A day off & bring on 2014

A Monday off is a rarity for me, and there is just nothing like it. Ya know? Sleeping in, morning snuggles with both of my guys (all of the daughters were spending the night away), bacon and eggs (cooked by the husband), pajamas the entire day....just nothing like it.

We did manage to get all of the Christmas trees and decorations put away today. It made me sad, and the house looks empty, but now we are officially ready to welcome a new year. I will be the very first to say an overly enthusiastic "SO LONG" to 2013. It has been a trying year, to say the least, but I would be lying if I said I haven't learned a whole heck of a lot about myself, about parenthood, about friendships, about prayer....about life. I feel like this year has been a test-- or more like a pop quiz-- on many levels, and, If I'm being honest, I would probably give myself a "B-", but whatev. I'm not perfect, and atleast I passed.

My hope for 2014 is that I can take all of my lessons, and use them to somehow become a better version of Maryann. A better version of Mommy. A better version of Robby's wife and best friend.

No matter what, I have never been able to deny that I am loved. What's more important than that, my friends? I can't think of a thing. :)  xoxo

Christmas, come back.

I want a Christmas re-do. Christmas is my thing, but I admit, this year, I just wasn't feeling it like usual...that magical, tingly, holiday, Christmas feeling that normally comes flooding in as soon as Halloween is over. It was a struggle to even want to put up our trees this year. This is not me. Not me at all. Most of December came and went without my over the top, obnoxious, shove it down your throat Christmas pep.

Then Christmas Eve came, and there it was. My Christmas feeling. We blasted Christmas tunes, made homemade Candy Apple Jelly, went to the store for holiday meal ingredients forgotten in the mad rush the day before, danced around the kitchen, watched black and white Christmas movies, cooked, baked, lit cinnamon scented candles, talked about Santa Claus (threatened the kids that he was STILL watching), visited Grandma's house. All of it. It was the best. Really, it was.

We were awakened at 5:01 on Christmas morning. 5:01am, people. Well, Christmas spirit was still fast asleep at 5:01 in the morning. Forreal. 

Nevertheless, Santa Claus had, indeed, visited our blessed home during the freezing cold night....and it was finally Jesus' Birthday. We were, once again, reminded of just how loved and insanely special we all are to have another year of life to celebrate.

Annslie (center) and her two best friends waiting on their Pajama party guests to arrive.

Madilyn, Allison, and the little redhead making place cards for the Pajama party happening later that night. 

Vintage snowmen inherited from my sweet Mother -in- Law.

Christmas morning magic.

Wyatt's room. I love this room.

Playing in sisters' room.

Freckles and concentration on Christmas morning.

Wyatt's tree.

View into a messy playroom.

Holly Jolly playroom.

Twinkly living room at night. My favorite.

Oh, Bentley.

It was back to work today, for me, but I have more time off with my favorite people next week. Wishing everyone a happy holiday/Christmas/Winter break! xoxo

BB

This is Bentley, but sometimes we call him "BB".  He enjoys these lazy, rainy Sundays when all of his people lay around with him. We hope you're having a nice Sunday with your people too.

xoxo :: Maryann (and Bentley)