12 days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my family sent to me,

A book full of Christmas stories

Every night the kids are anxious to read another story from this fun little book from my Mom.

On the second day of Christmas my family sent to me a journal of Christmas devotionals from Elizabeth and family.  And brownie mix and mint chocolate chips.  (I think, I must be getting old if I can't remember what happened only a few days ago)

after that I'm not sure of the orders of things.  From Darren and Steph a blizzard of snowflakes, some with love notes (is that the right word?)

and candies

From Andy and Sharisse a box of goodies, which were vaporised by hungry munchkins

from Holly a Tardis blanket.  (Zak:  does this mean you're bigger on the inside, hehehehe)

from Sheldon and Sara a pictionary/telephone game, telestrations, which they played all day Sunday.  

From Linnea a game of Suspend where you are hanging up things and hope they don't fall down.  That one went to the ward Christmas party and nearly caused a riot when nobody else brought stuff to keep their kids entertained until dinner started.  Plus muffin mix from Linnea, which caused me to ponder why I didn't stop at Lehi Roller mills on my last trip through Utah?   And stock up on Stephens?   (if the answer is that I am dumb please don't tell me)

From Darren and Steph a box full of get-well-soon notes and Ferrero Rocher.  That Cambria is quite the artist!  I may even share the chocolates with my kids.  Maybe.  

From Holly a box of truffles, ornaments and a pretty necklace/earrings for me.  

D hanging the pretty holly ornament.  

This is why I try to write the thank-you-notes as soon as the kids open stuff, because I forget things!

Three more days to go!  

Snow!

first thing in the morning the kids built a Frosty

You know that Josh Groban song, Thankful?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U-5EiRM1GE

It's been a rough year around these parts and I've spent a lot of time feeling overwhelmed.  Overwhelmed, but still picking myself up and soldiering on.  Luckily even in the midst of this season of crazy busy rehearsals, parties, potlucks, cookies, planning and decorating,  I've been able to find little moments of gratitude and peace.

There's so much to be thankful for.  Truly.

I'm thankful for music.  This time of year gets seriously wild with rehearsals and performances, both by me and my kids but it's been so much fun this year!

I'm thankful I get to perform this lovely piece:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ch7uottHU

I'm thankful for family.  This week a box arrived from ThinkGeek and I spend a good 20 minutes staring at it trying to figure out if I'd ordered something and then forgotten?  Then I opened Mom's gift with presents for the first day of Christmas and the 11th and my puny little brain went 'oh, this must be what Sara's email was about not opening until the 15th'.  12 days of lovely reminders from my family that I'm loved.

I cried.

My insane, big, loud, rowdy, sarcastic, amazing family.  How do you thank people for a lifetime of support and love?

I'm thankful for friends.  I'm not good at asking for help, but my lovely friends have offered words of encouragement, offered listening ears and hugs.  One friend just showed up with a huge gift basket from Great Harvest full of goodies.  (my love language is totally food)

I'm trying to be thankful in all things.


Still not grateful for cancer.