While Christmas Eve was less than the best (nearly 20 not-so-cheery in-laws), Christmas Day was just incredibly peaceful and full of bliss!! All of my kids woke up with such happiness and joy in their hearts! We made piles for each of us and took turns opening presents one at a time--then after a few rounds just let loose. Abby just adores her new American Girl--Emily, and all of the accessories. Adam got a tri-bot and some night vision goggles. He loved all of his gifts, but it is so obvious that the gift to play with his big sis is his favorite! Oh, and of course little Charley Mike--well, he does enjoy his Little People Noah's Ark and Pirate Ship, but again he is so happy to play with the older two that the gifts don't really matter.
After presents were opened, I picked up my grandmas for a Christmas lunch. I was a little concerned about making two feasts in less than 24 hours, but this second one was a snap. Adam convinced my grandma Koeppen that, yes, he did turn the whoopee cushion off (he just wanted her to try it out for him!). Much to all of our hysterical delight, she actually sat down on it!! That still has me laughing!!! Oh, the power of great-grandchildren!! Adam might be the funniest thing that ever lived!
Another nice surprise of the day was that Paul gave me a nice watch. I haven't worn a watch in nearly a decade, but I definitely need one as my kids grow older and have more and more things to do. The watch is wonderful, but I am nearly as excited about my new "helper's chair". I have wanted one of these for a while, but I probably would never buy it for myself. I have been in love with yellow lately too!! I also got some books and CD's that I wanted. Good deal!
Since Christmas, we have been so laid-back!! Today is a new record--we are ALL still in our PJ's and it's after 2 pm. I love doing nothing. I actually have read some books (I want to offer The Shack to all of you. Whoo! That book is incredible!) and had some time to think about some projects I want to do this summer. Next week, we are going to muster up the energy for a short getaway to the Lansing Sheraton for a beach party! It's become a tradition of ours to go somewhere for just one night between Christmas and New Year's...last year we went to the JW Marriott in GR. If you haven't been there, put it on your list of things to do!
I'm not sure if it is because I have had a little time to slow down a bit or what, but here is a "soft mommy" thing that has been going through my head these last few days...my kids are all growing up much, much too fast. Abby is as high as my chin and wears a size 10 pant! What's more is that she writes a TON and can read pretty lengthy (5th grade level) books!! How did this happen? I thought she just peacefully entered our world as a soft pink 6 lb. 1oz. bundle yesterday!?! At nearly 8 years old, I feel her slipping more and more into an independent young adolescent every day. Where'd my baby go?
If that isn't bad enough, Adam is huge too! He can read and write and remember phone numbers of all of his friends. He's too old for so many things! I am happy all of his health problems are now resolved, but it is almost too much to think about that he is nearly 1/2 way FINISHED with Kindergarten.
What's even harder on my heart, perhaps, is baby Charley will be TWO this winter!!! He isn't even a baby anymore! I have tried and tried to slow him down a little, but that little turkey has grown teeth, walked, and so much more months earlier than his older sibs ever did! I am so proud of all that they have accomplished, for sure, but where did my babies go?
I hope that you all have had a relaxing, joyful break as well! You certainly deserve it!
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