Now that the season has worn off

About a few days before Christmas, I always get sad that it will be over so soon. Even the years that are stressful beyond belief a part of me gets blue on the 23rd when in two days it will all be over for another eleven months. But somehow, no matter how good or bad that year was, on the 26th I wake up and realize just how ready I am for it to all be over. Scroogish? Maybe. I just know next year boasts so many great things that will be happening for us (some sooner rather than later) and I just want to get to them already. But I did have an amazing holiday this year. Each year I simplify Christmas more and more and this year I know it was so wonderful b/c of that. If you haven’t done this already, I highly recommend it (and it won’t feel “less Christmasy” b/c of it - pinky swear).

Conner made out like a bandit again, and Tim and I realized that it’s good for him to have a sibling. Right now he is the first grandchild on my side, first great grandchild, first nephew, great nephew, second cousin, everything. He walks into a family gathering and for the next few hours he is smothered and accosted by everyone. He loves it, and we are so thankful that Conner is loved so much, but it does make you wonder how he’d turn out with all that attention and being the only one to soak it up.

The gifts were plentiful for him and the funny thing is he has played with everything and continues to do so. He just flits from toy to puzzle to toy to book all day. My favorite toy to play with him is his remote control car b/c, come on, they’re just fun. And he loves his little bowling set (ball + knocking things over = fun for any male). We had so much fun with him on Christmas morning helping him discover his new toys and showing him how to use them. Of course, there were also 20 new balls that were introduced to our already ridiculous surplus, so thank you everyone who decided he needs more balls. Really(is my sarcasm being detected?).

Tim and I exchanged our gifts early, again (b/c we just can not wait we get so excited), and he is now the proud owner of an xBox 360 (the end result of all those clutches I’ve been laboring over the last few months) and I received a beautiful pair of diamond stud earrings (the end result of Tim’s hard work and saving). Both of us were so shocked over our gifts, but it was fun to really have no idea what you were getting, and knowing your spouse has no clue either.

My in-laws came in for the holiday and it was so great having them here. I won’t say, again, how much I want them to move here (Karen, do you understand how much we want this? Just in case the millionth time I’ve said it isn’t enough), but it would be so amazing. Having both sets of grandparents who love them and want nothing more than to love them is one of the best gifts your kids can have. It’s always fun watching Conner with our parents and getting to see them revert back to this child-like state is so sweet. Papa bought Conner a bat and ball set which was well received - I don’t know what people mean when they say we are grooming him to play baseball.

He likes the high ones, just like his mama.

But the funniest gift he was given was by my parents and that was Conner’s very own Barka lounger. I mean really, every man should have one.

So now that the season has come and is almost gone, it’s time to box up the Christmas stuff and get ready to bring in 2008. I truly hope your holiday was wonderful and fun and relaxing and full of memories.