Seems unlikely that I'll get away with the "it's been far too long" excuse for not blogging in four weeks, again so I won't even try!! I'm not sure what is wrong with me and my inability to put some words on the screen on a regular basis. I could come up with a myriad of excuses:

It was Christmas. The kids were home. It was busy. There was cooking and baking to be done. Gifts to wrap. I worked like a dog until the 22nd of December. My mom came the day after Christmas. Busy, busy, busy.....

I was sick. Again. And again just last week. People keep coming into work SICK!! And sharing their germs. It's hard to blog when you are coughing up a lung. (yep, two "viruses" of coughing really REALLY bad, followed by a simple yet annoying cold). Enough already.

Or, just not prioritizing properly. Probably the most likely reason.

But, you know what I've discovered? I have recently and almost unexpectedly increased my work life from occasional to 3/4 time. Yet I still do all the laundry, all the cooking, all the dishes, all the grocery shopping, all the packing of lunches. Did you know that last week alone, I visited 5 (yes, FIVE) grocery stores to complete my grocery shopping? Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Fresh Market, Walmart & Sams Club. That sounds like a full time job in itself!

I am NOT complaining though. I absolutely adore my boss. I love my job. I love what I am doing when at work. It's very rewarding! I love my family. I love doting on them and providing for them in the ways I know best. Clean, fresh smelling clothes; folded with love and adoration. Fresh, wholesome, home-cooked meals from the heart. Ingredients carefully chosen for great flavor, variety and health. I feel like my lunch preparation and packing shows a little hint of love for my kids when they open up those lunch boxes during their school day and see a thermos full of warm leftovers from last nights dinner, or a sandwich or salad prepared with their favorite ingredients. I love doing this for my kids.....

It just takes up some time. Extra time that is being spent at work lately. So, the blogging has suffered :( .............................

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas Holiday. It was just the four of us this year. Keith's parents, who are usually here for Christmas, didn't come, because they are coming in February for a cruise in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. We will be driving to Port Canaveral to cruise to the Bahamas. My mom and Riad came from Tennessee the day after Christmas to spend the remainder of the week. It was wonderful! We shared some great meals, played Euchre, had a bonfire (with S'mores), went to see a movie- "War Horse"- which was so good! , and shared app recommendations for our smart phones. They departed on the 30th, and we rang in the new year with neighbors where I barely made it til midnight. We played cards and shared some snacks, fondue and good laughs.

What I discovered as the calendar went from 2011 to 2012, and something I've never admitted to, is that I LOVE to cook! I had a day off the week before Christmas, when I was deep into my second bout with the horrible-coughing-virus and did some grocery shopping and then literally made myself sit and rest the remainder of the day until the kids came home from school. I turned on the Food Network. I became inspired to try lots of new recipes. I printed off or saved at least 20 new recipes. I tried some out on my mom (they went over very well)! I have been cooking mostly (at times exclusively) vegetarian fare. I've discovered many, many new things to try. I've been trying lots of new recipes. I find myself thinking (with excitement) about what I "get" to make each night, as I typically plan out the week in advance. I think it has become my favorite "love language" to show my family.

So, today, after working 8 hours; I came home, started a home-made turkey pot pie (with my favorite scratch recipe for pie crust--Nicci and Summer :) ), did the sink full of dishes that my sweet husband left behind after making pancakes for the five kids that slept here last night because they had the day off from school; showered, served dinner to my family, folded three loads of laundry, planned tomorrow's lunch for the kids (leftover minestrone soup from last night's dinner - it was amazing!), and did tonight's dinner dishes.

And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel completely blessed in the life God is providing me with at this time.

Here's to blogging freqency increasing!! :) And, Happy New Year!!!!!!