Christmas Magic...

I took a vow of radio silence, and I've been upholding this vow.  This was mostly because I was being too affected by my news feed.  This was a great idea because I was able to figure out what was stressing me out, and how I'd really like to be able to use FB in the future.  I'll be back in 2015, but I'll have some cleaning to do of my news feed.

Onto Christmas Magic.

(Visiting Santa when we went to see the town's tree lighting)

I noticed the other day, that when I didn't have Christmas music playing on my car radio, that it really didn't feel like Christmas at all.  I don't know if it's the lack of snow, or being 36 and a parent, or that I am really dreading the onset of true winter in the next 2 months (p.s. happy first day of winter!).  Whatever it is, I noticed that the magic seemed to be missing - at least for me.  

Don't get me wrong, we have decorated the house, and we've gone to see the lights, sent out cards, received cards, etc.  It's just....hmmm...another day to do other things.

(Graham cracker crunch with a Tara spin - Almonds instead of walnuts, and added a drizzle of chocolate ganache.  The batch did not last through until the next day. YUM )

I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy (more than likely).

Even though I may not be filled with the magic of Christmas just yet, I still am very happy this holiday season.  My family and I have been so blessed, and I just want to make sure that I take a minute and express the things I'm thankful for this year.

First and foremost, our health.  My family is healthy and happy.  The girls are growing and learning new things every day.  Tony and I have both lost weight and continue to work on living a healthy life.  

(We took the girls to see The Nutcracker.  I loved it.  Mia loved it.  Tony seemed to like it.  I think Olivia thought it was ok.)

I am thankful that we've begun to travel.  This year we took our kids to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland and Kansas.  Not to mention the many trips to explore Chicago.  I've always wanted to see new places and I'm so happy we've been able to start traveling, and to share this with our kids.

(My train companion, commuting to Chicago to see the decorated windows at Macy's and the zoo lights at Lincoln Park Zoo)

I'm thankful that Tony and I have good jobs and that we, together, are able to provide for our family.

(Dinner, after Winter Wonderland at Mia's school - Pajamas were the required attire.)

I'm thankful for friends.  My life is brighter, views expand, experiences known, with new and old friends.

I'm thankful for my brother.  He's been my therapist this year, and a great listener and shoulder for me.

I'm thankful for my husband.  He keeps me grounded, makes me laugh.  He's awesome.

I'm thankful for my kids.  They make me laugh, make me cry, make me yell.

(Olivia's picture of me.  Made me laugh)

I'm thankful for all of you that are reading this.  I hope that you have a happy and wonderful Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or any holiday that is celebrated.  Have a safe and wonderful new year too!