Merry Christmas!

Well, it is Christmas Eve!  I thought I’d pop in to say Merry Christmas to all of you who read the blog each day.

We didn’t send out cards this year so this is our card.  Images by Kjeld Mahoney (with the exception of Poppy).

Yesterday we were making gift tags and this morning we’re baking cookies and biscotti for Santa.  John and Conor are so very excited for Christmas and Santa this year.

Before I proceed, I have to tell you of something that touched my heart.  The other morning when I was getting everything ready for school they were being very secretivie and whispering. They’d been collecting bits and pieces from around the house and have wrapped them up for Luke and I.  My red and white bakers twine is peeking out from the top of the parcel.

On the packaged it reads (in John’s best writing): “For Mommy and Daddy.  Merry Christmas.  Not to be opened until Christmas Day.”

Well, my heart fluttered when I saw what they’d been up to.

That is Christmas.

Not how many gifts.

Not how expensive each gift is.

Not  GIANT trees or a million Christmas lights.

Christmas is in the giving; the giving of love.  As I write this, tears are welling up in my eyes (which I am certain will happen when I open up this gift from them tomorrow). As one of our favorite writers wrote:

“Maybe Christmas…doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” – Dr. Seuss

For some reason that is resonating for me this year.  My little boys are growing so quickly and I want to hold onto all these moments. These little blessings.  I cherish the time with them.  So, I’m signing off this year to be able to spend time with my little guys and Luke. We’ll be cozy on the couch watching movies, playing board games and unwrapping a few gifts.

I’ll be back in the New Year with so much more to share – our life, our projects and our tips!  Until then, have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

I’ll be sharing photos and updates on Facebook and Instagram. So be sure to follow along there if you don’t already.