~New Year's Day~

~New Years Day 2014~

It's really true.
Every year goes faster than the one before.
That fact makes me thankful that this is not all there is. It's just the pre-party.

Speaking of growing up, Christmas sort of changes with the years, doesn't it?
Not the message, or the REAL Christmas joys but the stuff that makes you happy definitely changes.

I used to get excited about the possibility that Santa Claus just might be real.
Or when, on Christmas Eve, after we were all tucked in, I would hear the attic door creak open, and my Daddy would give a bellowing, "Ho Ho Ho!" I squealed every time.
Or new pajamas.
Or the best Christmas album ever...Bing Crosby's White Christmas.
Or mystery boxes under the tree that had their own unique shake size and rattle.
Or even taking gifts to a less fortunate family.....I always came home with a grateful heart.
Or singing carols around the tree with favorite aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Or that first Christmas with a real boyfriend.

Somewhere along the way, all the above translates to:
Trying to not shout when you hear Pentatonix "Go Tell It On The Mountain" or doing your best to hold back tears with any version of "Silent Night".
The overwhelming joy that comes when SCHOOL IS FINALLY OUT FOR TWO WHOLE WEEKS!
Being thankful that you are at a place in your life where you really get the fact that Christmas is not limited to a square on the calendar. And that if it all goes bust, unless God calls you home, you have tomorrow and the next day. You may as well find the peace in the moment regardless of how imperfect that moment may be.
The satisfaction in knowing that you didn't over do gift buying but that you think you found a few meaningful presents for your kids that may actually be enjoyed for a while, versus plastic crap that you know good and well will be in the spring garage sale.
That sigh of relief that comes Christmas afternoon when the work is done, kids are grateful and occupied. Fire is crackling. Hopefully nothing traumatic happened, you are finished cooking and can finally breathe.

I think the difference is that at some point, (hopefully) you figure out that the world does not revolve around you. Life is a tremendous blessing but it is not perfect. God chose to dwell among men and that truth brings true joy and peace.

Our December Highlights:

~Nativity Ballet Rehearsal~

~Best Lights I've Ever Seen~

~A Little This And That~

A little lights.

A lot of precious curls.

A little quality time away.

A little movie going with sweet, SWEET friends.

A little gingerbread house making.

 Gabbie in a tree, causing much angst for four little ones.

 A little baking.

A LOT of excitement.

 Just the tiniest bit of gloating.

 A lot of smiles.

A little swinging. Only a little for me because blek! my stomach can't take it like it used to.

Tonight, it's Jake's turn for fun with his friends......so it's off to bake cookies for them, I go.

12 year old boys are big. And hungry. And loud.

night night. and happy 2014 to you and yours.

~stacey