Holiday Update & Musings

My life has felt like a whirlwind lately. I know I've said that before, but it's true!

I've cut out many activities and had to say no to many kind social invitations, both to me and the kids, in order to maintain some sanity and semblance of family life. Different times, different seasons-I understand that.

Of course, Grandma takes some of my time and attention, which I am happy to give; I just have to realize that it can be draining. I've chosen not to blog about those experiences here, and perhaps someday I'll publicize my journal regarding that part of my life. Right now, all is good if a little on the crazy side!

I am not getting as much homeschooling done this holiday season, but that's okay. We're getting math and language arts in. January will see an increase on the educational side, and meanwhile the kids are getting an education in life!

I enjoyed our Thanksgiving holiday, if a bit crazy with three turkey meals in one week. I loved cooking the first meal, and the turkey turned out great. My computer was being funky and I couldn't use the link I was intending to follow (and posted in a previous post), so I ended up using Pioneer Woman's Turkey Brine recipe and was very pleased.

It was wonderful to have family here in our home, and visit other extended family members. I even went shopping on black Friday with some of my siblings. Wow was that an experience! Ian (17) has a knack for getting lost (yes, you know it's true bro!) and we warned him to stick close to us "adults with cell phones" because we weren't going to be responsible for him.

If he got lost, he was on his own.

Hopefully he would remember where we parked the vehicle.

Well, he did go missing a few times but managed to find us until we ended up at a large, overly-crowded mall. Then when I realized he wasn't behind us and was missing in the mob, I thought. "Oh great. We lost the lanky 17 year old." Before too long I got a phone call from an unknown number. When I answered it, it was Ian. "Hey", he said, "I'll meet you at the food court."

Later I asked him, "Who's phone did you call from?", thinking he begged some nice old lady for help.

"Oh, " he replied nonchalantly, "I just went into the Apple store and used one of their i-phones. Apparently their displays all really work!!"

When he got lost a second time that day at the mall, again he called me from, you guessed it, the Apple store. It was so funny!

A few Christmas decorations have been put up, and tomorrow I'll finish a few more things. I'm going simple this year, much like I did last year. Too much to get out and put away is overwhelming to me right now, and that's the last thing I need in my life-to be unnecessarily overwhelmed. If I want peace on earth and goodwill towards men, it first has to start in my own home!

Hoping you are having a blessed holiday season and, like me, are trying to focus on the joys of family, friends, and our many gifts from God with which we are so blessed...