Christmas break begins today. :)

So, I really don't have that much to say, but I thought I should talk about SOMETHING since my last blog. I am fortunate to have found the time while away from home to blog and get emotions out. However, as usual, as time goes on, the emotions cool off and peace settles. I talked to Amy that night I blogged and asked for prayer. I prayed that night when I went to bed.

The next morning when I awoke at 5:30am with Starks, I grabbed his little body after he went potty and snuggled with him in my bed. He went back to sleep for a while, but I was up for the day. I lay there in bed thinking about how to begin my day. I wanted to bring something about how I felt up with MeMe, and I prayed to God to give me the words. I needed it to come from him, as I didn't want to confront and put anyone on the defensive. I went over in my head how I thought the conversation would pan out. And, when I finally left the bedroom and saw her that morning, it was one of the first things I said. The conversation played out just how I'd thought, but she said the visit was going great. It was wonderful in fact.

Later that morning, Russ' dad left for an appt, and MeMe shared with us some details on life. I think his frustration, grumpiness and negativity (some of it appropriate for his condition having just had surgery) affected her- in turn affecting us two fold. Anyway, it was nice to hear some real thoughts from her. It was a real conversation... not staccato or fluffy. It was life Monday was a 180 from the rest of our time. It was our last day, and it was nice. It was prayer. I thanked God over and over. I thank him again for his grace for me- that I may in turn have grace with others and myself.

(sigh)

So, I'm sitting here today waiting until I get to grab my kids from school and have TWO WEEKS off with them!!!! I cannot wait to have them all to myself. I anticipate us staying in pj's, playing, watching TV, going to the Children's Museum, etc. It should be a little snippet of summer. :) I am so excited, too, for Christmas. I love this time of year. Being out of town has made it feel less like a season and more like a few weeks. But alas, it is still wonderful. I have not baked yet, but I plan to start with the kids now! Life is good.

We are thinking now about a dog... and a new car. We are split on what's really important in a car, but I'm hoping we can get to a unanimous decision this weekend. However, I DID drive a Honda Pilot today... just to see if it's on the list! It's TOTALLY on the list! I really like it. I can see our three boys and Amy's, too, in the summer riding to the beach!

Well, there's not much to say. I love my family and am so blessed to have them with me each day. Life is very good. I am happy to spend time with just each other this Christmas. God has given me such a wonderful start here with my family, and this is my priority- my gift.