Merry Christmas Season!

  Aaaaah...siiiigh...December 27th and I can finally sit around in my robe at 10:40 a.m. without panicking that there is wrapping, baking, visiting, to do.  Christmas eve was beautiful though busy~ We enjoyed parties on both sides of the family.  A highlight was the Christmas vigil Mass we celebrated between the two gatherings.  Our two eldest girls had joined the children's choir for the first time and were rewarded with solos and bell ringing.  We were rewarded with that warm fuzzy glow that accompanies any event in which your children shine.  It was especially touching that their sweet innocent voices were praising Baby Jesus!
  Onto Christmas morning... definitely glad that I took the time the night (well wee hours of the morning) before to prepare quiche and prep for breakfast.  The family really appreciated a full morning meal that had everyone around the table in good spirits...(my personal favorite part...well, that and the morning nap that followed:))
  Christmas night rolled around with my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and a big ham dinner. 
This truly was a filling day- fulfilling with the gift of our salvation wrapped in swaddling clothes, His Love shared through the family He's gifted me with, the food He provided, and the warmth that comes with acknowledging how Blessed I truly am. 
Merry Christmas one and all!  May the Joy of this season carry you through the Epiphany.  I thank God that Christmas is a whole Season...not just a day.  I continue to remind myself there are "peaks and valleys".    We've had our lows when kids are overtired and grouchy.  We've also experienced the peaks of rosey cheeked excitement that glow over mugs of hot chocolate.  The good and bad are part of the journey.   The journey is the focus...not one encapsulated moment.  Fortunately, I'm able to end this post on a peak!  My kids and there cousins are playing well.  Moods are stable and I'm still cozy in my robe with a mug of coffee.  I would, however, welcome any and all comments and encouragement for the darker moments when stocking raids have led to sugar melt downs and the "valley" of post holiday cheer seems to loom menacingly near... 
  I love knowing we are all in this together!  Enjoy your Peaks!