I started the month with finals. As I have for the last five years, but this time it was different. It was my last finals week before graduating. You'd think that would be mean less stress, but with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, and two makeup test on my mind, along with finishing up an essay for my internship, I was stressed to my limit. I have to admit the ice storm we had and the four days of being trapped in the house, did wonders for me. I really needed that time to slow down, and enjoy some much needed family time.
The next week my parents arrived, and the graduation festivities began! The BFA show reception was rescheduled (due to the ice storms) to the same day as my graduation ceremony. It worked out wonderfully for my folks to be able to do both. It made for a long day, but at the end of it I finally felt complete. Jason and the kids were such troopers. It warmed my heart to see my family smiling and waving as I walked into the arena with the other graduates. I know they are so proud of me, and I think it was important for them to see the end result of all the time I have spent in school these last few years.
That was Sunday. The following day, Monday, began the insane power Christmas shopping with my parents. I had pretty much nothing before that day. I didn't even do Black Friday shopping like I usually do. In one week, and with two trips to Arlington, we got everything for four children, two grandparents, one husband, and me bought, wrapped, and ready for Santa. Amid all that, throw in mini cheesecakes for school teachers (Ivy has no less than seven people who work with her), gingerbread cookie making and decorating, and decorating the house for Christmas. I'm surprised no one died of exhaustion!
Christmas day was perfect! The kids couldn't have been happier. Well, I take that back. Emilie would have been happier with a different pair of boots (which she later got), and Adelaide would have been happier if she could have gotten all her gifts and all her sister's gifts too (but we're working on that). Carmella hasn't taken off her new princess dress and shoes yet, Ivy loves her ponies, and Jason has happily retreated to his new tricked out man-cave in the garage. All the kids are super excited about the new trampoline bed Grandpa got for them. Ours ripped a few months ago, and we hadn't gotten a new one yet. Grandpa couldn't stand it! He is the hero in our house.
I spent the day with Mom. We cooked Christmas dinner together, and made it just like I remember. That was all I needed to have a perfect day. We also spent time putting together the Family calendar I make for her and Dad every year. Thanks to Shutterfly, they should have it just in time for New Years Day!
Mom and Dad went home on Friday, and the house hasn't been the same without them. The kids are missing them big time. Carmella keeps asking where they are. I've been a little lonely without them too, but we are all looking forward to a long visit this summer.
I'm really looking forward to a slower week and new year. Emilie is throwing a New Year's Eve party for some of her church friends. That should be giggly and fun. I'll post pictures of that this week. Other than that we have no plans, and I can't even express how good it feels to say that!
