All is Calm?

So, this Christmas season was to be calm, and peaceful, and without chaos because we weren't doing anything in the gift department besides sponsoring a Compassion Child as a family. And yes, we are doing that. But then, because we love our children, and because they agreed so selflessly that sponsoring was a great idea, even though it meant that they were going to sacrifice their own Christmas gifts, it made us want to do something for them, too. Perhaps even more than every other year.

We truly couldn't afford to go big for our own kids, and sponsor, but we decided to do stockings, at least. And when did we decide this? Oh, about three days ago. 3 days!

Also, we're traveling 500 miles on Christmas Eve to be with our families on Christmas for the first time in 12 years. So there's that business of packing that needs to be done. And my mom called requesting cookies be brought back. Which I really don't mind one little bit, and I planned to do just one or two kinds. Really, I did. But then, I got out the recipes, and started feeling all nostalgic, and , and , and...

WHY do I do this?

OH! And there's this little niece that I have, and she's 18 months, and I've never met her before. I want her to love me, and so I decided to make her a monkey. Mmm, hmmm, I did. And I made the monkey once, and it just didn't turn out to my liking, so I pitched the entire thing into the garbage can. And then I immediately started cutting another one out to sew it again. Except that by now, I'm really tired of this monkey. I still have to finish one shoe, her skirt and her hat. I can always do hand sewing in the car, right? Right? RIGHT!

Collin's Chemistry class was cancelled last week due to bad weather, and since this week was supposed to be calm and peaceful, I suggested that we make it up tomorrow. I think my brain has melted along with the snow.

And all of a sudden, everyone wants jam. The phone is ringing, text messages are flying, and I got orders for 30 some jars this week. (This really is wonderful!) Someone had to tag and top every single one of those jars this morning. Her name is MOM.

There's a 5 gallon carboy of homemade elderberry wine in my closet, and for some strange reason, I just had to rack that wine off today. I couldn't get it out of my mind, so Collin helped me lift the huge vessel, and siphon from one carboy to another. He's having a Merry Christmas, alright! (Don't worry- we had a bowl to spit what came into our mouths back out- he really didn't get too tipsy!)

Anyone? Can you relate? Just when the schedule gets full, overflowing, really- do you feel the need to add more? Please tell me I'm not alone.

I have a feeling it's going to be a late night.