I can't believe my last post was from mid November and it's almost Christmas. Since our trip east things didn't settle down until just recently. We got back and then Jared's sisters and brother were visiting for Thanksgiving. The last time they were all here together was Christmas of '05. So it was a big deal especially since his sister Jessica brought a new addition to the family on Halloween. Brady Max Gibb is now 5 or 6 weeks old. It is very exciting to have a brand new baby around. I will have to add pictures to this post when I get pictures downloaded to this computer!
Since Thanksgiving we have just been trying to get back into our everyday routines and prepare for Christmas. This time of year is bitter sweet. I love Christmas lights, music, traditions, food, and especially the feelings of love, kindness, gratitude, and hope. But it also reminds me of how out of touch I feel with extended family and friends when I sit down to send out the Christmas cards. I am grateful for my family and friends who love me despite my inability to keep up with everyone and let them know I am thinking of them and miss them - so much!
Let's see...Emmie and I attended our church Christmas brunch a few Saturdays ago without Jared. He helped his good friend Kevin move that morning. It was freezing and snowing, but they helped us move here on the coldest day of this year back in January! Plus, Jared wouldn't say "No" to helping anyone - one thing I absolutely love about him. Anyway, Santa Claus showed up and I don't believe I have ever seen my daughter's eyes widen as much as they did at the moment she saw him. She was speechless and reaching up to me as if she was a little nervous and wanting to be picked up. She really wanted to go over to him. He handed her a candy cane and she hasn't stopped telling people about that experience since. If grandma asks her about Santa Claus on the phone she says he gave her, "Candy!" We were thinking that he might frighten her like he frightened me when I was little, but so far, so good. Emmie gets excited about Christmas things, but we are more excited than she is. I wish she had some idea of how excited and eager I am to make these experiences meaningful and exciting for her. It is all worth it. As I sit here thinking about that, I have to say how I appreciate my mom and dad so much more as I think about how they felt the same way and all they did for me.
The weather - I always used to say that I love all four seasons. Not true anymore. I have discovered that I really dislike the cold and one snow and I'm good. I need sunshine!!!!! It has taken a toll on me. I can't stand not being able to just head outside for a walk, run, or just to get some fresh air. It is depressing. Our next move in the distant future will hopefully be where it is warmer and sunny most of the year. My fingers are crossed. To keep ourselves entertained we usually go to the gymnastics center once a week with friends, meet up with Jessica and Nolan at the mall to play, go to the library, and moms and tots. My sister's words are coming to mind right now. I remember her telling me that there is nothing like having to engage in mindless chit chat with other mom's at the park or wherever you may be to get out. I understand completely now, but sometimes that is keeps me sane in these winter months! Actually, for the first time in about 2 years I went out for my friend Lindsay's birthday last week. We sat in the restaurant until midnight talking and lost track of time. It was a lot of fun. Sometimes you lose track of your own identity and interests as a mom and then are reminded of why when you have to get up in the morning anyway!
I want to use some blog space to thank my sweet friend Jessica for being such a good friend to me. Like my sis-in-law Jessica, she has a newborn. And even though she is tired and busy, she spent time working on a beautiful scapbooked frame of our family pictures. That was a pleasant surprise and it meant a lot to me. Thank you!
Well, I will have more to post after next week. Check back because Santa is coming to our house and we will have pictures! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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