The Wrap-Up

Okay, so it’s the beginning of the week, not the end when I usually do a wrap-up post, but it’s the end of the year. So there’s an ending here and even though I’m not going to recap the year for you, it just seemed fitting to do a wrap-up post of the holidays as my last post of 2012.

1. First of all, my brain can’t quite believe that we’re on the verge of 2013. Tomorrow. You know, I remember when I was in high school and was thinking oh-so-far ahead to when it would be the year 2000 and I’d be 30 then, which, at 16-17-18, sounded OLD. And here we are on the unfathomable brink of 2013 and I don’t feel much different than that 16-17-18 year old. Except I’m a heck of a lot wiser. But I don’t feel old. I’m starting to think that you probably NEVER feel old—at least in your mind. My dad, at 70, tells me that’s true. What a wild phenomenon that is.

2. We had a splendid Christmas that was quiet and relaxed—just right for us. I thought for sure the three year old would be up and ready to go at 3 am because she crawled into my bed in the wee hours of Christmas eve, wide awake and excited, asking me “What day is it, Mama? It is Christmas?” I told her it was Christmas eve, but she was so excited by the thought of giving and opening presents in just one more day that it took her a LONG time (hours) to get back to sleep. I was sure there’d be a repeat of that the next night, and the fact that it WAS actually Christmas would mean she’d be too excited to go back to sleep. However, when she crawled into my bed in the wee hours, she just snuggled right in and went to back to sleep. And slept until 8 am. :-)

3. For the first time, each of the kids made something different for their siblings—what we called their Super Secret Christmas Presents, or SSCP as Riley put it. It was a LOT of fun and they were so excited about giving each other their handmade gifts—bean-bag frogs, body pillows, stamped leather bracelets, and personalized cocoa mugs.

And since each child was SO excited about what they were making for their siblings, I was sneaky and made one for him/her too. Which they opened last to wide smiles. :-)

4. I’m also so freaking excited about what the kids and I made for Steve. A friend had posted a picture of one of these paintings on Twitter and I thought it was the COOLEST thing EVER. And I realized we could make one for Steve’s Christmas present because I knew he’d love it, too. Check this out.

Right? I mean, isn’t that gorgeous? The crayons are glued to the top of the canvas and then you use a hairdryer to melt them.

So easy and way too much fun. My kids were SO excited for Steve to open this gift. It was the first thing they handed to him.

5. We were so caught up in all our makings and doings that I totally forgot to plan for Christmas dinner. (I know, BIG surprise, right? I’m terrible at dinners.) So I made pizza. Not the most festive of meals…but it made everyone happy, so I’m going to call it a win anyway. :-)

I hope YOU had the loveliest of holiday weeks. I’d love to hear what you all did or made if you want to share below.

And here’s to a 2013 filled with all good things…for all of us. Happy New Year, my friends!