Holiday Recap

Jon and I tossed around several ideas regarding what to do during the holiday season. We thought about disappearing somewhere about mid-December and resurfacing in January like nothing happened. But I could not resist the call of the nieces and nephew. As much as I want to be a parent, I do LOVE being Aunt Karen.

I cherish the relationship that I have with my nieces and nephews. If I already had children, it would be different. I know we would still be close but it would be different. When you don’t have kids of your own I think you have the upper hand in being the “fun” Aunt and Uncle. You don’t have to play that hand, but it’s there. I’m certain my sister’s kids think every day at our house is like this. Despite the fact that the disco ball is still hanging in the living room, every day at our house isn’t like that.

So we headed about 600 miles to the east and spent some time with my family. I had a blast being Aunt Karen to Olivia, Jackson and Ivy. Anyday now they are going to be too old to think I am cool so I better enjoy it now. Trust me, Ivy is 5 going on 15 so it really could be any day now. I did have a brief crying spell during Christmas Eve service and again on Christmas morning but not too bad considering early December I wanted to go to sleep and wake up in January. Last Christmas I spent so much time thinking about what this Christmas would look like. It didn't look like that and when I was quiet and still, it got to me. Luckily there wasn't much quiet and still with all the fun going on.

I don't know where she is or when we will meet her, but "LuLu" is already so loved. She was mentioned on some Christmas cards that we received. While helping Ivy clean her room, I accidentally found the blanket that my sister and her kids started making for "LuLu" last summer. My parents had a present for "LuLu" under their tree. My Dad corrected me regarding my previous post. He point blank reminded me that it doesn't stop at three. He's absolutely right - there are Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends, Dogs and Birds waiting right along with us. For that, we are grateful.