We're Going To Do Things A Little Differently In 2017

It's the day after Christmas. Last night, after I tucked Lisa and the kids into bed, I sat on the sofa sipping coffee. The tree was lit. I thought about our 2016 Christmas season. It was one of the best Christmases ever. Lisa and I had already made plans to take the tree down today along with the other indoor Christmas decorations. It's an idiosyncrasy of mine because I work at home. From the day after Christmas, until New Year's Eve, I spend catching up on stuff and getting ready for the first of the new year. That includes taking down the tree, indoor decor, the outdoor inflatables, and getting our home back in order.

The outdoor lights always stay up until after the first of the year.

I knew all of this last night. As I sat there staring at the Christmas tree. I got a little emotional. I always do when it's time to take the Christmas stuff down.

Especially after the past couple of years.

It's been tough. Really, really tough. Between 2015 and 2016, Lisa and I have lost quite a few family members and friends The most recent was Uncle Carl. I can't stop thinking about the what ifs.

Last night, I was a little more emotional than usual.

I knew that once I unplugged the Christmas tree lights, that was it until the Christmas season of 2017.

That's when the tears made their way down my face.

Would Lisa and all of our kids be here to celebrate?

Would our friends and family be around to share the Christmas season with us?

How can I not think about that?

In a year and a half, we've lost 4 very dear friends and 5 family members.

That's a lot.

Too many.

It has taken a toll on the both of us. It has changed us.

We're not getting any younger.

Our kids are getting older.

And, that's where I have to stop. I can't bring myself to think about celebrating Christmas without Lisa, our kids, our friends, and family.

Or that maybe something might happen to me...

What I can think about is the time between now and the Christmas of 2017.

Our life is crazy, busy, and hectic.

But, that doesn't mean we can't do things a little differently.

Maybe take more time out to spend with each other, our kids, our friends and family.

Over the years, I've learned that "being busy" is a choice. If someone or something matters, you'll make the time.

Our crazy, busy, Bodacious Dog Mom Life isn't going to ease up in 2017. In fact, it'll probably get busier and more crazy.

But, that doesn't mean we can't take an afternoon or evening off. Celebrate life and love. Make more phone calls. Send more emails. Talk face to face. Share more meals.

Be in the moment.