So then I ordered combat boots...

Poor little blog, how I've neglected you over the past few weeks.  It has been busy and full and chaotic and wonderful over in our corner of the world throughout the holidays, and sometimes you just gotta let some things go in order to fully partake in the crazy.  And...I did.  The blog took a back seat, and that was just fine.

But, I missed it!  I missed writing and reading and looking out into the world (via my computer) at the lives of my bloggy friends.  

So.  Here I sit.  Ready to blog.  

....

Nothin'.  

Blank.

How about a random list of thoughts and observations to get the party started?!  Shall we?!

--Here is my favorite picture from our Christmas celebrations:

Yep.  That about sums things up right there.  Russell had to work Christmas week/day/weekend, so the girls and I were on our own most of the time.  It was kind of sad and lonely without Daddy, but we tried to make the most of it.  Couple that with the threat of impending ice storms (which never happened for us, thank the Lord), and it was kind of a stressful holiday being separated from my partner in crime and not knowing what the weather/travel would hold.  We were exhausted by the time he got some days off, and this picture taken on Christmas night just embodies the chaos of the week.  Happy chaos...but chaos nonetheless. ;)

--My voice is gone.  This is new for me.  I developed a case of the crud (technical terminology, I know), and it resulted in the loss of my voice.  This new development is proving to be quite the challenge with regards to my parenting.  Whisper-shouting makes my chest hurt, and the girls don't know sign language...soooo, we're kinda up a creek.  Here's hoping it comes back soon.  Although it does weird them out when I whisper at them, so they start to whisper back.  It's been pleasantly quiet around here, actually.  Perhaps whispering will be my new method to control the chaos.

--Need a good read?  Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth.  If you are a parent or want to be a parent, this book will have you in tears, both happy and anguished, before the end.  This book is full of first-hand accounts of midwifery in the slums of London in the 1950's.  Let me just say this: it is amazing how far technology and medical practices have come in the last 50 years.  Wow.  Makes me want to go hug my grandma.  Also makes me embarrassed that I whined because my epidural didn't arrive until I was at a nine...I STILL GOT ONE.  ;)  Also, PLEASE read the book before you watch the expertly adapted BBC miniseries.  Neither will disappoint...but, the English teacher in me urges you to always read the book first.  ;)

--After a brief holiday break, I am back to my clothes shopping hiatus.  I have to admit that it was with pure glee that I shopped the outlet malls in Branson, MO on our little family vacation.  Also, I relished frivolously spending a bit of gifted Christmas cash on new makeup at Sephora.  Just so happens that I either ran out of or broke most of my main makeup staples over the last few weeks, so that purchase was a tad bit justified.  Maybe.  Not really.  What is it about shopping and getting all dolled up that feels so...good??  Ugh.  I kind of can't stand how fun it is, because it makes me feel so frivolous and superficial.  Hmmph.  Maybe it's all about balance.  Credit cards are off limits in my book, so that keeps things in perspective.  Plus, I sort of feel that Christmas money should not be spent on things such as toilet paper and ground beef (unless necessary ..we've been there, folks!).  Anyway.  It was fun to tuck a few new, girly things into my closet, but now it feels almost more liberating to know that I'm not going to purchase any new clothes for the next few months.  Frees me up to do other fun things with my allowance.  Coffee, anyone?!  ;)

--The last couple of weeks, I've been sporting a pretty crap-tacular attitude about mothering my little girls.  Couldn't figure out why.  Then, I noticed my dusty Bible.  Coincidence?  I think not.  This could be a post in and of itself.  Perhaps it shall.

--The Christmas stuff came down, and, I have to say...it felt good.  Loved the glow of the tree and the precious Christmas crafts all around...but it is peaceful to have the house back to normal.  Does this make me a Grinch??

--Recently, I did something that, I feel, makes me a true American.  An honest-to-goodness, real deal, bona fide citizen of the USA.  I finally watched and actually enjoyed this:

For years, my husband has tried to get me to like Seinfeld, and for years I have resisted.  How could a show with no plot be enjoyable?  How could no one fall in love and get married in the end?  How could there not be a Rachel and a Ross?  ;)  Anyway, we watched all nine seasons, and, I must say, it was pretty funny.  There.  I said it.  (When my husband reads this, he is going to grin and say, "See.  Told ya."  THAT is why I held out so long.  That right there.) 

;)

--I ordered combat boots.  If you follow me on Pinterest, you're likely not surprised.  I'll keep you posted.

I've missed you, friends!  Hope you had a lovely holiday!
:)