Post Christmas

We made it....phew....that is how I feel at the end of December, moving into a new year.  I can take a deep breathe and say, we made it.  This year December felt like a race, I love the idea of experiencing Advent, focusing on the waiting but this year it didn't happen, which makes me a bit sad, but the reality is that it is hard to slow down in December and this year I didn't have the energy to put on the breaks.

My grandfather's funeral was at the beginning of December, it was so lovely that our whole family could be there together, and the time we spent remembering our Patriarch was perfect.  But it put a wrench in my plans, so this year I decided to give up my plans and do what I could.  Which is all one can really do.   So after we came home from the funeral (our second time flying as a family in two weeks time, which is a lot for us) we basically ran through the month.  It doesn't seem like a big thing that one little trip, but it was.  And the emotional energy it takes to grieve the loss of a grandfather, these things took a toll on this mama.

So, December felt like a sprint to me.  To do all the things I hoped we could do; a Jesse Tree with the kids everyday, decorating the house for Christmas, gifts wrapped beautifully under the tree, a handmade item for everyone, and in between all of this slowly enjoying the waiting.  Some of these things happened in small portions and they happened as space was made for them, and some didn't. 

Now, we move forward into 2013....

• There is a 1 year old birthday to celebrate....
• A new house next door to celebrate.....
• With new neighbors to welcome to our community....
• A 4 year old who will turn 5 (eek, that is old!).....
• And who knows what other blessing will come in the next year?