Christmas Eve 2013

Christmas Eve- a time for traditions.  Ben and I have been together for at least 13 Christmas's (that I can count) and we are still trying to to establish what exactly our tradition is.  He has his rituals- which have changed over the years as have mine.  Now with kids- I strive to establish these even harder trying to get some consistency.

This holiday season, we didn't make it to the Zoo Lights :( but we did try Santa Tea at the Toledo Club which we found is far more appropriate for little girls that 2 year old boys.  We scratched Santa Sunday this year. There just didn't seem to be enough time and kids never brought it up...not once!

Audrey and I rang the bell at the Andersons 2 Saturdays ago.  The weather was horrible but she was a trooper and hung out with me for the entire 2 hours.  This is a tradition I hope will stick :)

We took the kids shopping for gifts for each other this year (this was a first).  They did more shopping for themselves then their sibling.  This was something we did as kids and may be a little premature for our kids at this stage.

Sunday we celebrated the holiday with Ben's family. The kids as well as Ben and I were overwhelmed with the thoughtful gifts.  The kids have more toys than they know what to do with!  Ben got his binoculars for the boat along with a boat/car battery charger.  I- got some accessories, my first lululemon apparel, and a comfy new robe (which I am REALLY enjoying).  I made everyone pose for pictures- which seems to be getting more and more painless :)  The kids are so much fun to watch.  They are going up so fast and changing right before our very eyes.  It is unreal!  I can already see what it is going to look like in 5 years.  Anderson fighting the girls off then changing his mind in the next second to get into whatever trouble or fun they are having.

Tonight, we will hit up 4 pm mass at St. John's Chapel then come back to the house for dinner with JJ and Lauren.  The kids will write their note to Santa, spread the reindeer food on the deck, and leave cookies/milk for Santa.  Ben and I will scramble around looking for tape and prepping food for the next day while trying to pick up the house for Santa's arrival- just in time to have it trashed again first thing in the morning.

This month has flown by!  We have postponed old traditions and are still testing the waters on new but the most important tradition of all....is that we are together.  Happy and Healthy. We are blessed beyond belief and I am so very grateful for all that we have.  Looking back over the past year I realize how quickly situations can change.  It is my biggest fear in life but I realize now more than ever, you can sweat the little stuff but be thankful for what you have and cherish the moment you are in.

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family!  I apologize if we missed you with a Christmas Card this season.  Poor planning on my part (I will take 100% of the blame)!  We are so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful Family, Friends, and Neighbors.  May God bless each and every one of you!