quiet christmastide

we had such a nice calm and quiet christmastide.  aaron took off the week after christmas, and we had lots of good relaxing family time.  we were all sick off and on for most of the vacation, but in a way that was a blessing.  there was no pressure to schedule play-dates or other activities, or to accomplish much around the house.  there was lots of lying around, eating, reading, enjoying new christmas gifts, etc.  what a life!

we did enjoy a fun few days at grandma and grandpa's house, celebrating christmas with the ever-growing bandstra clan.  aaron got away for two days to do an overnight snowshoe adventure near whistler with his friend mike.  we went ice skating with the bates's on new year's eve, and we went to mount baker on new year's day to play in the snow!

now we're back to normal, which isn't really all that crazy but feels crazy in contrast to the last few weeks.  i'm trying to maintain a feeling of calm even in the midst of a schedule and responsibilities.  deep breaths.  just sitting doing nothing.  hugging the kids.  hugging my husband.  keeping the house tidy.  saying no to things that add stress.  not spending too much time on the computer.  not shopping...
any more ideas?

i guess these are all really new year's resolutions too.  if i had to sum up what i'm striving for in one word it would be calm.

and with more chaos coming soon: lord, have mercy.