Christmas Eve tried to take me out.
My stomach said, “Ma’am, we are CLOSED.” So yes….I was in bed for a bit, feeling sorry for myself and staring at the ceiling like… is this real?
But here’s the thing: I was NOT about to miss Christmas.
Because Christmas isn’t about me being strong or “having it together.” Jesus literally showed up when everything was messy…no room at the inn…a horse trough/manger. NOPE..not perfect.
So we did the day anyway.
LOTS OF PICS before….. ready? OLLIEEEEEE!!!
And Coopy needed some love
BLUEBELL’s FIRST CHRISTMAS! (Last year Ollie’s, the year before, Rio)
We are now one big family.
Austin came and he got some lovin’.
We had the tree glowing, presents everywhere and the spread or the “BUFFET” as Doug would call it..well, I guess. It covered about 1/10 of our counter so not sure how buffet-y it is. But, had my fresh lemon bread, homemade cheesecake and Doug’s SMOKED HAMS YUM!!!
And then…time to eat!! Tatum took the pic so she didn’t get to enjoy the sitting and smiling and smiling and smiling and..take the pic!!!
Tatum being adorable, and the most precious cards that made me cry and laugh at the same time (because why do handwritten notes hit so hard?!).
And Best DAD EVAH!! (and he needed to make us laugh (the irony of this pic)
My honey spoiled me with a red light face mask (Yes…it does look like I’m a serial killer), so of course I needed a set of knives (and a mandolin to slice my personal fingers off). But, he always is thinking of my precious limbs…ergo the gloves.
I got my honey some shirt that define HIM and a “date” since we haven’t been out in F.O.R.E.V.E.R
Tatum wanted to spoil my mom (WHO DESERVES EVERYTHING) with a new necklace. She is beautiful.
Austin got spoiled because we loved him so much. Pillows were at the top of his list. Pillows.
Of course Coopy is a close second.
Tot was ever so doted on. Her birdies kept us company.
She enjoyed all of her gifts but at the top was this punching bag.
There may be a face or two I can think of that would go on that red ball, but we won’t mention names. She may have to see him at school which she’ll be starting up again in 10 days. (SADLY/HAPPILY (sad for me but happy too) she’s going back to PVCP to finish 7th. Another blog/another time). And the “getting out those strong emotions” happen. I LOVE that about our family!! We feel; we share; we “talk all things out.”
It wasn’t a perfect day. But it was a sweet one.
And even with my “dark” moment… there was still joy.
Because the Light still shows up.