Two Christmases

With our Countdown to Christmas in Norfolk complete, it was time to load up the van and head out of town.  I taught yoga on Christmas Eve morning, so as soon as I was showered we left.  The kids could hardly stand it knowing that they would have two straight days of grandparents and food and presents.  Of course, grandparents did not disappoint.  It was the year of hunting, with all the kids receiving fake machine guns and real archery sets.  Soren got two electronic dogs.  The boys got lots of video games.  Oh, what joyful faces!

But Mama got the best gifts of all:

That's right, a mixer and some mace.  It's a Vescapades Christmas.

In all seriousness, Christmas this year was filled with smiles and joy, especially for our children, who are more oblivious to all the turmoil in our family.  We try to make their lives as normal as possible even though Mom and Dad are unbelievably stressed out.  It was hard for us to find Christmas joy this year, even though the world went on as normal around us.  Still, my husband has no job, we have no security, and my ability to work a job that supports six people is basically zero.

We are not religious folk, but the prayers of others have been appreciated.  I can surely feel all of the positive energy created in the universe by our friends and family.  Let's hope 2013 brings us many blessings, especially a new job.