I Could Get Used To This!

Christmas has come and gone.  The decorations remain (except for the tree), but the truth is the season is "over" for me on the 26th.  We had a good season of celebration.  My December scheduling worked out, and for the most part saved me much stress that comes with waiting too long on some things.  Scott and I have even already discussed and written down things we want to tweak or do differently next year. 

As for my little Project Adventure for December, we went Christmas caroling and distributed cookies to some of our friends.  It was a lot of fun!  We drove around looking at lights, and then ramdomly picked people we knew who lived near where we were.  We only made 4 stops.  Next year we are already planning on doing more - even the kids really enjoyed it.   I had been almost certain they would balk at that idea.  Nice to have a pleasant surprise!

Right now I am sitting on my sofa in front on the fire, watching snowflakes fall, with my honey.  The kids are gone for the weekend so we can relax and celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary.  The actual date is December 31, but it is so much more complicated (and expensive) to go out that night.  While I would have loved to gone back to Naples this year, it was cost prohibitive and we didn't have a sitter(s) for that long.

This is wonderful!  I can't remember when we were last at home alone.  Sleeping as late as I want and just chilling around the house, it is fantastic.  I love my kids.  I've had little ones around for 24 years now, though.  Scott and I were both talking this morning and we absolutely can't wait to have an empty nest.   I know, I know, someone is going to tell me that I will be sad then, and maybe I will.  But to tell you the truth, I'm not sad one bit about our oldest having left the nest and created her own.  She has a wonderful husband, they are building a fanstastic life together, and they love the Lord.  What more could a parent want?

Yesterday after they all left, we sort of felt like it was a taste of the future - what we might be doing the day after Christmas in years to come.   Taking down the tree, just the two of us.  Sitting down to a late lunch of Christmas dinner leftovers on china plates with cloth napkins.  Washing up that little bit of dishes.  Deciding at the last minute (AFTER I enjoyed a long soak with a good book in my giant tub) to run out to dinner instead of cooking something - at 7:00 which is gloriously late for us.  It's not about a big weekend of grand romance, just a simple weekend at home.  Yes, I could get used to this; in fact I look forward to it with great anticipation.  I've enjoyed my time as a parent of young ones, and I will continue to enjoy it; after all we have a ways to go.  Ben is only 3!  It sure is nice to have a glimpse of what is hopefully to come - if God chooses to leave both of us here that long.  If not we will certainly be glad of the memories.

As for January, I guess I need to be thinking of a new adventure, don't I?!  I'm sure I'll be doing some more shooting with my pink Christmas 22 (how fun is that!).  I know I need to make some decisions about healthy living, too.  My husband gave me the book "Julie&Julia" for Christmas, and I am enjoying it very much.  With it comes a fresh reminder of why I decided to do this blog and these adventures.  I am very well pleased with how this project has gone so far.  I can't wait to see what 2010 holds!

What are your plans for living life in 2010?