11-2

and now the time shall fly...at least that's how is seems to me. it's the end of the year whirl wind. transitioning from one sport to another, the increased amount of homework, the craziness that comes with 4 rather busy holidays. not to mention the number of birthdays, PU football games and youth activities. holy moly! absolute craziness... yet i really enjoy it.

when granny anderson was alive where we would be for the holiday was a given. this was a tradition from andy's side of the family that i truely enjoyed. it reminded me of the big family gatherings we had at my grandparents house. just as those became a memory so have the gatherings on andy's side. tradition always brought everyone home. it was the time when cousins who lived quite a distance away reconnected. the smell of the food, the anticipation of everyones holiday dish and the laughter and reminissing that took place filled your heart.

as a child i always enjoyed one side of my famililies gatherings more so than the other. and as an adult that still holds true. like when i was a child i enjoy seeing those who i can't see on a regular basis. i enjoy reconnecting and catching up. however year after year i feel my kids and i are the only ones who feel this way. as others seem so lax to make the plan.

i have no idea what this year holds. i do know of 1 plan already in place. and rightfully i should be on board with that one....yet my kids are hoping, as am i for another option to add to the day. we've always managed 2 in the past. part of me says "they heck with it...we'll do our own thing".

i've hosted before and have never seen it as a "job" rather an oppertunity to host. i enjoy cooking for a purpose and don't even mind the clean up. but given the state of the house/projects...hosting for me is out of the question. perhaps next year.

this i know...it's the time for thanks, a time for celebrating the birth of the Christ child and time to be out with the old and in with the new. it's a time to be with loved ones and friends celebrating blessings of all kinds.

i've written before about replacements...perhaps this season it's time to call them in.