Coming to an end quickly...

Has the year really flown by this quickly?
Am I actually still awake at this late hour? Of course I am!

Given that most don't even know that I have re-entered the world of blogging, I am likely talking to myself, which is a pastime I highly recommend.  Forgive my indulgence, won't you?

2010.  Hmmm.  What can I say?  It has been a very full year.  I look forward to these closing days with eager anticipation.  Christmas, family, fun and faith...I am so filled with gratitude for all that has been in my life and continues to grace our lives.  We have our struggles, of course.  We are facing some uncertainty in the coming year with work and health.  The spine situation is stressful, to say the least.  We are in denial.  For now.

The children are growing quickly these days.  They often don't seem to know what to do with themselves.  I am beginning to wish for a few more innocent days, even though I am thrilled to know these little people and see who they are becoming.

Christmas is only a few days away now and it seems that we are mostly ready.  I should be more frantic, but I am not.  Things are coming together nicely.  We have had some incredible weather these last few days, but it looks as if rain might join us for the Holiday.  There will be lots more to share as we gather our entire family together for a celebration of family and faith...and food, it would seem.  A lot of planning has gone into the food!

For now, I am happy to say that we are all home under one roof.  Safe and warm.  Everyone is sleeping and the house has taken on that stillness I love so much.  This time of year that silence is complimented by the glow of the Christmas tree.  There are not too many sweeter things for me.  With that in mind, I will submit to the hour and head of to bed for some much needed sleep.  I do hope that all is well in your homes tonight.

Heather

Let's get this started, shall we?

It's been a pretty long time since I sat down and submitted any thoughts to the universe...or the few of you who actually might read this.  I am working on some plans for the imminent Holidays and have had a few people ask me to share...which is one of the reasons I had a blog to begin with, right?  So.  Let's try this again.  I will drag in some of the old blog so that we can look back at ideas from years past and link up to amazing sites that keep me going.  I will post pictures now and again, and as always, feel free to leave a comment.

So, we are now officially 12 more working days away from Christmas morning.  That means a couple of things to me.  One, I will use the 12 days of Christmas as a theme for the next two weeks. Two, I will need to get on top of some lists here pretty soon, otherwise...well, insanity.  You know how that goes.  In the coming 12 days I also have the following to-do's:

Prepare gifts for both girls' dance classes (I'm thinking Snowman Soup)
Scottish Rite with Kimball on Tuesday.
Cookies for Kyra's Activity Days meeting for this Tuesday.
Plan party for Kierstin's DKH preschool holiday party for this Thursday.
Have family pictures taken.
Teacher gifts for kids parties this week.
Gift for friend birthday party this Friday.
T-shirt order for upcoming Family Reunion. (next week!)
Finalize all plans for above.  Photographer.  Food.  Presents.  Oh MY!
Kids out of school early on Friday for a two week break.
Larry is traveling part of this week and part of next week.  Who wants to place bets on Larry getting stuck in an airport in Chicago on his way back home for Christmas next week?

That is all in 7 days.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, finish Christmas present shopping, wrapping and stashing.
Gingie and the Elves are coming in tonight.  (love THEM! not)
Family begins to arrive this weekend.  And then the rest of the next week is a blur already...one I am intensely excited about.

All in all, that's a lot to do.  Yeah...let's see how this goes.  I will link up some ideas and explanations as requested.  When I find things I love, I will share.

Let's try this again...