We made it.

Well, Christmas is over. Another Christmas has come and gone. I am always excited up until the day and then I am glad for the end. Then I start the New Years Eve Countdown.

New Years Eve used to be my favorite holiday. I always loved it. Now, it is just another day. There is no fun preparing. There is nothing really cool about it, except that it is a relief when it is over and it is time to move on. Sad?

So, now Christmas is over, and New Years is coming.

We have no schedule, except to stay up as late as we want, and sleep as late as we want.

Some days, I don't even brush my hair. I stay in pajamas. It is nice.
BUT
I think I am ready for school to go back.

What happens when moms can't sleep...

Christmas Eve Eve!

Hooray! It is almost Christmas! I said this yesterday, and Dave's response was, " Why? Because it is almost over?" No, you silly Grinch. It is gonna be so much fun!

I was thinking about how this Christmas is different than last years.... well, besides the obvious.

No pressure of school for me. That is a biggie.
We just finished unpacking things yesterday. We have been here almost two years. :)

The little kids are excited... How is Santa gonna get in the house? Where will he put the presents?

The girls are excited... What are our traditions? Will I let them eat the Christmas cookies? Gifts?

Eli - is just Eli.

Watching the girls is like watching the little kids, but I hate to think it - better. OK, maybe not so much better... just different. They are excited. Even Michelle is showing excitement. Annie is running in circles, waiting to open the presents, excited... she is sending us Facebook messages, hugging us. They are questioning us about what we do, how we do things... it is like setting a new pattern to get rid of the bad memories.

So - tomorrow we are going to make gingerbread houses.
Then, we are baking cookies for Santa.
And then we are off to Grandma's.