Is it really over?

2 weeks ago my house was still decked out with greenery, ribbon and wreaths.

Today, my tree and those of my neighbors lay alongside the road.

Waiting to be picked up.

Disposed of or perhaps recycled.

The gifts have been given and received.  Put away in new homes.  After all, a place for everything...

So,

Christmas is behind us.

Is it?

Should it be?

I hope not.  After all, Christmas isn't just about receiving.  It's about giving.  Giving of our gifts.  Not just material things, but the gifts of us:  our time, our energy, our patience, our praise, our prayers, our love... for everyone.

You maybe saw our Christmas card this year:

(yep, I got the idea via Pinterest)

But many of you probably haven't seen the inside.

This is the quote I chose to use this year:


Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976


This is how I want to live this year. 

But it's easy to get stuck in a rut.  Feeling weary, run down, busy and worn thin.  I don't want to be that person.  The one who finds themselves easily frustrated because the toys on the floor never go away.  (Actually I think two more come out for every one I put away.)  Or the dinner that gets scowls as I set it on the table.  I want to be the person who is able to choose Christmas everyday, not just once a year.

Joy. Generosity. Love. Prayers.  Happiness. Anticipation. Excitement.

This is my resolution.

Picture Me {IM}Perfectly

Hit by a Semi?

What a cliffhanger, huh?

Wondering what I'm talking about?  Well, if you read my last post, you'll know that my family and I were traveling when all of a sudden, I pointed out that there was a semi coming straight at us!

Fine....

You got me, we are all safe and sound as this semi was being towed away!  

But I did get some shock and awe out of the kids :)

Which was pretty funny ~ HA!

Anyway,  once we got to our destination, we checked into our hotel, called up my brother and headed to the pool.  Nothing fancy, but fun non the less!

Then we were off to do some mini-golf with my parents and my brother.

We attempted to keep score.  Not so sure any of us care to know what the final numbers were.  We do know we had a lot of fun!

Day 2 ~ off to the Zoo:

Action was very happy to have his Uncle and Grandpa around to swing him.

Of course there were 

Lions.....

And Tigers....

and Bears.....

ok, so I didn't get pictures of any bears, but I did get a picture of some alligators:

And a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure (or for our family to see if you're not interested)

Zoo

Cheesecake Factory

Swimming 

Bed

Another Fabulous Day

Unfortunately Sunday we had to head home.  

Another LONG day in the car. 

Monday.....

LAKE DAY!  Come back later to see the fun that ensued.

Dog Tired

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas!

I've been busy.

Having fun, but still busy.

Lots and Lots of late nights, laughs, gifts, and glasses of wine.

We're finally home again and I'm feeling a bit like this:

No worries though, I'll sure I'll be back to my old tricks soon :)

But until then, I'll leave you with some pics of Sassy and Action...

Having waaayyyy too much fun with my laptop!