The end of 2018 (December Updates)

As a little girl, I remember the years going by soooo slowly. It felt like I was in school for FOREVER, and it seemed that one New Year was always so distant from the next. I don't know why time felt longer then, but time has definitely shortened as I have grown, and each passing year seems to sneak up and surprise me by ending too soon.

December was filled with lots of family and friends. We celebrated my birthday near the beginning of the month with some food at a new restaurant and then a quick, chilly visit to a live nativity.

Andrew, Grace, and I were able to attend a very fun Christmas PJ party, where we celebrated in true Christmas morning style. There was delicious crème brulee french toast bake (and I mean SERIOUSLY delicious! Here is the recipe). We decorated sugar cookies and then voted for the coveted awards for "Most Creative", "Most Festive", and "Most Professional". The night ended with a gift swap of some of our favorite things. It was a great party to start the holidays off on the right foot.

---

The Macey clan had a ton of family parties this Christmas season.  From regular family dinner  celebrating the December birthdays, to a white elephant gift exchange with Andrew's dad, to Christmas Eve at Grandma's house, and finally our family dinner and gifts on Christmas night...phew, it was a lot!  And it was a lot of fun.  We spiced up Christmas night with some minute-to-win-it games and a quick stop at the local firehouse where we dropped off cookies to the firemen who had to work that evening.  It was so much fun spending time with family. Gracie especially loved being surrounded by so many little kids. ​

---

And then, of course, December also signals the end of the year. Our New Year's celebration was fun and chill. We went over to our friends' house for some dinner, games, and great conversation. We both have little ones, so we were in bed by 11. But then Andrew and I were horrified to awake to the sound of crazy loud fireworks just outside of our home at midnight. Apparently, fireworks are allowed until 1am on New Years. Whoever thought that law was a good idea did not have little children or a dog to worry about. It totally disrupted our sleep (we are such old farts now! haha). 

2018 has been one to remember. It has signaled the end of my teaching career (at least for a time) and the beginning of my many mommy adventures. The year brought more babies into our extended family and a fur baby into our own home. It hasn't always been easy; Andrew and I have discussed and debated over job satisfaction, puppy commands, time management, and schooling. But I think 2018 has set the stage for some big growth to happen in 2019. Bring it on!

---