This Side of Christmas

Whew, I made it!  This Christmas season was one of our most quiet seasons ever and I have to say that made every moment more enjoyable.  We cut down on decorations, cookie baking, celebrations, just about every thing.  We also did not take a long break from our lessons.  We decided that since Jeff had to work, we'd work, too.  He had the actual holidays off, but not extra days like in the past.  It turned out for the best.  We are keeping on track and that makes me happy.

We are not doing a lot for  New Year either.  We will have a little sparkling grape juice, share a special meal at home, and stay up a little later, but not midnight, most likely.  On New Year's day we are going to finally have our Christmas ham.  We had so much other stuff on Christmas that we didn't need the ham. It will be just us, and that is fine.  I look forward to a quiet day.  Thursday and Friday will be work days, so a quiet New Year is what we need this year.

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas foodie

December is Flying By

Only 9 days remain until Christmas Eve! I feel as if we've been in a whirlwind since we decided to move. Then we actually moved,which was very disruptive.  And then,  my precious grandma passed away. Through all this, we have managed to keep our school on track, amazingly.  This next week,we need to keep focused. We'll have our normal activities.  I think we are taking Christmas week off. Since Dad will be working I think we need to keep working the week of New Year. That's the plan.

A Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving brought us some ups and downs, a mixed bag of blessings and hard times.  The actual day of Thanksgiving was a blessing.  We went to my mom's and spent a grand day with our extended family, of course eating way too much.  We played games, watched old slides, and just enjoyed the day.

Friday, Mom and I went out to see Grandma.  She was sleepy, but woke up and gave us her famous smile that says it all.  While I was away, Jeff and the kids were busy decorating the house for Christmas.  It was great to come home to it all done.

Saturday, we got the call the Grandma was declining quickly.  We had already promised the kids to go pick out their Christmas presents at a guitar store out near Grandma, so we went there first, and then to see Grandma.  She was resting comfortably.  Hospice is doing a great job.  We spent a couple hours there talking to family, leaving with heavy hearts.

And this morning, Trevor is sick, so I am staying home with him while the others go to church.  I hope to go to the nursing home when they get back.  I will be able to watch the church service live from my couch, so at least I have that option.

I hope you've had a great Thanksgiving.
~Jenn