I know I complain about how busy we always are.

But in truth, we live such a blessed life.

This week Eddie told me, “Mom, I love books.  They make me happy.”

And Cort finished college.

And Charlie sat on his booty by himself for the first time.

And I soaked in my boys despite all that is going on in our lives and in the world.

This was our week…

December 9: Making presents for the Grandmas and Grandpas

December 10: Happy Birthday to Cortney! (yes, the candles melted in the straight-from-the-oven brownies. oops)

December 11: This guy

December 12: Do you like my hat?

December 12: I am getting increasingly frustrated with postpartum hair. It’s growing back, but now I have sprouts that stick up EVERYWHERE.

December 14: Our new tradition of visiting Santa and then going out for dinner. And yes, Santa made me sit on his lap. He was a naughty Santa.

December 15: Cort’s graduation party with family. I was so busy this was the only picture I took: Eddie and Jack mesmerized by technology.

I have many posts bumping around in my head about the weekend’s tragedies elsewhere in the US.

But I haven’t separated myself from the anger and sadness enough to write about them clearly.

You will probably see my thoughts on them here and over at Borderless News and Views.

I will probably post about my faith this coming week.

And I have a sponsored post by BlogHer this week too full of Christmas goodies.

I also need to tell you about the Santa visit in my detail.

And of course on Saturday I will bring you another recipe.

Things will be serious and fun and downright ridiculous around here.

You know, like usual.

Hug your family.