Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all my blogger friends. I am sure I am not the only one who feels like this year has been a blurr! I always thought life in the fast lane was a glamorous adventure of parties, travel and martini's over business lunches. I now realize it is paying bills, cleaning toilets, homework, diapers and keeping toddlers from hanging on the chandeliers. I am in the fast lane. I am a fine tuned supersonic speed machine. That would be me, and everyone else I know who has been blessed with the gift of a family.

If there were no little hands plugging up the toilet with rolls of paper as I am running late for work where would I be. I would have no one to kiss all over as I am waiting on line in the grocery store, I am safe singing in public and dancing in the aisles because after all, it is for my kid. I also have a built in excuse for being late for work. Blame it on the kid? Absolutely. They are probably wondering why Dylan has so many explosive diapers perfectly timed as I am leaving for work. It won't work when he is 12, but for now I'm good!

In my diet programmed mind all things sinful are allowed when you have kids. Pumpkin, apple pie, cookies, ice cream, and pepperment bark. All good, as the kids really love it. Same for the toys. All over the room? I try to remember by sweet Aunt Irene who never had children. When we all descend upon her she loves the noise and chaos. She gets very sad and lonely when we leave. He house is always clean and perfect with original 1940's appliances and furniture in mint condition. How could a sofa or toaster last for 68 years? I cannot get a kitchen chair to last for a year. Anyway, the last time we left for home, she called me overjoyed to find a car and sock we forgot. A car and a sock? About 8 years ago the girls had put stickers on her bedroom door, she left them intact. "Signs of life" she tells me, her voice cracking with emotion. I feel how much I miss her, and know how much I will miss these "little signs of life" when my kids grow up.

So for a moment there is no traffic, no hustle and madness of this holiday season. There is only Dylan- umberella in hand hitting the ornaments off the Christmas tree, and climbing up the mantle by way of the stockings. Emily is texting AND listening to her ipod while IMing her friends on AIM,( in her skinny jeans and DC shoes). Claire is throwing her socks and shoes everywhere and giving everyone a hard time because she can! I love them all. I love them all. I never knew how much I would love them, worry about them, and crave them. Dylan padding towards me, blanket trailing.."MOMMY!" he says and hugs my leg like I'm his universe. Emily sharing laughs with me, arms wrapped around me in front of her friends! Claire shyly showing me the gumball ring her first crush gave her for Christmas. All these things are my gifts, my treasures from the family that I love so so very much!

I wish you all beautiful memories of you life, enjoy every minute. Signs of life is what we are.