Post Christmas Grinch

I don't know about anybody else, but when Christmas is over, it's over for me. I love the Christmas season. I think it's magical and I loved seeing Ellie "get it" for the first time this year. It was the closest thing to experiencing it as I did as a child. I can't wait to see what next year will be like. However, on December 26th, I was done with the whole holiday. I have no remorse and don't wish it would continue on any longer. Is this strange? Does anyone else feel the same way?

While my neighbors still have all their decorations up and lights still going, every stitch of Christmas cheer in our house is packed in a box and back down stairs for another 11 months. My house looks bare, but I honestly don't care. Poor Greg and my mom got sucked into my de-Christmasing mode and were forced to stay up late Thursday night to put everything away. I think my mom was a bit sad because she traditionally waits until after the New Year to take stuff down, but I was having none of that. I wanted it all gone, no matter the lack of sleep it caused anyone.

I think a lot of things contribute to this mindset. First, my decorations have been up since the day after Thanksgiving and I am tired of them by the time the 26th roles around. Second, after all the gifts are open everything just starts to look junky to me with misc. presents and paper everywhere, I need a total clean overhaul. Third, I'm ready to move on. While there are tons of fun projects and things to do at the holidays, I'm ready to focus on things that don't revolve around them.

I'm sorry if you don't feel this way. I know there are many out there that wish the Christmas season was a lot longer and would last the whole year. I just can't sympathize with that. However, I know by next year I will be ready to set my tree and tinsel out again and that I will love the warmth and cheer the decorations and season bring. But until then, I'm excited for the new year and all the non-Christmas things to do and look forward to.

Thanksgiving

This picture pretty much sums up our Thanksgiving!

So I'm finally posting about our Thanksgiving. I'm happy to report that it all went well and was a lot of fun. It was so nice to have family in town and to enjoy time together. We are so very blessed to have such great people in our lives.

I'm also thankful to report that all the home improvement projects were completed in time and my house looked great. My mom could really tell a difference when she came and said she liked everything. I can't tell you how much in the last little bit I have been realizing how blessed we are to have the things that we do. There are so many who have sooooo much less, that I have no room to complain. Our Heavenly Father has been very kind. I hope I prove to be a good steward of the things he has blessed me with.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend for you to enjoy:

I had to take this picture. My parents were such good sports to squeeze into the back of my tiny Honda Civic to go places. With Ellie's big car seat, there isn't much room, but they were troopers.

The crew for Thanksgiving dinner. My mom should be the real credit receiver on this one. She basically cooked the whole mean single handed. I have realized that I just need to let her do her thing and help where she wants me to. She loves to do it, so I try not to squash the enthusiasm.

A closer look at the table decorations. I was VERY pleased with how it turned out.

Griffin and his new found friend - my brother. I even let Griffin have a bit of fun my being able to get up on the chair. I have a strict no furniture policy when it comes to him, but if he is on someone, I allow it. We made sure he was freshly bathed so that people would want him around.

Nana and Ellie working together in the kitchen. Ellie loves her Nana and Hockel very much!

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we are on to Christmas. I was thinking that it would just be our small family of 3 but it looks like my mom will be coming back (since my dad has to work) and Greg's brother Ben is coming. We are so excited to have both of them.

I wish the holiday season were a bit longer since I never seem to have enough time to do all that I want to. I guess I need to learn to start much sooner. Maybe one of these years.