Christmas Day

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Up early to start baking fresh breads for our evening fete.
 
Up by 7 a.m. to sit by the fire sola, beaming as I concoct the "Thank You" letter from Santa to Sayler.
 
Sitting idly, warmly, as I think of Sayler, Ariel and my Husband sleeping soundly.
 
Smiling widely as I remember last night watching Into the Storm with those same 3 and my mom who quipped "this isn't very Christmassy..."
 
Feeling excited as I picture my mom's face at the surprise gift for her- a hand-crafted table with a careful paint and stain that Lloyd labored over for many days and nights.  Today he and I will deliver it and place the carefully measured table to perfectly fit her kitchen.
 
Feeling so thankful for all the presents under the tree-a sign that we can afford them for each other-that we are employed and earn and are giving with ourselves and others because we can be.
 
And though I haven't at all peeked, by my husband's smug smile this week I feel I have been spoiled. 
 
#intuition
 
And though he hasn't at all peeked, I am certain Lloyd is feeling confident that I have paid careful attention to get him the things his heart desires and I know he deserves.
 
Ariel spent Christmas Eve cooking while I occasionally sampled her ingredients (or should I say "ingreedyents".  Dayum that girl can cook...
 
She and I decided to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty because it's one of our mutual favorite movies. It is whimsical and adventurous, interesting and unexpected- characteristics that Ariel uniquely brings to my life.  Every year as we cook, clean, wrap, and toil, I take joy in her being there with me. 
 
Lloyd and I have great plans for the next several days and months (though I am not sure if he knows it yet- I like to keep all great life plans pretty secretive).  And ss I stuff his stocking (no, that's not a dirty euphemism), I think about him and the ways we have changed over the years, though through it all he remains such a handsome devil.  
 
When we are out together, despite how badly chipped my nails might be or whether I combed my hair before I tossed it up, he always seems like he is proud to be seen with me- walking closely and holding my hand. And even when I know he is lying, he will tell me I am the prettiest girl in a room, and I am appreciative of his lies. 
 
And that's why he's getting some real good stocking fillers this year (also not a dirty euphemism- seriously, get yo' mind out the gutter...)
 
Today is starting as a Merry Christmas, indeed. I will revel in it and I most certainly will try not to fall asleep by 10 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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