Merry Christmas 2014

Have I mentioned how much I love Christmas Cards?

I think I would probably forgo gifts for myself instead of not sending them out.

I wish I could send one to each one of you, but the list is approaching 100 and I just had to pare down for sanity’s sake.

BUT, never fear, Pulling Curls has my card and, more importantly, the letter here for your viewing/reading pleasure.
Please let me take a moment to wish you a very happy Christmas, or Hanukkah or this special time of year if you choose not to celebrate a holiday. I make the choice to LOVE this time of year and everything it stands for.

The Spirit of Christmas is so very real. We are lucky to have each other and all the amazing blessings that crown each of our lives. Take a moment to think about all you have and all you can give next year and I wish you a VERY Merry Christmas!

 Christmas 2014

ALRIGHT THEN, you noticed there were no lovingly handmade costumes on our card this year.  There’s one reason for that:  our kids are old, and mean.

Exhibit #1.  C has started high school.  I mean, how thoughtless can you be?  I am still young and vibrant, it makes me look like I was a teenage mother!  I mean, do people GET pregnant at age 8?  Do the math people.  {hair flip}

Exhibit #2.  S, while reminding us hourly how smart he is, will be headed to middle school this year.  Each and every school event I am reminded it is his LAST “day of sharpening this particular pencil in 5^th grade”.  Luckily, I am at each and every school event because I have lost my mind and I’m the PTO president.  Similar to the actual president, I have a 2 year stint and I will not be seeking re-election.

Exhibit #3. P started Kindergarten this year.  This has left me home alone. I’m turning cold and feeble, I just bought a space heater.  I dutifully trudge to her classroom to cut out lamination and make copies.  She could not be MORE thrilled to be away from me {the feeling may or may not be mutual – what do you think?}.

Exhibit #4.  While I do get all that “free” time during the day {hello, bon-bons} I am deluged with emotions, papers and homework at 3 pm.  I feel like a tsunami walks in the door every day.  Sometimes it’s just a wave, and sometimes it’s 3 horrifying waves to ruin houses and beach cabanas.  The problem is, there is no “tide that goes out” to tell us how hard the wave will hit.  Just a song and a prayer in my heart.

Exhibit #5.  C is in marching band, with D, at the high school.  All of our years of watching other people’s kids suffer through the ups and downs of high school are coming into play now.  I hope we learned well.  My parents giggle with glee every time I mention I’m going to a parade or watching him at a football game.  Revenge at its finest, except I have 3 kids that will likely march, and they had only one.

Exhibit #6.  He’s not a child, but D graduated with his masters this year from ASU.  I mean, he’s a MASTER now, do I have to obey him?  Need I buy a genie costume?  Could he maybe put me into a magic lamp?  I mean, we can afford a lamp now that we’re not paying tuition.  Plus, now he can’t hang out with all the cool and hip ASU students.  He’s feeling awfully old (but happier).

So, there you have it – a year full of our kids attacking us with their age, hormones and just plain growing up.  Last year I started to count the eye rolls when I pulled out Peter Pan for our family to wear on Halloween and I finally decided to throw in the towel.  This year I had wistful longings of what EVER could they WEAR for Halloween.  I mean, gosh mom – it’s not like you’ve ever made us a costume!  I hauled Paige to Goodwill where we found 3 costumes for her, for like 10 bucks.  The other two were on their own.  Oh the sadness.  Eyerolls zero, Mom, one.

Besides throwing in the towel, D and Hilary have been busy with their own exploits.  D has added another high school to his repertoire of teaching duties.  He has a lovely hour drive mid-day 4 days a week.  He’s a lucky guy.  Hilary has added serious blogger to her list of hats.  You can find her pining on the many uses of vinegar 2-4 times/week at Pulling Curls.  On Sundays, you can find her sucking her thumb in a corner of the Primary room where she is “in charge”.  If you can’t be president, why even be in an organization, that’s what I say? {whimper}

With that, we remember that it was a child who brought us together this Christmas season.  We’re grateful for his example of Christlike Love (especially at 3pm) that helps us all be better, happier and stronger amidst whatever life throws at us.  We hope it brings you warmth and joy this season as well.  Wishing you all the best, and reminding you we have a guest room and it’s going to be 81 degrees here today.

The E Family

If you thought this card was amusing, you can find my other Christmas Cards here.