Merry Christmas!

I have spoken with a few people recently about my blog and the pathetic attention I have been giving it.  My dad encouraged me to get back to writing.  (In his fatherly pride, he's sure I could make a few dollars if I were try to get myself published.  It is a long-dormant dream of mine to write for publishing. And getting some money out of it wouldn't be too much of a hardship.  But my confidence in my writing having much appeal has been holding me back.  Anyway...)

So I am writing tonight.  Truthfully, I'm waiting for my dinosaur laptop to boot up.  It was my big deal Christmas present 6 years ago.  I still love it, but now I love it a little longer each time I sit waiting for it to do anything.

We had a very nice Christmas today.  Santa was good and kind to the kids.  Joseph was quite impressed that Santa understood his drawing of a drum and gave him one.  And Sarah just KNEW she was getting a baby and a "blankie."  What can I say?  Santa is amazing.  And he has me for his personal secretary when catering to our family.

Leah was thrilled with her horse-print blanket and Breyer horse complete with western saddle and bridle. I took great care to keep the sewing of the blanket and selection of the horse from the collection in the garage a secret from Leah as this was the last year for her to "believe."  I wanted her to have one more magical, wonder-filled memory.

I knew that she wouldn't have any more Christmases with the same level of faith in the old jolly guy, but I surprised myself with the thought of talking it over with her later in the morning.  I got Chad's opinion first and then took Leah aside while we were outside with the dogs.  She took the revelation extremely well.  She is now part of the family keeping the "Santa Secret."  Occasionally throughout the day, she has quietly asked me a question about one point or another.  She was such a firm believer!  I feel a bit sad to take that away from her, but she is already surrounded by kids sharing their own understanding.  I'd rather the news come softly and with love than in a school yard jab.

Chad's gift to me this year was a raised platform for my washer and dryer.  For nearly two years now, I have been putting my head between my knees just to get the clothes from the washing machine into the dryer.  Now, I no longer have to feel the blood rushing to my head while I labor in the laundry room.  The machines are 15" higher and have spots to store the waiting laundry baskets.  The fact that I can barely see the top of the machines is a small sacrifice.  I am a short person in a tall world!  ;)  I told Chad that the luxury of not contorting myself just to do the wash was worth every minute he spent making the stand.  I don't know if he agrees, but I do appreciate the gift!

Despite the tornado that tore through the living room from 6 AM to 8 AM, things are mostly put away and the room restored.  That translates to: it's really no messier than normal.  If we were to have a surprise visitor, I wouldn't be unusually embarrassed, except that I'm in my pj's and looking just as tired as I feel.

We have Chad home for one more day tomorrow and I anticipate more game playing, maybe a trip to "town" and possibly some cookie baking.  Sometime between now and next Wednesday, I have to prepare for Leah's birthday.  But let's just take it one day at a time!

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas!