blessings, though somewhat obscured.

the holidays are a wonderful time and holiday stress has never affected me. i've always been able to feel that magical holiday feeling where i'm nothing but grateful for all i have and everyone i know.

i still feel mostly that way, but the stress thing was in full effect this year. in the last few weeks, several things have gone wacky! the dogs and their issues two weeks ago - eating ten doses of rimadyl, induced vomiting, bloodwork, a clean bill of health and then sketch eating two bars of chocolate the next day. pam's bag didn't arrive for a day, one of the presents in hank's carry-on broke, i backed into a car, my car ended up in the shop, we ran out of shortening for the rolls, laura's dog and my dog had a fight, my grandma got sick and couldn't come over for dinner, and we have had plumbers out three times and have paid $300 and our plumbing still isn't fixed. all these things were tough on me, and even paul.

all of those things aside, i have a way longer list of pros. we are all here together! i had such a nice time with all the people who came to our xmas party! paul had a chorus of people singing him the happy birthday song last week! everyone got nice gifts! all my new sweaters fit! laura has a sweet new dog! and so many other things.

christmas magic isn't gone, i 'spose, but it has changed a little. hopefully my anxiety will chill out now and we can enjoy our last two days together! i hope this blog doesn't seem too debbie downer - just being honest about how easy it is to try to take something that is already great the way it is - the holidays - and letting stress and expectations get the better of you.

merry christmas everyone! i can't wait to upload pics of all we've been up to. but for now, back to watching a movie on the couch with family. simple pleasures are truly the sweetest.