Who Needs Toys When You Have Bubble Wrap??

Christmas was very different for me this year. It really seemed to sneak up on me. Even though I knew for 12 months that it was coming, I still wasn't ready for it.

It might have been because I'm still grieving Buddy. He was such a big dog and has left a huge hole in our lives. I can go on for a while without even thinking about him then all of a sudden, it hits me. The pain is... so deep. (I would never compare a dog to a child, but I sure have been thinking about Carly's and Kristen's families.) Not having Buddy here for Christmas sure put a damper on the holiday for me.

I found myself wrapped up (no pun intended!) in all the gifts this year. I was stressed over what to buy and how much to spend. I desperately tried to remember the reason for the season. I originally put the nativity scene in the office, then moved it next to the fireplace and finally placed it under the tree. Didn't help much. We have a large wicker basket that I put under the tree with a blue blanket. On Christmas morning, I place 'baby Jesus' in the basket. We have done this since our kids were small and I was excited about starting this tradition with the next generation. But Allison is only one and wasn't very interested in it.

Work has been very stressful and even though I've tried to make some changes there, the process of change has been stressful!

I woke up Christmas morning at 7 AM. I had planned to sleep in but once my eyes were open, I was too excited to sleep! I turned on the Christmas tree lights, fixed some hot tea and curled up in Chuck's recliner. That was all I needed. I spent some time praying and just thanking the Lord for everything we had been given. The word Abundance kept going through my head as I looked at the presents under the tree. The day was wonderful. It was relaxed and stress free! Lots of great surprises, fun gifts and family!

Monday we were back to work and it was Diana's birthday. My youngest is now 20, no longer a teenager. We had planned to take her to dinner, but the flu got the best of her. She spent the day on the couch.

Ryan and Sharaya are moving this week so we spent some time at their house this morning packing and hauling boxes over to their new place. Diana is feeling better so we're taking her to dinner tonight. Then back here for cake and ice cream. And more presents.

Do you like how most of our ornaments are on the top half of the tree?

We've done this for years because Buddy's tail would slam into it and break ornaments.

(We called him our 'Happy Dog' cause that tail was always waggin'!)

This year, we knew Allie would want to touch them all.

So only non breakable ornaments on the bottom half.

New Jammies!

Allison helped me hand out the presents.

"Who is the fairest of them all?"

(A present from Great Grandmother.)

BUBBLE WRAP!!!

Even Sugar got a new toy!

 

I hope you all had a great Christmas

and pray this New Year is your best yet!