Although last year’s Christmas was not the pity party it set out to be, and it was one full of miracles, we both worked really hard to make this one better (and less in need of miracles. We have nothing against miracles, we just have something against NEEDING them. We’ve decided we’d rather see miracles without needing them so desperately.)
Little Red’s birthday party was strangely planned (I can say that without malice since it was I who planned it) and the timing put it right between American Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have learned my lesson and won’t be doing that again! Too much in one month!
I set out to keep my homemade Christmas vibe from last year, although most of the gifts were store bought. (It’s a long story but I’d really like to thank Disneyland for that! wahoo!)
The problem with the projects I undertook this year is that they were all bigger, took longer, and took more living space while in production than in previous years. The last one was completed two days before Christmas, which means that for only two suppers we had a clean table while we ate. I definitely need to manage my time better! I’m still trying to catch up on laundry from that insane month of projects, and I’ve stayed mostly on top of the dishes but haven’t given the kitchen a regular scrub-down in a couple of weeks. It’s bugging me.
Once Christmas was here and my husband’s entire family was together for the first time since … I’m not sure, it’s been a year and a half at least; things really got crazy but it was the most beautiful, fun, perfect Christmas. Today everyone goes home, our Daytime Brother is back, and Little Red’s got a friend from school coming over today and tomorrow. We are back in the swing of things! Hopefully tonight the boys will get to bed on time. I think I see Normal in the not-too-distant future. It looks beautiful.
Photos and details of the projects are forthcoming, but I will leave you with this: Paul has already put in his request for next year’s Christmas gift. He asked that I do less projects. I’ve decided I can please him and still please myself if I just start earlier. (Like mid-January.) I hear you loud and clear, sweetie! 🙂
BoysRUs 
I can’t wait to see the photos of the cute things you come up with! 😀
This year is going to be more homemade for me too. I’m looking forward to getting out the sewing machine and getting something made!
Looking forward to having you “back”. Sounds like you had a very busy time these last few weeks (or so).