Back to the Routine



Merry Christmas!

   

Oh my, how my family was not yet ready to greet this day! For about 2 weeks, we all have spent every single day together. My daughters are not home schooled (not yet anyway--preparations are underway, more to come on that later!! :) and they were on Christmas break. Husband also took some vacation time off and so my boy and I had the whole family home with us!! There we were, just getting in an extra dose of family love during the Holidays.

TM and I making cinnamon Christmas ornaments.



We took a break from our normal routines and really stopped to enjoy the season and each other. We had a wonderful Christmas day. The kids played and played and played.  If there was a movie on that Husband wanted to see, I just plopped right down on the couch and watched with him, even if there was just one more load of laundry to do. When we wanted a pajama day, we had one. It felt really good to take a break!!







Grandparents gave them gift cards to McDonald's.

 

As our time drew to near, each of us voiced our lament. We had a good time and just didn't want it to see it end. I also think that there is such an anticipation for the Christmas holiday that it feels like it comes and goes all too quickly. Husband and I discussed some different ideas for celebrating for next year. I would like to have a Jesse Tree, as the kid's and I have been reading the book during the Advent season. {The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean} Husband and I thought about "The 12 Days of Christmas" and maybe stretching our celebration a bit longer, but neither of us is sure about the history behind that (seems like a little research is in order, huh?). We also really liked the New Year's eve count down that I saw HERE, posted by Jen @ Adventures in Unsell Land.







"Look, Mommy! Daddy showed me how to hold my new sword!"

 At any rate, the Holidays have passed and THE DAY has come. Husband is back at work--Thank you Lord for providing for us. I took my precious girls to school--Thank you Lord that You've shown us a different plan. The boy and I have resumed our routine at home--Thank you Lord that I have a home to look after.







JR in a blanket!

 Although I had some misgivings and a feeling of dread about this "back-to-the-routine Monday," I am encouraged. The Lord has whispered some promises in my heart today and I am encouraged (I've been reading Psalm 19). There are some changes to be made and some things to overcome, but I am encouraged. Routines themselves aren't bad and are actually quite productive. I must remember to do things as unto the Lord.