The girls are snuggled in their beds but far from asleep. Visions of Santa dance in their little heads. They have been tracking him online since early this morning. Excited does not even cover the emotion they are feeling.
I am sitting enjoying one of my own Christmas traditions, the annual watching of It’s a Wonderful Life. As I sit I hear the piter patter of little feet heading from a bedroom to the bathroom, a journey that has been repeated several times this evening. I had set a timer on the televisions which should have gone off by now. Hopefully sleep will be coming soon.
The innocence and amazement in my children’s eyes is a wonderful thing. When is it that we lose it? What a better world this would be if we could figure out how to share some of that wonder and innocence with many of the adults of the world.
For now it is my job to keep that wonder in my girls eyes as long as possible, and I am ready! Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a blessed day with the ones that you love!
Christmas is just 7 days away, I check the lists, hope everyone will be pleased with what “Santa” brings. I run around attempting to make everything perfect, make everyone happy. After the family goes to sleep I wrap presents, even built a bike last night.
It is so easy to get sucked into the “greed” of the holiday. Retailers opening earlier and earlier in response to people who just have to get that whatchamacallit before everyone else. Wallets and credit cards pushed to the limit in an attempt to keep up with the neighbors.
As the hustle of the season ramps everything into high-speed, as we rush here and there often passing each other in the hall, it is important to keep things in perspective. It hit me last night, so simple, so innocent and so sincere. As I dropped my girls off to CCD class, Megan stopped for a second, turned and said, “I love you mommy”. Those words, no greater words have ever been spoken! Sometimes the stresses of life can feel a bit overwhelming but how often do we add to those stresses by placing unrealalistic expectations on ourselves?
“I love you mommy” words from an angel who owns my heart.
Ahh the holidays, the smell of cookies baking, the sounds of carols playing, and of course the ever-present sick family member. This year it is members and it started with the youngest. We have all been battling colds for weeks. Very normal this time of year in my part of the world. By Christmas eve, Madi was complaining of ear pain so off to the doctor we went. Hoping that this was the worst of it, back to normal preparations we returned after our medical detour.
Next was my husband. Late Christmas Eve he said he did not feel well but with everything going on I did not think too much of it. Also, his decision to wash the car in the driveway in 40 degree, cloudy weather helped develop my belief that he got a bit of what he deserved. I told him to go to bed early but think he was a little afraid, (we watch It’s a wonderful life every year and then put the presents under the tree).
Christmas was a nice day. Frank did the cooking and most of the dishes but was struggling. At dinner he was sweating. By dessert he was shivering. By bed time he was in the fetal position with a fever of about 102.5 and a layer of blankets. His fever lingers but he is starting to feel better.
Megan must have felt left out because as I put her to bed on Christmas night I felt her little burning head. She had such a good time during the day she never complained but her fever was also about 102. To the doctors yesterday and a long wait. They pediatrician’s office was short-handed because they had to send a doctor home sick! By the way, when I woke up I had no voice, to the joy of the entire family. No fever so I am a step ahead of the rest! I dropped Meg home then went to the CVS to pick up her prescription.
Although plenty of time should have passed, I was told there would be a wait. As I looked around I realized the place was packed. In the back of the store is a Minute Clinic. There were people siting up and down the back 2 aisles of the store. They had to be waiting hours. The pharmacy had bins stacked. The sounds of coughing and sneezing filled the air and in my head all I heard was my own voice screaming to get the hell out of there, but I waited. I slid down an empty aisle and stood until I heard my name.
I am seeing posts on FB of people saying the same things, flu, viruses and sinus infections. It seems like an epidemic. Funny, they have been pushing flu shots. Everyone has told me that I needed to get one this year. I was going to the other day but with holiday chaos I never got there. The rest of the family did as did almost everyone else I know who are currently flat on there backs sick. Not too sure what to make of that.
I still have little voice and today a lovely cough has joined the party. Still no fever so I am the rock holding my achy fever ridden family together. Tomorrow and Saturday are both days to lay low. Sunday we are supposed to have Franks sisters for dinner so hopefully things are looking up by then. I am glad that the girls are off from school this week but also feel bad that their break is consumed with not feeling well.
Decisions for my Family 