The kids went back to school today after 16 days of their winter break. Towards the tail-end of the holiday (and I use that word loosely) we reached that “I have seen enough of you and your dumb face” stage of the journey. Time to get those girls back to school!

I must admit that this was the most enjoyable Christmas break I have shared with the kids. Back when they were little and pooping their pants all the time and grumpy and incapable of cooperating with my hopes and dreams, winter break was a dreaded purgatory that was often fraught with vomiting, colds, and tears (the tears were mine). We couldn’t get out and do much with three little cranky toddlers in tow, so we endured cabin fever and it just sucked. This year, when I think of all we did over the break, it’s a vast contrast to those days of yesteryear: we went skiing and sledding and skating and to the movies and then skiing again. And they played with Lego for days! There were actually small spurts of peace and quiet! And we had fun together! This is encouraging.

It gets better. It really does.

I have many friends with young children in that awful “we are sick for months on end and can’t leave the house and everything is terrible” phase and I just wish I could make it better for them. Unfortunately it seems there is no way but through the fire. Sorry, mommas.

With this new year upon us, I do find myself thinking about personal goals. I have written them down and it feels good to refocus on my commitments and plans.

Happy New Year, all!