Epiphany.

Life has returned to ordinary. Isn't that grand? Yes. 

Last weekend we deconstructed Christmas. All but the Nativity.

Today? The kings have arrived with their gifts. 

And. The Nativity will go back into hibernation. 

We ate in the New Year with tradition. Pork chops, cornbread, peas, and greens grown in our very own garden. These will be the last harvest. I pulled up the plants. May good health and luck and wealth be ours throughout this New Year! 

And also with you. 

Tuesday Daughter asked could the Super Carrot come for a night. Or two. 

School was out until the next Monday. 

And so.

She brought her own entertainment. We watched the movie together and then it was on.

For the next three days we sang songs from the movie every spare minute. 

She is the singing-est girl ever. There are certain musicals that she knows all the words to all the songs. Thank goodness she has her talent down for when she is in that Princess America contest!

We baked Old Fashioned Teacakes together. The first day we made them large. And very decorated.

The second day we baked the remainder of the dough and used smaller cookie cutters. 

Thursday we had fun running errands and meeting the new church secretary by the name of - wait for it - Annie! It was love at first sight. We knew we had to make cookies for her! And Fr. Jeffrey. And Ms Jennifer. We also got to spend some of the Chick-fil-A gift card that was burning a hole in her pocket. But not before a leisure trip to the Walmart and the purchase of a much coveted tiara! She wore it pretty constantly and already knew how to wave with it on! Her mom taught her. 

The cookies and personalized cards were delivered on Friday. This girl had a great time at the senior Mass and Brunch. Lots of positive attention and deviled eggs and donuts until she was sated. 

It was a win. 

She was dropped off and the half way meeting spot Friday afternoon. And she is missed. 

It is good having a little body around to tuck in at night and hug in the morning.

She is such a good house guest. 

Last week on my initial vacuum duty after putting up the decorations I discovered "the book". It is a facts of life book that Out-of-Town-Son and I have fun hiding in each other's house/car/suitcase/whatever. He never would read it while growing up...and so the game. Last time I discovered it in the freezer. The kids told me it had been in there nearly a year. While everyone was here for Christmas I had taken it out...and then it disappeared while I wasn't looking. So when I vacuumed under the chair - there it was. Who knows where it will show up next!

Yesterday I was cleaning under those same chairs and look what else was under there. 

Always fun after the crowd has been here to see what hidden treasure shows up. 

The year holds so much promise. A new life will be born into our family. A nephew will get married. Just last night a niece got engaged! Much to anticipate. Much to celebrate. 

Much to be thankful for. 

Namaste.