micah, rowan and i went to a holiday potluck brunch this morning. we had so much fun! i love hanging out with this group of moms; everyone is so friendly and sincere and... real. there is no judgment or pretension. they all parent similarly, and are all so sweet and understanding if my child bops theirs on the head or steals a muffin right out of their hand (i'm pretty sure both of those things happened today...) what an enjoyable, relaxing get-together. food was yummy, too; there were sausage balls, muffins, almond horn cookies, fresh pineapple chunks, a cheese and cracker plate, butter cake, and sweet tea. i brought the butter cake and sweet tea. we have another holiday party to go to at joshs mom's nursing home tonight, and we're supposed to bring a dessert to that, too; luckily, there is enough of the butter cake left over for me to slice and bring tonight! at the potluck, we had a used gift swap, and i made off with two sippy cups for rowan. they're the kind with little straws that pop out when you push the lid back, which is perfect, because rowan loves to drink through a straw lately!

micah and rowan caught a quick nap once we got home, so bedtime will be early and struggle-free, hopefully. rowan has been super cranky since he woke up from his nap, though; i hope he is not getting sick.

i love this time of year so much! parties and good food and gifts to give and receive; spending so much time with friends and family, singing and laughing! i would like to think that i do a good job of really appreciating how wonderful and beautiful my family is all year round, but i have to say... during the christmas season, my heart overflows every day with love and gratitude for the people i am lucky enough to call husband, daughter, son, mama, daddy, sisters, brother, etc.