THIS moment is what Christmas is all about.

I am sitting here, and all I can think is "my cup runneth over". I have had the perfect day. I was at my wits end a couple of days ago, so my husband said today was mine to do as I wished. Well, I am a mom, what I wish and what needs to be done are VERY different. However, on a cold and snowy day, the fact that I did not tote two kids along with me to and from store after store after store made a huge difference. We all slept in, I grabbed a cup of coffee, took my OWN hot hot shower, and left for the day. I started at Safeway and got the necessities, found a few good deals, and got out of there to drop off my groceries as I passed back by my house. As I dropped them off, my suspicious little mind figured my hubby fell asleep while the kids played because I could hear them but not him. I went upstairs to find him.


......CLEANING THE SINK AND TOILET AND BATHTUB!!! Can we say this wife was in shock and shame on me?
I headed to.....a store....and found the gift I was looking for, for someone else and myself. Then, I did something I have never ever ever done before. I went to Noodles and Company and I ATE LUNCH ALONE! Yes, me. If you know me, you know this is amazing! I added to my list, read some of a book, and enjoyed my meal. Then I headed to Wal-mart, where I FINISHED MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Can you believe it! I am DONE (with the shopping part at least!)

Finally, since I had painfully embarrassing shoes, I headed to Payless (they had NOTHING at Wal-Mart.) Now, when I said embarrassing shoes, I don't mean my 22nd pair had a scuff. No. I have a few flip flops because they were a dollar each, the embarrassing shoes I have had since high school, another black pair of casual shoes that slip off my feet since the buckles no longer work, tennis shoes that are a few years old, and every single pair of heels I own (which aren't many) are from either high school or college. Oh wait! I have one other pair of heel boots that I bought for Church two years ago. Not only that, but since I am short, all of my pants are too long, so I NEED to have a pair of shoes with a big heel in order not to ruin my jeans (and no, petites aren't short enough). And they weren't simply worn out. They were so worn that the top of the shoes was actually peeling away and the gray felt underneath was showing. Horrible I know. So this was really a must have item. 
Since I bought a sale sub at Safeway, dinner was done, the kids were happy to see me, and we got to relax quickly. The kids were actually napping while I did some examiner.com writing (BTW, if you are looking for some great homemade gifts, check HERE!).
Now, I am sitting here by my Christmas tree, doing my blogging, while I can hear the kids playing and laughing in the bathroom. Yes, we have already looked in on them. Yes, the walls, mirror, counters, and floor are covered saturated with water (as are my children-no baths for them!), but there is laughter. There are kisses and giggles. There are smiles that are going to rival the ones we will see on Christmas Day. Water dries. Hubby threw some towels on the floor. Let them play I say!

Yes, that is about an inch of water on the floor, a sopping wet counter, door and towel, and if you can tell by the see-through pajama's, a soaking wet baby girl trying to clean the mess.

I have loved every giveaway during my Holiday gift guide. I have loved getting to try new products, I have loved giving prizes that I know will be used to make a little kid smile. I have missed my actual writing a bit, but this is a busy time of year right?! I am still here, I will be back, I am loving blogging, and I am growing and learning. I am looking forward to next year and what blogging and the examiner will bring me.
But this moment. The end of a good day. The knowledge that tomorrow I will wake up to a job that allows me to stay at home and hear my children playing downstairs, and after that job that I will spend time with the little ones making ornaments, and then have some mommy fun by making my own sushi (look for this post!).  A Christmas tree that will be blessed with presents underneath this year, a husband who loves me and has a job, children giggling and playing in the bathroom, and snow falling gently outside. Knowing that in about sixteen days my kids are going to be simply amazed by what this thing called Christmas is (not only that but by what Santa is leaving at Grandma's house this year). This feeling in my heart is Christmas. This content that I feel in my soul, this is Christmas.