AHHHHH. I breath a huge sigh of relief. My family left this morning and I have a good start on cleaning my house. Since we don’t do a lot of Christmas decorating we were able to un-decorate in a mere hour. Next is to purge my system of sugar and fat!

We did end up having a nice time with my family. Pear scored big time with her Christmas gifts. My mom always goes overboard. She received many new toys that I will put away for a while. I agree with Melissa. She will never know some toys are missing (especially at 6 months of age) and it’s fun to pull out a new toy throughout the next few months. Plus, a lot of the toys are a little advanced for her now anyway. I got some great kitchen gadgets from Crate and Barrel (my favorite store!). This might seem selfish but I actually registered for things at C&B. My thinking was …….if anyone asked what I wanted for Christmas I could say just check out C&B (most of the stuff I registered for was not expensive) and some people (my mom) won’t take “I don’t need anything” for an answer.

I’m happy about our Christmas overall, but I find I feel guilty afterwards. Like I said before, my parents go overboard. Giving all of us “stuff” for Christmas gives them much pleasure, I know but it gives me a knot in my stomach to think how much they spent on us. My mom actually gave money to Samaritan’s Purse in our name and I like that idea. I think next year I will ask for donations to charity for Christmas.

Will Christmas ever end?? I have learned my lesson. We took our baby to the in laws for her first Christmas and of course my parents were disappointed. Really, I can’t blame them so we thought it would be a good idea if they came up to visit after Christmas and we would do our family Christmas on the 29th (5 days after Christmas!). BAD IDEA. I feel like I’m stuck aboard a ship with no wind to be found. UGGGGGGG. Just when I am sick of eating the usual Christmas Crap and ready to purge my system…..I can’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family. I love hanging out with them. They are always there for us and treat Pear like she is a princess. She will be spoiled by them for sure. I am just ready to move on, begin the new year with healty meals and TAKE DOWN MY TREE, deep clean my house, throw away all the high calories cookies and exercise!! Next year I will know to do Christmas #1 before and #2 on Christmas. No more after Christmas, Christmas. I am stuck in quicksand and going no where.

Wow, I actually have a little time to sit and write a bit. The holiday madness is taking over my life!

We are gearing up to drive north-to spend Christmas with the in-laws-in a little town that’s dear to my heart. My old college town but it sure has changed a lot since then and it’s COLD there! COLD, COLD and WINDY. I have been bracing Pear for the bitterness that is Wyoming. We have extra everything. Smartwool socks, hats, gloves, blankets, snowsuit (for Pear) and the ever essential long underwear. I am so wimpy since moving to Colorado.

We have so much crap to haul-most of it for Pear. I think that’s a good reason for gparents to come and see us for the holidays. I can’t believe how packed our car will be. We also are carting presents that my in-laws asked us to purchase for them because they live in a tiny town and we live in the city. This frustrates me because I hate Holiday shopping, the malls are a madhouse, the traffic horrendous and they gave us few days notice! My gracious husband had to make two separate trips for his family this week. UGG.

I should be excited for Christmas, it’s my baby’s first, but I find I am lacking in excitement. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because we are spending it with the in laws. I guess every thing’s different when you don’t get to spend the holiday with your own family. I like my husband’s family (most of the time). Sure his parents are a little weird-who’s aren’t? It’s just that the food is different and the traditions strange and there are many rambunctious kids. It’s just not the same. Sigh. I think it’s time to start our own traditions.