Christmas, phases of life.

 



Candy Canes from years past.

   

 Christmas music playing, tree up and decorated and actually snow on the ground. I find myself in a wierd new faze of my life.  All these things used to bring the excited energy of having kids in the house during this season.  The shaking of gifts, the teasing about naughty or nice, dancing to the Muppet Christmas Carols.  Somehow we skipped all  the excitement this year.
    
 Margo is grown into her own woman and the excitement of (can you believe this..) people her own age have drawn her away from home today.  Max is studying for his first finals at College, Jerry is Ski Patrolling today and Toni being Toni would rather watch a movie than help me. Today is a good indicator that the family unit that I have been so comfortable with is changing.  Growing maturing, fledglings are leaving the nest, etc. Growing my children go do their own thing is what I have training them up to do.  Why is it so hard.?

      Children at the Hamann house get a Christmas tree ornament every year. .  Setting up the tree every year has been the excitement of unearthing all the older ornaments, exploring all the different ones (and I have come up with some pretty interesting ones,) and wondering what this year will bring to the collection.  This year was different.  Quiet.  Sort of sad sort of proud.  Parents of young children, let them have as much fun as possible.  Make noise, spill the hot chocolate..  Believe me this transition is really hard.

Max this one is yours 2011

    And Spot the Beta continues to live!