Merry Christmas!

What a beautiful day!

The kids are governed by an internal clock that I didn't have growing up.  I remember waking at 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and a zillion odd times in between midnight and the "reasonable hour" when we could wake up my parents for Christmas.  My kids didn't get up before 6:30 or 7-ish.

We opened a mound of Christmas gifts that required rearranging the living room so they could be laid around the tree.  The girls we so delighted with the diligent work of Santa and his elves.  With toys, outfits, crafts and chocolate they feel prepared to take on the world.

We went to church and I realized that we were in a chapel filled with dear friends. I too feel ready to take on the world. ~I love singing the Christmas hymns, but I could hardly wait for the meeting to end so I could visit with friends.  I missed several of you- but wish you a Merry Christmas too. And, soon I will get on FaceTime or the phone with family and they day will be complete.

Now we are back home and have been training the new horse and pony, rockin' out with iPods, changing into another new outfit, and on and on and on and on...

As the responsible adult, I have cleared another pile of wrapping paper and boxes, read books aloud, and made a green smoothie to supplement the vitamin depleted candies being devoured by the wild creatures called childern.  We have also started a new Christmas tradition.  I didn't want to cook a huge meal today.  The kids don't care, and I didn't want the dishes, so now on years we aren't with family we will have a cereal buffet.  Cold cereal was one gift of Christmas we had growing up and we loved having this rare treat.  Yeah me, I found a way to marry my childhood traditions with my desire to not work the rest of the time I am off work.  Everyone is happy!

I have reflected on how blessed we are often in the last days.  Like many other parents out there I have been fighting the ugly voice of greed this month, and last night I had more than I could take!  On our way home from the movies I launched into the "there are kids with no food speech".  But, I took the opportunity to help the kids understand the need out there in the world isn't without hope- specifically the Tyranny and oppression that causes much suffering and poverty in the world.

This ties in to their understanding of Uncle Army, who will be sent abroad again this year.  It is so hard to let Uncle Army leave- we loved his visit durning the first half of Christmas break, and when it was time for him to visit other friends and family lots of tears sent him off.   But, discussing his valiant work as a solider helps, at least I hope it helps, in accepting his absence.  Just as the kids know Uncle Army would do anything to help them if they we hurt, hungry or troubled they know he will offer that same gift to others in the world.  We are incredibly proud of him!

So, my Christmas wish today is for the military- soldiers and families alike.  My God bless you and reward you for your gift of defense for the defensless.  My you be kept safe, but for those who aren't brought  home whole, I hope you and your families are blessed with neighbors and strangers who are grateful for your sacrifice.  I love and thank you.

My greatest Christmas blessing this year (Uncle Army's visit is a close second) is the health and stamina to enjoy the wonderful gift of my children.  I love these wild angels.  They are the justification for everything I have struggled to survive and they are the inspiration for everything good I accomplish.

May you enjoy a blessed Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate.