Archive for December, 2006
December 14th, 2006
Twice in a Day
I hardly even remember to post here most days, but today I posted a normal commentary on my life and then went on to read some blogs, which I just love to do!
In reading someone’s blog entry about the holidays, traditions, family – I realized I had more to say today!
My mom was great about holidays and stuff while we were growing up – we had nice family traditions in general and we always spent the holidays with various extended family members having big dinners and enjoying my grandma’s holiday baking. DH and I love these kinds of dinners too and we alternate between his family and my family from year to year. But my mom isn’t a part of the tradition anymore – her choice not ours. She got re-married when I was a teenager to a man who presents some difficulties in all our lives. Sometimes he is great – he can throw an amazing get-together when he’s in the mood. But they got married on Xmas Eve and now consider Christmas “their time” not family time. She doesn’t see her grandkids for the holiday – usually she is in Mexico with her husband. I don’t like this, but have come to accept it. One year, DH and I and baby Izzy even joined them on the beach and it was nice, but kind of strange to have no snow, no cold, not even any turkey!
I’m glad that DH and I are pretty in sync about how to celebrate holidays – it was an adjustment at first, our families traditions were not exactly the same, but close enough to not be a big deal. Our kids have advent calendars with a little chocolate behind each day (growing up I did this – he didn’t), we put up the tree as a family and while I like it to be “pretty” I also absolutely cherish all the childhood ornaments and homemade decorations. The kids get Santa gifts and stockings and quite a few nice presents each from mommy and daddy – mostly practical but the Santa gift has to be a fun one! My favorite part of the holiday though is just all the time off with the family and all the yummy food! I can’t wait for the festivities to begin!
December 14th, 2006
Only 8 days to go…
Until I am on vacation!!!! Thank goodness, as I really feel like I could use the break. 10 days with me and the kiddos off for sure and DH probably too. Christmas is right near the beginning of our break which is great – sort of a get it over with and move on with the relaxing if you know what I mean! I love the Christmas season, but it can be so hectic. We have a couple of parties to attend and dinner at the in-laws on the big day itself. I’m sure we’ll do plenty of other visiting too, but hopefully we’ll get in lots of family time. If the weather is nice we’ll take the boys sledding and stuff. I’d love to take them to the pool a time or two also.
As for the rest of life, it’s going relatively smoothly for now. I am applying for new position (1 year term) at work and I’m really hoping to get it – I’ve always wanted to use the term paralegal and the money is better too!
And the current baby plan is that if I get this temp job (which ends approx end of 2007) then we’ll think about trying to conceive about halfway through the one year contract. The timing would be very nice, we’d probably have the baby just before Izzy finishes kindy and Xan will start kindy by the time I’m done mat leave. That will help keep daycare costs a little under control, and if our finances allow I’ll work only p/t around school hours somewhat so that I have no out of school care costs for the two oldest by 2009. I’m thinking about starting a home business (ever hear of virtual assistants?!) to make this dream of flexibility and children somehow come true!
Well, lots of work to do today, I guess I better get back to it!
