Christmas in Meeker

There is always much celebrating to be done in mid-December in Meeker.... and this year was no exception! Once the tree was up we were in full celebration mode at school, home and in the community. Several dear friends hosted us at dinner parties; our Meeker family got together for brunch; there was a staff party and a scholarship fundraiser party with much merriment and mingling; the community came out for the Parade of Lights and the Tour of Homes and the Community Choir Concert; and of course there was the school band & choir concert (where Hamp stole the show with his stellar cymbal playing and a little off-script dancing!) and Sam dressed himself as an elf for school. We even had our elf-on-the-shelf come visit us this again this year and he was particularly excited about the candy houses the boys made!

Once finals were done and school was out we relaxed just a little.... well, maybe a little too much! Not even 3 hours into the first morning of our winter break I was already irritated at Hamp for picking on his brother and at Sam for whining about it. I was a little worried about how the three of us would get along over the next 2 weeks together.... and even contemplated taking back a few (all?) of their top-notch gifts under the tree.
If I may digress a moment - these boys are not naughty. And I do like them.... but I have come to realize that they are not the best housemates. I nag all the time for them to pick up their dirty socks/shoes/wet towel/dirty dishes/backpacks/toys/etc. and whenever the slightest request is set upon them Hamp acts as if it's the end of the world. So I struggle with enjoying them... and don't always feel very successful in my attempts to show them patience and kindness. Trying to be all things to both boys is exhausting, so I am always grateful there are friends and family to back me up. I am also grateful that I can leave them for a while (with their sassy attitudes and dirty floors) and take Gabe on the trail to clear my head!

Back to Christmas:
We all managed to keep our hearts light and attitudes in check for the holiday and opened gifts with gratitude and excitement. There were Legos and gadgets and new socks and books. We awoke to just a little bit of fresh snow and spent the morning enjoying Christmas carols and, miraculously each other! 

coolest gift: new head scarves from The Bucket List Family - check them out! They're amazing.

most exciting gift: seriously... I can hardly breathe when I even think about it!!!

best gift: peace, sunshine, dog, family, friends on Christmas Day!