Christmas 2013.

Dear Scarlett,
This was our Christmas this year……….

Holiday Sangria

It's the morning after Christmas. I'm sitting here curled up on the love seat watching the snow fall outside the big bay window. A calm has come over the house. Scarlett is in her room sitting inside her new play canopy, a gift from her auntie Shauna.  I can hear her little voice reading books.

My family came this past weekend and we had a houseful here. Lots of laughing, eating and Christmas movies. They all left by Monday and it wasn't long enough. Ty's sister came from Massachusetts to stay with us for a few days during Christmas. We spent Christmas day with Ty's family. Another dinner and a full day of presents, Christmas music & delicious desserts.

Scarlett loved Christmas this year. As a lot of you know, she's been asking for a dollhouse for quite awhile. She has been telling everyone we come across. She must have been on the nice list because this year, Santa brought her a beautiful wooden dollhouse. Scarlett received so many gifts from family,  too. We are so thankful for all the fun toys that she got to open up. (Yes, even the scary Ursula doll, Kalin. haha.)  Scarlett is so appreciative for everything that she opened and that makes me feel good- like we are doing something right. I expected screaming and screeches of delight when she saw her dollhouse. But no, it was a quiet, modest expression of wonder and delight, which we are finding is most definitely a Scarlett trait.

There was so much excitement and I truly felt blessed to be surrounded by family. I know it sounds so cliche, but it really was a home filled with laughter and holiday cheer. Every year this happens. I feel sad after it's all over. I plan to keep my Christmas tree up until the New Year, along with the lights. Although the holidays are over, I still have a lot of things coming up. We are having New Year's Eve at our house with a couple friends and hosting a Holiday Party for 14 girls the weekend after!

The holidays always make me realize how blessed I am. Ty and I didn't exchange gifts this year. We just decided that we didn't need a thing. As I get older, it becomes more clear that the holidays aren't about what we get. My present was watching Scarlett open her gifts with wide eyes. That and spending time with all the ones I love. Someone asked me if I got anything good for Christmas this year and I replied with, "Yes, I got the best gifts ever! Scarlett is happy and healthy, I have a good man next to me, and a cozy place to call home." What could be better than that? Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.