Silent Night

It's Christmas night and I'm sitting by the fire with the kitty on my lap. I'm ex-haus-ted and will be going to bed shortly. It's been over a week since I've slept a solid night and I really hope it happens tonight.

I had such a wonderful time with my brother's family up north celebrating the holiday. I was so sad to miss my great New York Christmases with my sister, and I was worried that I would feel empty not sharing stockings with her and her hubby on Christmas morning. That was hard. I miss living down the street from her so much. But I had a great time with my brother, feeling included and being in the middle of so much activity.

This morning I was upstairs gathering my things and getting ready to head back to Portland. I finished packing and headed downstairs, and I noticed that Big Brother was sitting on the bottom step. As I walked down I said, "Hey buddy, what are you doing?" Big Brother turned around, glared at me, and screamed at the top of his lungs, "I'MHAVINGATIMEOUT!!!" As I walked past him I said, "Sounds like you need one, grumpy bird."

It's such a surprise how these little boys have crawled into my heart. I cried the entire way home, of course, wondering when I'll get smacked in the head with a toy train again. It's going to be too long, I know it.

I tried to get in touch with all of my friends and blog buddies today to wish everyone a merry Christmas, and I heard from lots of folks. I'm so grateful to have so many good people around me. I've had a nice holiday and I'm looking forward to a fresh start in 2010. Good night, friends.