The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother

...is that it ends. There's so much build up, preparations, anticipation and then suddenly, it's 11:00 a.m. on December 25th, and for the most part, it's all over. It makes we wonder if the better part of this deal isn't the advent days...the special, fun days counting up till Christmas. I was telling Savannah today, that the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas day and go until January 5th. The holiday season seems to start on November 1 and comes to an abrupt halt on December 26. We decided to keep the Christmas decorations and tree up until the 5th, to savor and celebrate the whole holiday season. By far my favorite activity with the kids (or even all by myself!) is hot chocolate, movies and the cozy fireplace. We cuddle up with a blanket, and watch Christmas movies, the good and the bad ones! The boys loved providing commentary to the romantic ones. The past few days we've watched a variety of flicks, kid and adult friendly. I just love it. We spent a...

"Time is a flowing river. Happy those who allow themselves to be carried, unresisting, with the current. They float through easy days. They live, unquestioning, in the moment."~ Christopher Morley,  Where the Blue Begins Ever since Bailey turned 18, and all this college stuff started, I just sit in shock of where we are in life. I can't stop reflecting on these moments and how much they mean. John said to me a few weeks back, that I amaze him with how nothing really phases me (HA!). I looked at him and laughed. He said he doesn't know how I do it. It made me think. What is it that I do that makes it look as though nothing phases me? The quote above nails it. I go with the flow and live in the moment. I rarely think or plan any further than a few days, or week ahead. I look at each day individually. I also think of each ordinary moment as well...something extraordinary. These last few weeks have been full of magical everyday moments. We started off our Thanksg...