bartenderbaby

Man, I haven’t had a minute to write a thought down in a quite a while. Maybe it just seems that way to me, but the holidays sure do give us a lot to do and even more to be thankful for.

We spent the weekend out of town visiting relatives. I think to a lot of people this particular holiday tradition is one to be dreaded. I’ve read so many blogs about family complaints and terrible family get-togethers that it seems almost common if not comical. Amazingly enough I seem to be one of the few who are truly blessed when it comes to great relatives. (Even my in-laws are wonderful…no kidding!)

I absolutely love spending time there. The landscape is picturesque with rolling hills, secluded woods with snow covered trees, a blanket of fresh white powder just waiting for the first sled to crash through it. The scurrying animals and twittering birds are all trying to gather up the last of their stash for the winter. Inside there’s a crackling fire and a freshly cut pine ready for decoration. There’s squishy furniture, cozy winter sweaters, kids running amok, and enough cards and board games to keep anyone busy all winter. We drink wine, eat fantastic food, and stay up all night talking and playing games. It’s like spending time inside a Rockwell.

OK, the Rockwell part might be stretching it. We have our share of dysfunction just like anyone else. (and that doesn’t include my overexcited toddler fouling up the bathroom with his half digested dinner.)  We all experienced a tragic loss earlier this year and it was incredibly sad, but somehow it’s brought everyone closer. To have something amazing bloom from great sorrow is sort of on the bittersweet side, but I am indescribably thankful for it, and thankful for these people I’m lucky enough to call my family.

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