Merry Christmas EVE

I'm SO not believing today is Christmas Eve!

The past few months have been kind of a blur...I've been much busier than usual,

and all the while I kept telling my husband, 

"I don't want to miss Christmas - it's my favorite time of year!" 

He helped me stay grounded and he also helped me tremendously with my new business.

I don't think I could have done it without him.

So, I didn't get to do my usual baking, and I didn't get cards out this year either, 

but being the positive person I try very hard to be, 

I will tell you that I did get my shopping done (even though it was a bit later than usual)

and I did get to attend the Tea with Mrs. Claus with my mom and granddaughters.

That meant a LOT to me (and them, too, I think).

My shopping I did mostly online. I LOVE doing that!

I still put a lot of thought behind each gift but it really simplifies my life. 

I do still like to visit the stores, but that's because I like to see the beautiful lights 

and decorations, and feel the magic in the air...people are usually bubbly and happy

and the spirit of giving is everywhere!

Today I spent the day with my husband. 

He got a few calls and I went with him. 

We also visited our new Paneras and Starbucks

 

I wanted us to be together because the first thing he said this morning was

"I think Christmas Eve is the hardest for me"

I said, "what do you mean?" 

He said, "since the kids are gone, it's just so quiet, it's not the same."

And he was right...

It's very different once your children are grown and out of the house, 

but we are SO incredibly thankful that they live in the same town

and that we get to see them and go to church with them,

and we will get to see them tomorrow for Christmas.

Sometimes I wonder if you can love your kids too much. 

Now that our kids have kids of their own, I'm sure they understand. 

I don't think you can really love them too much, 

as long as you don't let your love for them interfere with them living their own lives.

Manny & I do remember how good it felt to be on our own

when we started out together.

And we didn't live in the same town as our families did.

Whenever we'd go to visit them, we'd always get a sick feeling when we'd leave, 

but we were also so happy to be starting our own family.

Anyway, let me get back to my theme for today...

Christmas Eve.

This is what my house looks like at Christmas

Our Christmas Tree and Train (oh, and the Santa to the right of the tree...I love him)

 Our stockings (no chimney, so hung on the staircase instead - thanks Sis)

Our Bedroom Tree

 Our bathroom tree

Our Kitchen Tree (it has fruit ornament and kitchen utensil ornaments, and Santa lights

Upstairs landing area

 Automated Mr. & Mrs. Santa (thank you Chuck - my bro-in-law)

 Our Yard

 This is our front porch at night

We found this (real) sled at an antique shop years ago for $20.

I love putting it out the porch every year for Christmas.

 And this is probably my favorite Snowman