As I sit down this Christmas Eve afternoon, dinner is cooking, laundry is going, mom is at the store, my dad is progressing on the remodel of the small bathroom, Tyler is getting ready for work and the twin’s are watching TV………I have a rare moment to just sit and write.  I mean really rare so I am taking the chance to say…..

merry

 

I want to share so much more…pictures from Hawaii, my latest classes, the addition update but right now I am taking in the silence.  Who knew that once we got married the race would really begin. I thought it was going to slow down but with earth movers, nail guns and major decisions being made very day it has not.

We are blending a family, we are starting new traditions…….we are overcrowded with one bathroom.  I am blessed.  I am alive, healthy and have my family here.  Not everyone can say that.  I have had to try and stop myself to take in the moments.  I have gotten caught up in the shopping (all in one day yesterday), food preparation, worrying about how it will all get done and been brought to tears.  I admit I have broken down…the stockings are hung by the chimney with as much care as I could give them.  We did get a real tree that does not have my normal flair of color schemes and ornateness but smells good all the same.

But we have 10 stockings……….8 people and 2 dogs that will come together as a family.  New traditions, letting things go and incorporating it all together.  We have teenagers with their own schedules, work, etc. and we are all busy.  But this Christmas all I asked for was for us to be together.  We will go to church tonight, I will sing Christmas carols and we will eat, drink and be merry.

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and we have new paw prints versus Santa footprints in the living room thanks to Riley….

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Penny is in the spirit too with her look-alike stocking!

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So from our imperfectly perfect home to yours I say Merry Christmas!!! It’s not about the hustle and bustle but about the moments we do have.

Our closest relationships are vital to our happiness.  As we tell those we love that we love them, we must never forget that the highest compliment is not to utter words, but to live by them.”