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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Just a Wednesday

It's the middle of the week, but I feel the urge to share highlights from the Shepherd Abode.  Highlights, and random thoughts, anyway.

We had a relaxed Christmas around here. My parents and brother came to stay for a week, and my husband lived to tell the tale. Mom and I have started the tradition of picking out a magazine picture, then attempting to make our Christmas Day dinner look as fantastic as the photos.  I must say, we did well!  Mom made a yule log that was AMAZING! Color me impressed. She said what she always says after a meal like that, "Well, did that once, don't need to do it again."  That's my mama. We passed around a cold, played in the snow, ate too much food, and reveled in general Christmas glory. As is tradition, my father left to get batteries on Christmas morning.

New Years Eve was hum drum around here. We were tuckered out from too much partying over Christmas, so this family went to bed at 10. Laurel reminded me that we saw Australia's New Year celebration that morning on the news.

Speaking of the news, we watched Good Morning America quite a bit over break.  That's not really news, is it?  It's like Star magazine, light edition. The last episode we watched featured meggings -  leggings for men.  I just want to say here and now, that is a fashion DO NOT.  For real. It was horrid. I turned it off real quick when they were discussing the need for a hip-length shirt (at least) with meggings, and then panned in on the guy whose shirt did not go below his hips. Well, hello and how-do-you-do!

Last night I laughed harder than I have in a really long time. My daughters are Phantom of the Opera phanatics (aren't I clever?)  The oldest one is learning to play the score on the piano, so life sometimes feels very melodramatic around here thanks to the background music. We all know all of the words, whether we want to or not.  While having a family sing-a-along the 9-year old did a Weird Al version in which he sang, "The Phantom of the Opera is there, inside my nostril.", although the correct lyrics are 'inside my mind'.  Liam, our three-year old, became enraged, screaming the correct lyrics at him. This only encouraged Spencer's incorrect rendition. I'm telling you, I had face cramps from laughing.  In the end, we all sang the correct version.

Phantom of the Opera-related:  We have this weird white mask that was supposed to be for a school project.  My new favorite thing to do is to peek into the bathroom while wearing it.  Standing over sleeping people while wearing the mask also has excellent results.

I've always enjoyed my family's quirkiness. Each child is unique and has gone through different phases that required a little understanding. Liam is there right now. He is in a pajama phase, in fact. He loves his p-jammies, as he calls them. In fact, he wears them under his clothes.  It does make bedtime go easier. Liam has also started toting a pillow case to carry his treasures in.  I think it's hysterical, this little person toting a Star Wars pillowcase with his favorite worldly possessions in. He has also became a fan of fiction, so when my husband asked him where he got his treasures, without missing a beat he answered, "I went on a boat, far away, and I got them and brought them back."  Lee asked how he made it back home and Liam replied, "I don't know.  I just woke up here."



Spencer turned 9 - his last year in single digits! Unbelievable! As he was packing for a bike ride around the neighborhood, he turned to me and said, "I feel so old."  I requested clarification.  "Well, I have my own wallet, my own pocket knife, and a walkie talkie."  I swear I almost cried. Spencer is super into Legos all of a sudden, so it's also been eye-opening to watch him learn to follow the directions. Poor boy has a good dose of his dad's super-focus, and more than a fair amount of my temper.

Over Christmas break I've enjoyed listening to my girls become friends. I mean, they've always been friends, but the way they're hanging out reminds me of how they were when they were 6 and 4 years old. Sometimes I stand outside their door listening, not to their words, but to the tone of their voices.  Once a week, regularly, they get into a ridiculous fight at 10 p.m. over the silliest things - think The Odd Couple.  Its hysterical.   

Also, my word for the year is allow.  I restrain myself, so often, from experiencing joy, contentment, and overall good feelings. This year I will allow myself to feel joy - not focus on the next thing, or what should be happening, or how my family could look if we didn't blah blah blah blah.  I will allow myself to love my people the best I can, and allow myself to be free from all of my 'I can't-s' .  Heck, I might even write a book. I'm feeling pretty good about it.

Its nine days into 2013, people! Who knew life could be so grand?

Isn't this creepy? I can't stop myself!


7 comments:

  1. What a great Christmas! Watching the girls in three candle light services, enjoying Lee leading the services, smelling all the kitchen activity, and the kids plus dogs out in the snow. Happy New Year to all!

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  2. Kara! I miss your family so much! Cannot believe Spencer is 9! and the girls are so grown up! Holy cow!!! I just wanted to repeat what I have told you for years...WRITE THAT BOOK! I know you have the passion and the desire (heck you even have the topic!) Do it! ALLOW yourself! :) Love you! Casey "Gefeltafish"

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  3. Kara this story gave me a good laugh that was greatly needed. Your kids sound alot like mine. I regularly hear the sound of the Phantom of the Opera coming from the girls bedroom and they are all in unison when singing. It gets real interesting when they try to out sing me when I join the chorus. My 12 year old is currently in a phase so I understand that all to well. I love reading your stories because it makes me feel closer to you guys and it makes me realize that when I get too serious that there are funny moments to look at. Keep writing and if you write a book I will be the first in line to read it.

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  4. So far your word "allow" is the BEST New Years resolution around. What a wonderful concept. I think everyone's day would be smoother and more enjoyable...and possibly more memorable! You have my vote on the book idea and....I want a copy when it comes out!

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  5. What a great Christmas! I will add ice skating, Ella's ( the dog) candy cane covered beard and face, liams limitless supply of coffee,and hours of the hallmark channel. The children were sent to bed, kara went to sleep and the children snuck quietly downstairs to visit or cuddle with Mimi and grandad. Must add Dollar store excursions.

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  6. hahaha..... I love how Spencer has to "pack" for a bike trip around the neighborhood. Too funny.

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