Christmas decorating

Our house is mostly decorated for Christmas.  We needed almost entirely new sets of lights this year, and Andrew also decided to put lights up outside.  He outlined the top of the front of the house, and it looks nice.  In fact, I especially enjoyed it this morning as I was waiting for the bus with Robert.  We had the trees all put together and lights on by Saturday evening, and then spent the evening decorating with the ornaments.  The kids all looked forward to it, and all of them seem to realize that the years of this being how we do things each year are limited.  One of the things we most enjoyed this year when hanging the ornaments was remembering those no longer with us.  So many of those ornaments hold precious memories, and everything seemed to recognize that this year.

Really not ready for this weekend to end

As we cruise later in to Sunday afternoon, I am just not ready for this weekend to end.  I hate to sound complaining as this weekend has been an amazing blessing, but I'm just not ready for it to end.  That is due in large part to being well aware of how grueling this week, and the one after, and the one after that, are going to be.  Robert got off work early and we were home by 8PM Friday evening, and I remember ecstatically exclaiming to my husband that if we wanted, we didn't have to leave the house until we took Robert to work at noon today.  Forty uncommitted hours are extremely rare in this house, and I'm so very grateful for them.

This week my kids have six hours of swim practice, two hours of dryland conditioning, at least two doctor appointments, and we don't know Robert's work schedule yet.  Andrew has parent conferences one evening this week, and I have to work at school on Wednesday and Thursday.  I have an all day volunteer commitment on Friday, and also need to get some time in at the church.

Four weeks from today is Christmas.  It will be here before I know it, and I'm again, trying to be present in each moment!

One of the greatest games ever

Yesterday was the annual OSU/Michigan rivalry football game.  This was a BIG one with the match-up between #2 (us) and #3 (TTUN...that team up north for those of you not from here).  Robert of course could not have been less interested in the games, but the other two sat and watched most of it with us.  What a game it was!  Double overtime before OSU finally prevailed.  I'll be honest, there was lots of yelling and jumping up and down on my part!  Thomas even announced, "this is the best rivalry game ever".  It was such a great game, and yes, even when I thought there was a chance the Buckeyes would lose I still felt that way!  I am so grateful I was able to share it with my family!

A really fabulous Thanksgiving

This has been such a fabulous Thanksgiving full of so many blessings.  We made our quick trip to visit Andrew's parents and had a fabulous meal with them last evening.  Andrew's brother can't really leave the house anymore so he didn't come over, but Andrew took the kids to visit after we ate.  It was such a truly nice visit with his parents and I didn't fail to recognize our blessings.  We were up at 6 this morning and on the road by 8:20.  I know it is hard on his mom when we leave.

We made it to my aunt & uncle's house by 12:30.  I am so, so grateful that my aunt is still willing to host the entire family.  I was able to visit with my cousins and enjoy their kids.  My grandmother was there as well, and I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to share such an amazing meal with my family.  I'm also very grateful that we still have three full days ahead of us to watch football and begin ringing in the Christmas season.  Life is more blessed than I can put into words!

Being present in the moments

I want to make sure that I am being present in the moments over these holidays.  In 2012, I took so many pictures and recorded so many memories.  I didn't know it then, but it ended up being Dad's last Christmas with us.  It was also the last holiday season we spent in our old house and town.  I'm so grateful for the pictures and memories from those holidays.

I find myself feeling the same way about these holidays.  I'm sure some of it is the age of my kids.  Nothing in life is guaranteed, but Robert is a junior and after this holiday season there is only one more where I can be confidant he'll get to be with us for the celebrations.  I'll be honest, that is often front and center in my thought process, and I want to soak up the special memories as long as I can.

I know the age of my in-laws is also a factor.  My father-in-law is 81, and my mother-in-law is 77.  We'd all like to think they'll be around for another 20+ years, but we are realistic people.  And of course my brother-in-law continues to deteriorate.  During the summer of 2015, I remember telling everyone that I was sure he'd be around for those holidays, but doubted he'd be there to celebrate two years later.  That would be next year.  

That's why I'm making sure the camera goes with us as we celebrate these holidays.  I'm grateful for each of the memories, and I'm grateful for the peace this recognition brings.

We need this break

Thanksgiving break begins this evening.  Our family needs a few days off, although I am completely realistic that it isn't going to be the quiet downtime that we might really want.  We need these days though, and at this point even sleeping in until 6AM is an extra hour of sleep for Robert and me.  I am grateful that my children have opportunities, but I wouldn't mind if the opportunities required a little less time commitment.  We are just tired people.  I know if my Dad were still alive he would point it out each time he saw us.  I remember once he even told me my email sounded tired.  He always worried about me, just like I worry about my kids.

We are heading to my in-laws this evening and it will be late when we get there.  We will be there all day tomorrow, and then will be on the road by 8AM Thursday morning to get back to my aunt & uncle's house.  I always look forward to spending the day with my mom's family.  On Friday Robert's girlfriend will be over for several hours, and then Robert has to work.  I'm not entirely certain what is happening Saturday because we have so many different options, but one thing will be Robert's driving lesson.  Sunday will bring more work for Robert and another driving lesson.  Definitely plenty going on!  And of course, there needs to be plenty of decorating happening this weekend!

He makes me not want to move

I am currently sitting on the couch in our family room, and I need to get some things accomplished.  Specifically, I need to head out the door to the church office and get things done there.  However, our dear cat Lincoln has other thoughts.  About 15 minutes ago, he came up on the couch, curled up right beside me and is nestled in the crook of my leg sound asleep.  It is so very sweet!  It really makes me not want to get up off the couch, let alone head out the door!