It started early… 5:45am. Last minute decision to go to 7am Mass.

Man, can I be a meanie when I am tired. But thank goodness.

Families are the one place. The one place we can be ourselves and still be loved.

Thank God for family. Our families. Our friends that are like families.

And for our heavenly family.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope your day is wonderful!

Stretchy frogs crack me up.

Christmas Day trip to the park. Perfection.

Christmas Eve fishing with Papa.

Playing with Cousin Caden at the Children’s Museum.

Christmas Eve light show at the Waterway.

Arcade Games and a yummy dinner before the next day Craziness!

Making Christmas Cookies with Aunt Margaret.

You know… the really cool artsy aunt. Everyone has the aunt with the amazing creativity and drive to make beautiful everything!

It wasn’t exactly what I pictured. Maybe one day I will wrap the presents instead of just giving up at the last minute and resorting to gift bags… maybe one day I will remember to pack pants for Nate and church shoes for Julia… maybe one day I will stop checking work emails and just lay down on the floor. But for now, mom is telling the kids a story and all is right with the world.

If I am really lucky, my sweet husband and I will get a date. I don’t deserve it. I’ve been mean and cranky to my sweet one. But a steak might make everything better.