Holly Jolly

This has probably been my busiest Christmas, by far. I don’t know that we really had more activities than usual... maybe it’s just having a 7, (almost) 5, and 2 year old that makes such a big difference. Well, mostly the 2 year old makes a big difference. And it seems every Christmas adds more babies to our extended family, and more babies means more chaos and noise and fun.

So now it’s 10:45, and Christmas is almost over. For the first time in my life, it’s a white(ish) one, even if it’s donned in the night like special Christmas pajamas. I’ve had random occurring thoughts and observations all day, things like:

Atleigh is the life of the party. I’m pretty sure she gets this from her dad, because it certainly doesn’t come from me. She draws every eye in the room to her just by being there. Like a little undersized magnet with glasses. So... Woody Allen?

If Atleigh is my class clown, Chloe is my social butterfly. She’s everyone’s friend, even if she’s never met them before. She’s a gracious hostess, even if it’s not her party. She’s extravagant with compliments and the queen of superlatives. She tells everyone they are “amazing” or “beautiful”, or “wonderful”. And she means it all.

Ashton thinks he is way too cool. I’m not sure how to handle it. I’ve always hated the ages 7-12, especially in boys (I can say that because I’ve survived three younger brothers). I guess I’ll just let him keep on thinking he’s cool for now. He’ll learn sooner or later how dorky Star Wars is.

I love that four members of my family are reading the same series at once (Although I hate that Nathan started way after me and is already 2 1/2 books ahead of me). And I love that we can have a whole conversation about it for a half hour, all of us talking over each other, blurting out quotes and, “Oh! Have you gotten to the-??” “- Wait don’t tell me anything yet!! Don’t ruin it!” But I swear, if I hear “Dumai’s Wells” one more time...

The more I hang out with my sisters-in-law, the more I love them, and the more grateful I am that I’m tied to them.

Apparently my family CAN be on time! However, if they arrive on time, it’s imperative that they leave early. I suppose the weather could have had something to do with it too...

I have a real issue with throwing away shoe boxes. I don't know why. Jeremy, Ashton, and both of the girls got new shoes today, and for some reason I just want to hoard the boxes.

I am blessed with an amazing mother-in-law, who has never made me feel like anything other than her daughter.

I love the rapport between the grandkids of Jeremy’s family with their grandparents. I love that they joke with them and tease them, and know their habits and personalities so well. I love the way they make fun of Granddad for the way he says grace. It sounds a little like this: “DearLord Smierehggdsbjkiiththtgdgfhd. Ahmayen.” I don’t understand what in the world he’s saying. I’m not sure they do either, but they can all say whatever it is word for word. For a kid who has grown up with out of town grandparents for the majority of her life, this is beautiful to behold.

I love love love my niece and nephews. I didn’t really think it was possible to love other kids as much as I love mine, but they’re living proof that it is.

My family has a penchant for plaid. And I mean that in the best way possible.

I am so, so very blessed.

So even though today was hectic and breathless, I’m glad my heart and mind took a few breathers to look around them, even if I wasn’t paying attention. Now I’m going to curl up on the couch with a heating pad, a book, and my husband, and spend the remaining hour of this Christmas taking deep breaths and thanking God for my life.

How was your Christmas?