I have never been so anxious to say good-bye to the month of December as I am this year. Isn't that pathetic?!! I hate that I feel that way...I don't like feeling like such a cranky old grump. :( Usually, December is my favorite time of the year...always hectic, but manageable. This year nothing seemed manageable. The month started with the flu. Totally knocked me out for days...and I usually refuse to let anything stop me. (In fact, it refuses to totally release it's grip on me even now...the chest pain and coughing seem determined to hang on.) Anyway, this set me back immensely on holiday preps. I spent the next few weeks in overdrive. Then last Saturday, we headed to my parents for our annual get-together with some extended family. We left Annie there to spend some time with her grandparents. The next few days I really went crazy, trying to finish up some gifts I was making, finish up the wrapping, cleaning the house, preparing beds, and mostly cooking, cooking, cooking. Because my parents and my brother always come up and spend a few days with us over Christmas. They were due to arrive late Thursday morning. On the verge of collapse Wednesday night, but finally feeling that I had my act together for the following few days, Rich, the boys, and I sat down to watch A Christmas Story. And about halfway through, Rich said, "I feel like my face is on fire. I think I have a fever." Sure enough, 102.8 degrees. Yes, he had somehow managed to come down with the flu. So, I immediately had to call my parents and let them know. We worked it out that they would just drive up in the morning and drop off Annie, and then head back home. So I then spent the next hour or so taking everything out from under the tree and digging out and packing up all the presents for my parents and brother. Spent the next morning, dividing up all the food I'd been making for the past three days so I could send half of it home with them. Spent a good deal of time simply in tears because I was on the verge of exhaustion from being sick for so long and working so hard, just to have it all seem to be for nothing. And this is why I just want December to go the hell away.
BUT.
I've really had sooooooo much to smile about this month, too. I really, truly have. And so much of has been because of the incredible friends I have made through blogging. Honestly, I've cried tears of pure joy on more than one occasion this month due to the unbelievably thoughtful, generous, loving words and actions of friends that I'm not sure I even deserve. You all know who you are. And I so hope you all know how very much I love you.
And ZOMG, was I spoiled with gifts! Rich and I had agreed to cut back...but I don't think he listened. ;) (Granted, some of the books came from the library book sale, but still!) And oh my goodness, the lovely gifts I received from friends...my heart nearly burst.
Here's a picture of all the goodies that will make my reading life even more delightful:
Not only did I get this amazing stack of books and so much money in gift cards that I feel almost guilty about it, but I got beautiful bookmarks, some of them handmade, tea and chocolate to savor as I read, the most beautiful and comfy handmade slippers imaginable, and the most special handmade Calpurnia doll that this world has ever seen.
This is far more spoilage than any one person needs, I know. And yet, I received even more...some crafty supplies, office supplies, and a gorgeous framed photo that I fell in love with the first time I saw it (from the talented photographer herself).
You know, bottom line, as cranky and ugly as I've felt much of this month, I was inundated in love. And thus, my new year's resolution, a few days early:
Make every day a good day! (Okay, so I totally stole this from Annie...it was her New Year's resolution back when she was four years old. Smart kid!) Treasure the little things (and the big things) that make life so beautiful. Remember that the not-so-good stuff is a part of life (and truly it's an important part in helping me see how honestly blessed I am). Never miss an opportunity to say, "I love you," and never miss an opportunity to show it through actions. Be appreciative. Live.
