Back in November I was laid-off from work, after a few days and the realization set in, I was thankful the holidays laid ahead, Thanksgiving, Zack’s visit home, family at my house for Christmas Eve day, New Years Eve festivities, the New Year. Oh so much to do, the holidays would give me something to look forward to, something to plan for, to organize, to prepare, to implement, to clean up, something to do, to distract me.

And how wonderful it has been, Thanksgiving at my Aunt Tuffy’s house felt like home. For the last 20+ years I have spent Thanksgiving day at Aunt Tuffy’s house. While the day wasn’t quite normal, as Uncle Allen was missing. We all miss his command of the good natured joke and the tradition of him cooking a roll of bologna outside on the smoker.

After Thanksgiving it was time to prepare for Zack’s arrival, there was soo much to do. We had to finish the kitchen and guest bedroom remodel, both came out fabulous, the ending results far exceeded my expectations.

Then it was time to prepare for Christmas. Mom came over with my little niece’s and while I helped them decorate the tree, mom decorated the house, it was a memorable day, full of smiles.

Zack arrived on December 21st, everything was inplace, it was time to set back and enjoy and that is what we did.

Christmas Eve day was everything I had hoped and planned for. Our home was filled with family, friends, food and good times. I remember as we sat down to eat, I looked around the room and I experienced the feeling of being blessed with a wonderful life.

Next up, another week of taking it easy and the celebration of the new year.

And now here we are, January 2, 2012 and I am truly ready for life to go back to normal, the problem is I have no idea what normal means in 2012. Whatever the new normal is, I am ready!