We had a really fun Christmas. 

The kids enjoyed some fun gifts (I found some great deals at Ross this year) and were very happy and excited.   Mister Valentine and I had a $25 limit.  Because it's not about gifts, right?  It's about him letting me be right.  LOL.  Just kidding.  (He gets to be right lots of times, too.)  

I took photos of the kids snuck in their beds with suga'plums dancing in their heads.  Isn't that how it goes?  Can't remember exactly.  But anyway, after they fell asleep I thought about how fast they've grown and how I just want to press pause and keep them in this moment forever.  And I took pictures of the tree and gifts and our hella fly Martha Stewart-ish homemade ornaments on Christmas Eve so I wouldn't have to worry about catching all that in the busy morning. 

It was more organized than ever before and I felt relaxed, not rushed. 

We didn't make a formal dinner (which probably added to the relaxed feeling).  Instead, we snacked.  Later, I craved a bowl of popcorn.  Then I made a tofu stir fry.  It was no turkey and stuffing, let me tell ya.  A tad bit BLAH but it worked. 

I found a great toy nativity scene which we put together with the kids on Christmas evening.

We watched The Nativity, a video from church, and I started crying while eating my bowl of tofu.  I suddenly became a blubbering idiot.  With a mouthful of tofu & cabbage.  Sexy. 

I am far from perfect.  I know this.  Perhaps that's why it always affects me so.  (Effects?  Affects?  What's the difference?  I never figured it out.  Must have skipped that day in high school, lol.)

It's been a busy, interesting, drama packed, fun year.  Thank you for following along and especially for your support and friendship. 

Love Gabby

Daily Gratitudes:

1. We switched to cloth diapers.  Yes, we're doing this really late in the game, but we'll save $14  per box of diapers.  Which is a lot of money for us.  It cost $50 to set up the cloth diaper cycle but once we did, I see it saving money in the end. 

2. My son is potty training.  And this time it's going to stick, dammit!  He's done well, so far. 

3. We always have enough, somehow.  For this I am so very greatful.

4. I learned a lot via blog reading this year.  I have a slew of ideas for our little family for this upcoming year in the form of traditions and togetherness. 

5. I am so thankful for my dear husband, Mister Valentine.  My often confusing, out of the blue debates about random things keep him busy (and confused, I think).