This holiday break brought an unexpected visitor on Christmas afternoon. "The fever" hit the first of the four children after a trip to the park and an epic snowball fight. "Twas a mean one too lasting three days for each child plus recovery time.
Our entire vacation has been an adventure of one fever ending as another started. Many pots of soup were made. Loads of vitamin packed fruits and vegetables were turned into appealing forms. Books were read and naps taken. As though to add to the adventure the big daddy flew out of town before New Years to be present for family who needed his help. We are so grateful that he could be there though he was missed. The first turn of the calender year that we weren't together in sixteen years.
Our new years included a quiet evening with neighbors and the children without fevers. New Years day we ate black-eyed peas and cut out snowflakes to decorate the house. The white confetti strewn on the floor proof of our efforts.
I feel as though I have tripped and stumbled into 2013. With so many posts planned and dropped as yet another fever spiked I've had to re-evaluate and be patient. Quiet. Recognizing what is right in front of me. Tend the fever. Stir the soup. Read a pile of books. Tuck the children into bed early. My mantra.
I've loads of things to share. I'm not sure whether I'm happy about the break ending so soon. When was the part where we played? Crafted? Skied? The lazy mornings and pajamas a welcome event, or the only event, as the case may be.
Today we moved out the christmas tree. The lovely lady who stood and sparkled since November 28th. The walls now seem a bit bare but the open space has allowed a bit of breath.
Slowly but surely I will live into the new year. "2013". The feeling of being "behind the ball" will fade. All the children will feel more themselves every day.
Life is, after all, unpredictable and exciting all rolled together. Truth be told I agree with the line in the "Parenthood" movie---I would much rather take the roller coaster of life than the merry-go-round every day. The adventure proves more about who we are anyway.
Grateful in this moment.
Sorry to hear your break didn't finish as nicely as it began. Hopefully everyone feeling better is making up for some of that.
Posted by: Phoe | Monday, January 07, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Thank you Phoe. It was indeed an opportunity disguised as a fever but I feel that regardless it was a good vacation. Everyone is finally feeling and acting more themselves and you are right that makes up for it all.
Posted by: Kellen | Monday, January 07, 2013 at 08:13 PM