The trees have been stripped, most of the gifts have been put in their proper places, and the Christmas guests have left. The high from Christmas has been ebbing as Geoff went back to work, and I began to turn the house back to non-Christmas mode.

We were blessed with a good holiday. Even with having both kids & Nana get hit with a cold, everyone had a wonderful time. The kids are sad that both Christmas & grandparents are gone, as are we.

I may spend the next few days reflecting over the year, but mostly I want to look ahead, eager to ponder what 2010 may hold.

I tried my hand at Whrrling and this was what I got.

but I am busy prepping for Christmas, entertaining my inlaws and trying to remember the true meaning of Christmas, that I just haven’t found time to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Until now.

Merry Christmas my friends.

I married a man who has an ornament that say “Official Believer In Santa”.

The man’s blood runs red & green. He loves Christmas. And this has naturally carried over to our two boys.

Everyday, the boys ask if it’s Christmas yet. They count the days on the advent calendar at least twice a day, to be sure that they haven’t missed something. They ooh and ahh at holiday lights.

We have not yet visited The Man In The Red Suit, but Elijah and Miles have told us what they were thinking of asking him for. Miles would like Presents, and Elijah, “whatever Santa brings me”.

The anticipation is building, and will likely crescendo when Nana & Grampy arrive on the 20th. We have told the boys, this will signal Christmas is even closer.

Add to that, we’ll be getting another Christmas fanatic (Grampy).

It’s gonna be a loud Christmas!

Wow. I didn’t think I’d be able to finish NaBloPoMo. And here, 30 days later, I’m writing my last post.

What did I learn?

1. It’s hard. It’s hard to write for 30 days straight. It’s hard to make time. But I wanted so very much not to be a quitter.

2. It pays off. I got at least one new reader-so hopefully she’ll keep on reading and my readership will grow.

Would I do it again?

Yes. So long as it doesn’t begin December 1st.

I live in a marshmallow world. I’m a white girl, surrounded by white people. I don’t go out of my way to avoid minorities, but I also don’t seem to meet any. Thus, my world isn’t nearly as diverse as I would like.

I actually would like to meet people with rich cultures. I’d like to expand my knowledge and world view. I’m not really sure how I go about that.

My neighbors that don’t look like me are reserved to say hello. And some of my neighbors who do look like me, are kind of inconsiderate.

I think my plan of action is to befriend some of the parents of kids in Elijah’s class. It’s a start to changing my view.

I’m way too nosy for my own good. I’m sure there is a more appropriate word for me. As much as I like surprises, I like to know stuff more.

As a child, I would always snoop for my Christmas presents. It got to the point where my parents would hide my gifts at the neighbor’s house. Or the trunk of the car. Or the trunk of the neighbor’s car.

It’s bugging me that my husband, who abhors shopping on Black Friday, rose early to go out and buy my gift.

What did he get me?!

Do I really want the surprise to be spoiled? No. But this excitement is too much to be contained. In an effort to thwart me, he wrapped the gift while I was out doing my own shopping.

Let the speculation begin!

I don’t need any special day to look upon how thankful I am. I have people around me going through hard times, and it’s a daily reminder that I am blessed.

I have a home, filled with healthy children, and a husband who provides for us. I have food in my fridge, clothes on my back, and a car that takes me where I need to go. I have family & friends who let me know they care. I have a Savior who gives me grace, and a church where I feel welcome.

This day, I hope someone reads this and knows I love them. As a sister, or a friend, or even someone I have not yet met. You are special nonetheless.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My favorite thing in the whole world is napping. I don’t know if it’s something I never let go of as a child, or if I rediscovered it in my youth.

I nap almost every day. The wii fit says with my 7-8hrs sleep a night, a nap is putting me at too much sleep. I disagree. I feel refreshed after a nap. Like I can take on the rest of my day, watching over Wingus & Dingus. Two wild boys=exhausted, stressed out Mommy.

My favorite spot to nap is in my bed, in a sunbeam, if one can be found. I sleep under the covers, even in the summertime. The comfort and weigh of the blankets helps me to drift off.

Just thinking about it now, makes me a little sleepy. zzzz