So Christmas has officially come and gone. I have pictures, not uploaded just yet, but I'll share soon. We've had a nice time playing games, figuring out all the techy-type gifts and eating fabulous food with delicious snacks BUT
I call this time the post-Christmas fall out. It's just a blah time for me. Ya know, kinda like laundry day after coming home from vacation; the vacation was great but settling back down is a bit of a buzz-kill. I guess it's the lack of insanity with all the hustle, bustle, excitement and the preparations/shopping/wrapping/etc. being done. It's the constant trash pick-up of packaging tidbits; small parts to games; and then the if-I-have-to-sweep-one-more-pine-needle craziness. Although I am looking forward to jumping onto the organization bandwagon and decluttering clothes & toys (again!), I can't wait to get the tree down! Tomorrow (Monday) I am going to work with the kids and get their bedrooms done so we can get the tree down during the Saints game. Does that make me a Scrooge? I just want a sense of peace and when my house is clean and mostly clutter-free I am at peace.

Maybe I should have asked for a cleaning fairy for Christmas???

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; a Southern California Christmas --- beautiful clear skies about 65*, just perfect. Yesterday I was a wrapping fool and I managed to wrap w/o anyone sneaking in for a peek. Still have a few left but nothing that is overwhelming. I just wanted to share some pictures of the what it looks like around here........

 This is only 1/2 the house but it's a sample of the insanely tall tree that Collin decorates. You can't see the other tree; part of the yard; walkway. The rain has put a damper on him finishing the lights; makes for a grumpy Mr. Griswold.

 Grandma Hall's gifts; the kids can hardly keep their hands off even though I told them it was OK to eat the candy canes.

 The stockings are hung..........

 The cookies are made.............

 A Christmas with Scrooge has come to an end (our school 'family of friends' minus Skylar)

 but there remains more cookies to be made-- Chex Muddy Buddies; Chex Chili/Garlic Mix; and FUDGE!!! Ooooops, almost forgot to make the five cups/ambrosia salad for tomorrow. And coke-jello salad.

We'll head to church for Christmas Eve service; have some yummy homemade carnitas for dinner today and spend the evening playing games and watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'; tomorrow is the main event. Collin's prime rib, yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, and more....

The only thing missing is extended family and SNOW.

BUT, in the words of Tiny Tim,

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas to you all