rest later

My days have been filled with merry and bright for the past few weeks.

 Temple Square visit in early December
 Geo reading or traditional Christmas story to the boys
 #4 as Joseph
 Our flamingo at the nativity
 Making room for the grandkids and the great grandkids in the nativity
Braided bread I make for neighbors

A field trip to the mall for a Christmas scavenger hunt with the special kiddos, a class program where a few of us cried a little, family get togethers, a nativity scene that involved a flamingo and a unicorn, surprising our two teens with a big plasma TV for the family room, and a phone call to Monterrey, Mexico to talk with our son who reeeeally struggled with his English, I might add).

I understand the concern about forgetting the meaning of Christmas.  Keep it simple, we hear all season.  Remember the reason.

I get that.

But I love the hubbub.  I love finding that last cool thing to buy.  I love the full calendar and the visiting and the parties.  I love all of the things that make these few weeks really stand out from the rest of the year.  I can stick it out, even though I may crash in January.  What else is January for, except recovering from December?

16 comments

LisAway | December 26, 2011 at 8:45 AM

Those At Home boys are NOT little! My goodness. And I remember talking to my sister in Brazil and she couldn't speak a sentence of English to save her life. I guess that's what happens, especially when you have mostly native speakers for companions.

What a fun month. Ours has been far less eventful than yours, but it's been wonderful, still. I do look forward to a day when we live in the states and have all the parties and other Christmas things to do! :) Merry Christmas! Or happy Boxing Day! :)

CB | December 26, 2011 at 9:19 AM

Totally and completely agree!! I love all the fun and gifts and hubbub and I can still see the true meaning through it all.
Glad you had a happy Christmas and the pink flamingo rocks!!!

Connie | December 26, 2011 at 9:48 AM

Your braided bread is simply delicious! Filling the month of December with family activities fills our family with fond memories.
How wonderful to be able to visit with your missionary on Christmas! It won't be long and you'll be teaching him English (again) in person!
Get some rest!!

lesa | December 26, 2011 at 10:56 AM

I love it all, too. Even when I complain about being so busy. And I love sitting by the tree at night during December and reflecting on the quiet simple moments, gearing up for the next day of holiday fun.

Enjoy your break!

Stacy | December 26, 2011 at 4:37 PM

Sounds like so much fun. Christmas is my favorite for all those reasons. And I love that your boy is struggling with English- he must be hard at work!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | December 26, 2011 at 8:21 PM

It sounds like your Christmas was perfect.......flamingo and all!

I love each of the pictures. They reflect how wonderful your family is.

Joanie | December 26, 2011 at 9:16 PM

I also love all the excitement around Christmas. I am so tired tonight after the past few busy days,but what a great feeling.

heather | December 27, 2011 at 9:01 AM

Don't you just love it when those missionaries can't remember English? I do! :)

Rachel Cotterill | December 27, 2011 at 12:00 PM

That looks busy and wonderful :) Merry Christmas my friend!

Stephanie | December 28, 2011 at 9:29 AM

Agreed. I'm all about "controlled" hubbub-- keeping it simple while still being way more exciting and special than the rest of the year. Glad yours was happy.

wendy | December 29, 2011 at 10:32 PM

You are so photogenic.
It certainly seems like you have had a Great fun filled December indeed.
and yes.....January is a good time to hibernate.

Unknown | December 31, 2011 at 12:20 PM

Awesome pix! And I'll be by to watch my new DVDs on that TV. Happy New Year, my friend. Thank you for a year of support and kindness. LY.

Melanie Jacobson | January 3, 2012 at 1:45 PM

I love that your big boys aren't too big to snuggle in for a story with their dad. I love that SO much.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | January 3, 2012 at 4:49 PM

Happy recovering! And I think we really, REALLY need the full story on the flamingo.

Happy New Year, sweet girl!

Bri... only she | January 5, 2012 at 1:05 PM

Happy recoveries and that bread looks AMAZING! :)

grace. | January 6, 2012 at 2:54 PM

So good to see you. adorable photos!