December is kicking my butt.
Every single year I think I'm going to be more on the ball and better prepared for December, and every year at about this time I wonder what happened and why I'm not on the ball. Again.
I'll try again next year. Meanwhile, the cards have been sitting here for several weeks now, still waiting to be addressed. The kids wrote their wish lists, but I've not bought a single thing. I quit sugar on November 1st, so I've been nixing all talk of baking. BUT - we did sync schedules yesterday and the tree is up, so there is that! Tree shopping happened at 9am, with dad completely oblivious of tree farm etiquette (an annual tradition) and the siblings cracking jokes that only siblings can get away with.
It took me three hours to warm up after that quick outing. I'm pretty sure I'm battling a sinus infection. I'll keep working on battling it myself for a few more days before I head to Redicare. This morning I woke up because my head was splitting so badly I could no longer sleep. I don't have time for this. I need my sleep.
I almost skipped the parade last night due to the headache, but I didn't. I couldn't. It's just too fun. We have to be at lineup just after 4pm for a 6pm parade start, so I stayed in the truck for as long as possible to stay warm. Even with three warmers, wool socks, long jons, flannel-lined jeans and more layers - it still took me ages to warm up once I finally got back home.
I'm glad I went. The crowds and atmosphere are incredible!
I've also been practicing some sports photography, and made it to the girl's season opener. (more pictures here) I try and fill as many nights as possible this time of the year otherwise the early darkness gets to me and the walls start closing in.
I think I've been pretty successful at filling the nights.
Laundry? Not so much.
Mark's winter concert was this past week also. Brian's is this coming week.
I had a moment in November when I realized that I needed to sign Brian up for driver's ed NOW, or wait until June, so we've added that to our December schedule as well. He had his first drive time on Friday. I was amused that our thrill seeker's heart was beating faster after his first drive than after any of the extreme roller coasters he's been on. His next drive time is Wednesday. Third kid in, and it's not any easier.
As for right now - I should take advantage of the Dayquil and the afternoon, get some Christmas cards written and figure out how to go about tackling the next seven days.
Be good!