The kids have moved on to their next Christmas after a good (and exhausting!) celebration. The tree is up and will be for a bit. I need the light and to be honest, have barely had time to sit with it and fully enjoy. I've had rough holidays before. This one has been overwhelming. But, as someone once said to me when I was doing theatre and we were all tired, not always sure of the steps, "Smile, and keep on tapping!"
The week leading up to Christmas -- or rather, the few days before the kids came -- was hectic. Loads of presents to wrap (some to mail). A doc appointment (still can't drive till New Year's Eve; other restrictions till mid-January), followed by a delightful brunch with my driver Carol at a spot new to me -- a good find!
Baking, or trying to. The mixer broke mid-recipe. Only the cherry bars and shortbreads got done -- not enough for my usual generous cookie plates, but good enough for now. But that didn't stop me from being in the kitchen! My friend Jerry came from Paris! We had a terrific afternoon and evening, enjoying presents and snacks, then dinner. (No mixer required.)
It's hard to believe that this morning is Christmas Eve, but our Christmas actually began a few days early and is winding down. We thought the kids were arriving on Monday. Nope -- they would be here on Sunday! So on Saturday, we both were flying around, getting ready! And when they arrived, the merriment began! Since pizza was on the menu, Grandpa and Cam made the crust.
Kevin was in charge of chopping and toppings! I love seeing these guys in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Molly and I played games with the kids, fun for all of us!
After dinner, the decorating began! First we had to dig all the ornaments out of the box.
The, onto the tree! Definitely a team effort.
Soon it was time for Rick and me to head to my house, Kevin, Molly and Carson would sleep at Rick's. We had a designated guest to take with us! Who could resist this smile? Or those PJs?
A fun bedtime story, lights out -- for all of us. One day of merriment down!
Meanwhile, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! (More to come!)
Sharing with: Friday Face-Off
...Jeanie, Christmas is brighter with young children, enjoy yours. Peace.
ReplyDeleteSending so much light and love to you and Rick and Lizzie - Merry Christmas, dear one!
ReplyDeleteYou have enough activity for all of us! It's okay to rest from tapping, too!
ReplyDeleteSomehow, you have carried on in grand fashion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a mad dash for you and Rick! But I think the kids were likely oblivious to any stress you were feeling or emanating! I am glad you had a great time. I hope the next couple of days are slower and more peaceful. You've had a hell of a year. I hope you can sit down and stare at your tree and find your happy place. Thanks for my insomnia, I've spent a lot of time in front of the tree in a quiet house when everyone else is sleeping. And while I'd rather be sleeping, there are worse things than staring at a tree.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Jeanie. I'm so grateful for our friendship and glad that I FINALLY got to hug you in person!
Wow, those trees turned out fabulous! I love your decorating style. Have a great rest of your holiday season.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Eve! You are like an energizer bunny, even not being at 100%.
I hope you are healing well. Your photos show you are all having fun! We are having our Christmas celebrations with son, DIL and grandchildren today. Take care, have a great day! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
What a delightful time you had! Hope you feel stronger everyday and enjoy every minute….Merry Christmas. Cheers, Virginia
ReplyDeleteVery tiring ,- but lots of fun too! A very Happy Christmas to you all!
ReplyDeleteChristmas is much more fun with children. I loved it as a child and then with our daughter. Now it's just the Geek and myself - it's not as magic, but we will have a good, lazy time together.
ReplyDeleteThat top photo of Rick is wonderful, he has such a great smile. And soon you will be able to drive again and then it's only a few more weeks until your limitations will end. Something to look forward to.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is always fun with children around. Wish my kids and grands were young again. Glad you had a wonderful time and hopefully you will be able to drive again soon. Merry Christmas! Janice
ReplyDeleteOn balance, sounds like more good than bad, Jeanie, and you have the pleasure of driving to look forward to! Now that’s a mixed blessing if ever there was one!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Rcik Jeanie x
ReplyDeleteIt reads like a Christmas marked by fatigue and fullness in equal measure—imperfect, demanding, and deeply human
ReplyDeleteA lovely start to Christmas and more merriment to come :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas-time.
All the best Jan
Looks like a great time, Jeanie! Beautiful photos! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe memories you are making with the boys will be treasured. Enjoy the rest of your holidays!
ReplyDeleteThe Holidays can often be a little overwhelming and sensory overload. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanie, what fun you have enjoyed even with a broken mixer! Cute pic with the guys in the kitchen! Merry Christmas to you and Rick!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a fun time with the kids, as well as with friends, and that has to make the non-driving and other restrictions seem less intrusive. It does look like a super time, and I hope the kitty Lego goes well for you when you finally get time to make it. You may get the Lego bug working on it. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and many more joyous holiday moments. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteOh, those mixers. I finally (and quite literally) trashed my portable this year when I couldn't get the beaters to eject. Of course, the thing was decades old and had been in decline for quite a while, so it wasn't a big loss: especially since I could replace it for under $30. Obviously, I don't do a lot of baking and such! Merry Christmas, and now perhaps a little merry relaxation, too. Enjoy the rest of this wonderful season!
ReplyDeleteA very happy holiday season to you and Rick. May you have some peaceful moments of joy.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! (ツ) from Jenn Jilks , ON!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas🎄🎄
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Jeanie! Hopefully, you’ll look back someday and be able to smile upon this Christmas and all the mishaps, surgery, and in between such joy and love!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and Rick and Lizzie too. Hoping your day today is peaceful and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas to you guys.
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy with your extended Christmas. I hope you are having a wonderful day today and can hopefully relax a little. Karen (Back Road Journal)
ReplyDeleteJeanie and Rick, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and it looks like the fun has already begun! We hope the rest of your holiday season will be relaxing and joyful.
ReplyDeleteHaving the kids is such a joy. Wishing you very happy and joyous Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLots of memories made...Merry Christmas to everyone...Your trees are lovely...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas 🎄
ReplyDeletersrue.blogspot.com
Making fun and lots of memories.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you were quite busy for a few days. I hope your Christmas was merry and bright! Now on to the new year.
ReplyDeleteI know we all want it to be perfect. But I am sure they had a lovely time and enjoyed every minute of being with you!!
ReplyDeleteNo time to rest.
Cathy
Glad you had a lovely Christmas!
ReplyDeletewonderful loving family time photos ~ hugs to all ~
ReplyDeletehttps://anartistreflects.com
We don't celebrate Christmas, but to me this is what it's about. So much love and fun in your family. Thank you for sharing with FFO. Sending healing energy to you too.
ReplyDeletethanks
ReplyDeleteyou guys really know how to celebrate, anything and everything!! i really love the picture of rick, it's just so sweet!! you never really know when you are making a memory!!
ReplyDeleteoooooh and that brunch, i am really drooling!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas - looks like fun was had by all
ReplyDeleteIt's always wonderful to have a Christmas celebration! It looks like you all had a great time. But I see why you are tired! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderfully exhausting;)
ReplyDeleteHow fun for the children to be involved in decorating. Your trees look beautiful. Merry Christmas and hope you can relax.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas 🎉
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! Our children also decorate the Christmas tree on the morning of Christmas Eve, December 24th.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy time until New Year's Eve and a wonderful New Year.
Hug Viola
Your health has brought big joy to your family.
ReplyDeleteYour health has brought big joy to your family.
ReplyDeleteHappy FFO and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWe hope you had a wonderful Christmas with the perfect mix of merriment and peace. Purrs from Emily and Willow
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Jeanie and Rick...I love to celebrate Holidays all week long...makes more memories to treasure.
ReplyDeleteI missed this in real time... but pizza, cherry bars, Parisian friend, tree decorating, guys in the kitchen... good times :)!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's a great lesson "keep tapping!" XOXO
Grandkids make Christmas SO special. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSo much happiness and fun shines out of these photos . I believe you when you say it was tiring too - the sort of tiring that is GOOD!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, how lovely it was to read this post. I love the photos, especially the last one, so cheerful and homely.
ReplyDelete