruising on as normal.

I've had a bit of a blog crisis.

What is the purpose?

I don't really want to grow my readership or use this blog for much.  It's mostly for me to keep track of what is going on around here.

I suppose having a few interesting reviews or practical advice couldn't hurt.  I'll see what I can do.

At the moment we are recovering from a very busy weekend.  We have been hosting monthly table groups at our home.  These get togethers are so much fun and we love seeing everyone connect but they certainly stretch Matt & I outside of our comfort zone!  So, Friday we hosted that and then Saturday was Anna's 11th birthday party.  The part was super fun and all my planning really paid off.

Today is our recovery day - we are all feeling a bit under the weather and it is beyond dreary outside.

Also to note is that I've been trying light therapy for my S.A.D. this year.  I'm not sure what to say so far.  I really do think it helps.  Yesterday I was in a stress, crisis, I can't do it all funk and the weather certainly did amplify that.  I spent 2 hours unable to get out of bed and much of the day I found myself in tears for no real reason.  But, by the evening (and 2 light therapy times) I was feeling much better and really enjoyed Anna's birthday party.  Today I spent the morning at home and rested while the family went to the first church service.  I was able to come to the 2nd service and really feel pretty much normal.

So - so far I'm making it - although I feel kindof disabled with not knowing how I'll feel from one day to the next and trying to be sure I take care of myself.