New Year's Eve

 I historically despise New Year's Eve. A holiday with its foundation in celebratory drinking, revelry and over-the-top parties just never appealed to me. Perhaps because I'm a homebody at heart, but New Year's Eve always made me feel lonely and guilty for being on the couch watching television with a bag of chips and a tub of onion dip. It felt as if the rest of the world was together having fun and I was alone and pathetic. Not exactly a fun way to bring in a new calendar!

This year New Year's Eve feels different. I am actually excited about the turning of the year and the prospect of starting fresh. Logically I know that the pandemic and political turmoil will be still be monopolizing our lives well into 2021. 

New Year's Eve doesn't change anything other than providing an opportunity to feel optimistic. Optimism and hope is something that has been in short supply throughout 2020. May 2021 be better for everybody! 

If you are celebrating away from your couch tonight, please wear a mask and don't drink and drive. The world is filled with so much heartbreak right now.  Stay safe!

Treasure Hunter

I am loving this crisp and cool yet not painfully cold weather. Timmy and I spent nearly four hours outside yesterday, playing with his new toy plane and climbing on the logs. I did my best to keep up with him but his energy seems endless! 

I am thoroughly enjoying our Christmas stay-cation. Without having to worry about school schedules and because Scott is home to help, I am able to finish my work in the early morning and evening. It has been so nice disconnecting each afternoon to play and hang out with the kids. Going back to our reality schedule next week is going to be a shocker for everybody. 

We still have a few days left of our respite from reality, and I plan on making the most of it. Today is going to be beautiful again, so I'm sure that there will be more log climbing and plane flying in my future. Although we haven't yet been successful, I'm sure that Timmy will convince me to go on another treasure hunt. (He is certain that there is a million dollars hidden somewhere in our yard.)

Have a great day!

Log Climbing

Our house is definitely in "chill out and relax" mode. Although I'm still working, all of the boys are on Christmas vacation. Even though I'm not on vacation, my days are considerably easier because I'm not managing schooling and other activities. I've come to realize that this is as relaxed and laid back as I'm going to be at this stage in my life.

The weather has been unseasonably warm, allowing the boys to play outside. We recently had several trees cut down so several parts of our yard have been transformed into an engaging obstacle course. Timmy has spent hours climbing, jumping and traversing over and around the logs. (Yes, we did make sure that they were all stable before allowing him to climb.) 

Yesterday Hamlet was begging me to climb on the logs with him. Although I really wanted to play with him and hated to disappoint him, I had to say no. I just don't trust my balance on the logs with my prosthesis. My limb has been stable but sore lately, and I don't want to risk my mobility by slipping on a log.

I hate having to pass on an activity because of my amputation. While I'm sure I could have done it if I absolutely had to, I knew it was best if I stayed on the sidelines. Instead of climbing with him, I made a game out of his completing the obstacle course in different ways. He seemed content and seemed to forget that I wasn't participating in the way that he originally requested. 

Today the weather is supposed to continue to be nice. I'm sure that there will be more log climbing and outdoor exploring in my future. If we can't have snow, I'm glad that it is warm enough to enjoy being outside.

Christmas!

I've always loved the holidays, and my joy has only intensified after having kids. The only thing better than experiencing Christmas morning is watching the excitement and magic unfold in front of your kids. Although Robby is no longer a believer in all of the magic of Christmas, he continues to play along with all of our traditions.  

Like everything else this year, Christmas felt different. I was approaching the holiday with both excitement and dread. I was looking forward to witnessing the joy and excitement of my kids, but I was longing for our traditions and connections with family and friends. 

Refusing to allow a pandemic to keep her from her Christmas Eve tradition, my Mom took a Covid test which verified that she was negative before traveling to visit us.  I think Timmy was more excited that his Nana was visiting than he was Santa. He eagerly sat by the window all day on Christmas Eve, patiently (and sometimes impatiently) waiting for her to arrive. When she finally pulled into the driveway he bolted out of the house to greet her with a squeal and a hug.

In a year that has felt awkward and abnormal, it was wonderful having my Mom here for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I loved watching her play with the boys and snuggle with Timmy before falling asleep with him on Christmas Eve. (Per tradition, she slept in his room to keep him from peeking.)

Christmas morning was a flurry of torn paper and excited exclamations. Both boys seemed delighted with their haul. I guess they were both especially good this year because they both received their declared wishes. Robby spent the rest of the day setting up his new laptop while Timmy happily walked and played on his new treadmill. (A strange request for a six year old, but he was consistent in his request.)

My Mom left after Christmas dinner, leaving the house feeling both quiet and content. Timmy sobbed for almost two hours, sad that his Nana left and repeating, "It is hard to say goodbye." I'm hoping that the vaccine rolls out quickly, because I don't want as much time to lapse between visits.  

I hope that everybody had a wonderful Christmas, filled with joy and new memories.