Title? Who Has Time to Think of a Title?

Can I just start this post off by saying the most unoriginal thing ever?

Things have been really busy around here.

Ahhhh. Okay, I feel better. Meanwhile, all of you out there are probably smacking yourselves in the head and thinking, "Are you kidding me?? Hello! It's December! That statement also accurately describes the week of every other human being on the face of the planet."

And really, do we even need December for an excuse? When are things ever not busy?

But I have no intentions of using this blog post for a philosophical reflection on the ever increasing pace of life (except to say, "It's all technology's fault! Also, we should get rid of phones. The End.") What I will use this post for is to catch you up on the goings-on of our family over the last week.

First of all, Eden has been busy destroying the house multiple times a day. This is probably her favorite activity now, apart from trying to hug the cats (to death) and pointing out the fact that she has a nose. (And mama has a nose! And daddy! And the cats! Look mama, nose! Nose, nose, nose!! Also, please bend down so that I can stab you in the nose with my sticky index finger.)

Here are a few images from a recent episode of Destroying the House (version Thursday morning, 9:02 am):

The other big news from the past week is that we went on a retreat with Christian Assembly Friday evening through Sunday morning. The retreat was in Forest Falls, California, at Forest Home - the same place where we've been twice before with retreats for Peter's school. (See here and here.) The speaker for this retreat was Tony Campolo. He was great. Think cantankerous old man with a passion for social justice and the poor. A very engaging and funny speaker with a knack for making challenging statements and starting controversy. He definitely made me stop and think about my life and whether or not I'm living up to what I say I believe. For that (and all the funny stories), I really appreciated the chance to hear him.

I think this was our best trip yet with Eden. We didn't get a ton of sleep the first night but did much better the second. She seemed to have a great time running around outside and playing with the other kids. And even the car rides to the retreat center and home were largely tantrum-free. Overall, it was a fantastic weekend to be together as a family, enjoy the mountains, and spend time with friends.

And now... Christmas!!!! I put off almost all Christmas preparations until after our trip. It seemed like a good idea at the time. (No, I have no idea why.) But it hit me on Monday that there are less than 3 weeks left until Christmas. Three weeks. In which we need to purchase, set up, and decorate a Christmas tree as well as decorate the rest of the apartment. Take a Christmas-y family photo and order and then address/mail Christmas cards. Finish making all presents for my family. (This was actually my idea: that we would make small presents for each other this year. It was a great idea too - except for the part where we decided to make presents for EVERYONE in the family instead of drawing names like last year. I've now calculated that I have enough free time to spend exactly one hour on each present in order to get them wrapped and in the mail in time for Christmas Day. Welcome to here's-a-bookmark-with-Eden's-face-on-it-which-you-must-love-and-cherish-forever-because-it-has-Eden's-face-on-it. Thus it is perfect. No complaining.)

Sooooo, guess I should wrap up this little blog post and start cracking on some bookmarks. (Side note to my dear, sweet family: please act surprised about the bookmarks*. Thank you.)

And, to those of you who responded to my bloggy comments about feeling down lately and my worries regarding the possibility of Depression, The Return: thank you. I really, really mean it - thank you. Your e-mails and encouragement and just all-around loveliness are good for my soul. Right now we are sticking with the old-fashioned remedies of more sleep, quality time with friends and family, and a determined attempt at positive thinking** (a.k.a. counting my blessings). This Eeyore is not the best at the last method, but this may also be one of those times where the effort really does count for a whole lot. Other than that, we are just taking it one day at a time. And honestly? So far, so good. I won't say that I'm feeling all better, but I'm not feeling any worse either. And I'm grateful for that. So, thank you! Again!

The baby is sleeping and the dishes await - good evening all!

*No, you are not really getting bookmarks. You are getting something much cooler and more thoughtful. As soon as I figure out what that is. And make it. In one hour.
**Late addition to the list: more eggnog. This is definitely essential.