Birthday time is over

Cara is now 6.  Hard to believe for me.  We had a nice birthday and she chose McDonald's for her birthday dinner.  Then yesterday we had her birthday party.  We had a good time with lots of giggly girls here.  There was lots of joy, screaming and enjoyment had by all.  Cara's friends are very sweet and come with some pretty awesome moms.  As always Jenn was here to help set up, calm my nerves, and keep everything going smoothly.  I am very thankful that she is my friend. 

Today we started putting up our Christmas decorations.  Chris got all of the lights done out front, and our blow up penguin is out there.  The tree is being set up as I type.  The kids and I will decorate that during the week, and I will get the nativity and Christmas village up also.  It is a small village, one that Chris bought for me as a surprise one December.  Everything is made to look like it is built out of candy, very fun and whimsical.  I have been very introspective lately, thinking on years past, and how our holidays are so very different.  We no longer have the hustle and bustle of balancing too many places to visit in too little time.  Some of it is nice, while some of it is sad.  No pictures of the kids with Grandma, Grandpa or Aunts & Cousins over the holidays.  On the selfish side though, we get them all day to ourselves.  We can wake up at our (well their) leisure, open stockings and gifts, have a nice breakfast, and all while being in our jammies.  No worries about the dinner menu, who likes what, who won't want to eat what we have.  Just our little family all cozy in our home together for the entire holiday.  There is always good with the bad, but mostly good.  You just have to make a conscious effort to find it.

2 more weeks of school before winter break.  Amazing how fast this year has gone.  There was a large amount of trying times, many  more than years before.  Yet, here we sit as a solid, whole family still.  Thanks to all of those who have helped us walk this rough road.  You are cherished, and a blessing to me and mine.

Andi