Christmas has passed... and so has my motivation.

During the holidays I was on top of it. All of it.
The decorating.
The shopping.
I was ready for Christmas a WEEK into December.

But, now that it's over?
I am dragging ass on the clean up.
My tree isn't down.
My decor isn't packed away.
I have Christmas cards still taped to the wall, and poinsetta's still drape my windows.

I like to blame it on Lee - poor guy.
He's been off for the week, and I always have a hard time getting things done when he's home.
I just want to relax with him, and ignore the fact that I have so much to do.

But, next week is the week.
Kids go back to school, Lee goes back to work, and I no longer have a job outside of the house.
So, no excuses.

It will be done.
It has to be.
Otherwise, I may just lose my mind.

Call me crazy.

I think a few people probably thought I was today while I was out doing returns.
I got a few 'um, what the hell?' looks.
That's okay though - it's bound to happen when you dye some of your hair NEON purple.

Just another one of my impulsive decisions.
I'm sure that there will be many more in my lifetime.
It is me, that we are talking about here.

Kudos to Santa.

An XBOX Kinect was at the top of the kids' wish-list this year.
Honestly, it was at the top of ours as well.
[Hmm. Imagine that... Crazy how that works.]
On Christmas morning: 'Santa' delivered.

For the past 2 days, we have been trying it out like crazy.
We've been jumping, twisting, turning, ducking, swaying, and flapping our arms like lunatics. It's been a total blast.
I think my favorite part just might be, laughing at Lee while he's 'busting a move' on Dance Central.
[Yep. That is some SERIOUS Facebook material right there.]

I woke up this morning actually sore from playing it.
Kinda AWESOME if you ask me. A workout - without even feeling like I'm working out?
UM. HECK. YES.

Christmas - this year.

On Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Lee's family.
Forgetful me - forgot my camera.
So, no pictures from that occasion.
GRRRR.
Kaylee got a GINORMOUS doll house from Karen, Lester, and Grandma Norene, and Moxie girls from the Bennetts.
She LOVES them.
Layton got the ONE thing he was DYING for this year. A Paper Jam guitar, tools, and an Iron Man helmet.
(Poor little Sydney was scared for her LIFE when he had that thing on.)

Christmas Morning started like it does every year.
Santa visited us, and the kids were thrilled when they discovered that he left them an X-Box Kinect.
[More on that later.]

I started the morning off by taking pictures of them opening gifts, but failed to continue throughout the day.
Kinda bummed that I hardly have any.
(Another.... GRRRR.)

We had my parents over, as well as my brother and Jacob for lunch, and the kids opened more gifts for almost 45 minutes.

After that? We spent the rest of the evening in front of the T.V.

It was a great Christmas.

But, I won't lie - I am totally relieved that it is over.

The wish list.

We visited Santa today just in the 'nick of time.'
[Yep. Talk about procrastinating.]
Kaylee had no problem chatting it up with the guy.
She sat on his lap, all comfy and cozy and told him exactly what she wished for this year.
Layton though?
After getting super nervous and uncomfortable, he just froze and then forgot EVERYTHING that he wanted.
It made Lee and I laugh.
It was for sure a FIRST for him.
After leaving - he was in a panic.
He asked how Santa was going to know what he wanted if he wasn't able to tell him.
Kaylee quickly chimed in: 'Oh, don't worry Layton. Santa can read your mind, and plus... he has Mom and Dads phone number.'

This time of year...

...makes me want to pack up the family and go sledding.
It makes me want to rent Christmas movies and stay in my pajamas all day.
I love driving down the streets and admiring all the pretty lights.
I love the smell of my cinnamon 'scentsy' candles as the aroma fills my house.
This time of year gives me a great excuse to shop 'til I drop.
It makes me crave hot chocolate on those super chilly nights, and gives me the urge to bake.
It makes me pray for snow, and I can get away with wearing my cute knit hats everyday.
I love relaxing at night with all the lights off in the house - except for the ones on the Christmas Tree.
I love how Christmas can bring so many people together.
I love seeing people 'give' to those in need, and seeing the appreciation from the ones receiving it.
I love the anticipation of Christmas morning, picturing the kids' faces when they wake up and realize that Santa was here.
This time of year reminds me of how blessed I am.
I'm thankful for my family, my friends, and this life that I live.
This time of year makes me re-play the past year in my head, and also makes me wonder what the next year will bring.
Yes. This time of year is (by far) my favorite.

Instant FAN.

As much as I hate to admit this, Lee's music has rubbed off on me as of lately.
His hard rock choices, (where they just scream at the top of their lungs) usually grates on my nerves. BAD.
I love to complain about it, and normally I do.
He's always begging me to listen to a song, to just try it and see what I think.
Normally? I'm not impressed.
But, this week? That didn't happen.
He downloaded HINDER on my Napster Playlist and I. AM. HOOKED.
I, of course knew who they were. (Lips of an angel was a huge hit in 2006.)
But, other than that?  I didn't follow them.
I didn't know that they were a hardcore rockband.
I didn't know that they were awesome.
Ever since Monday - I have been cranking their newest album [American Nightmare] up in the car, memorizing every word to every bad-ass song, and singing at the top of my lungs.
The louder - the better.
Hey? Who knew that I had some rocker-chic in me?
I'm even thinking that: 'going to a rock concert' just might be on the top of my list of: Things to do in 2011.
[Lee still can't believe it.]
Honestly? Neither can I.