Christmases #1 and #2 OF five are now behind us. Clearly there is Much Busy Activity happening in the House of Annabelle this time of year (FIVE CHRISTMASES), thus the limited posting. I’m only two Christmases into the season and already I am pretty much ready to sleep until New Years. The two Christmases we had this weekend were with my in-laws, who are lovely (if slightly insane) people. There was vegan chili-“cheese” dip, there was Chinese food, there was a snuggie gifted to my uncle-in-law, there was a “heated discussion” about Art Garfunkel (yes, really) and there was a Frenchman my brother-in-law met on the Internet who is visiting for a month. I love them all, and I didn't have retreat to the attic for quiet time hardly at all!
This week we have two more Christmases with my family (extended family in Wisconsin on Christmas Eve, immediate family in Minnesota on Christmas Day). Wednesday we are having dinner with my parents and a couple of their neighbors. Both families have grown-up children that I used to babysit, and WOW do I feel old when I think about that. One just turned 21 last week, and another is in LAW SCHOOL. That just isn't right. But I am looking forward to seeing them, even if they make me feel old.
I am also SUPER EXCITED to see my best friend Gail, who up and had a baby girl two weeks ago. I have yet to see any pictures, because Gail is sort of busy caring for the Amazing Growling Baby (she growls! HOW CUTE IS THAT?), so I'll have to take a million pictures when I'm there. Or maybe I'll just abscond with the baby. I'm sure no one will notice that my purse is growling on the way out the door, right?
So the week ahead promises to be filled with cookies and babies and truffles and presents and candy and family and popcorn and good friends. I just need to make sure that I restrict my eating enough so that I can still fit behind the wheel to drive back to Chicago on Sunday. I know, I set some lofty goals.
Happy holidays, all! May your days be filled with joy, may your nights be filled with comfort, and may your driveways magically shovel themselves.
