Our December: Farewell 2020

Let's start this with the most obvious question ever... Who couldn't wait to put 2020 in the rear view mirror?!? Both your hands shot up, right?!? Yeah mine too! Not only did I have to deal with quarantine, working remotely from home, being a distance learning coordinator and be both kiddos's math tutor, I also underwent 2 surgeries. 

The first one was to straighten two bones in my foot. Gotta love genetics... hahaha! This put me off of work for a little over 2 weeks. Remember in my last post, I mentioned that I put the Christmas tree up early, well this is why. I knew I was going to be stationary for most of December and wanted to do the "heavy lifting" ahead of all of this. My parents drove out to Vegas and coordinated surgery drop off and pick up then they brought me and kids back to Cali to recover for a few days. One of the only benefits of distance learning was that the kids got to do school with their cousin, Clyde while I recovered on the couch.

The day after surgery, Randy called to tell me that Pinky's health had suddenly taken a turn for the worst he had rushed her to the vet. She was in the late stages of kidney failure and there was nothing the doctor's could do. She passed away a few hours later and I felt helpless unable to be with her to comfort her in her last moments, unable to fully explain to the kids what was happening because I couldn't process loosing her myself, unable to move off the couch. I wanted to run to her... I couldn't. I wanted to take the kids to her... I couldn't. I wanted to get up off the couch and do something, anything to save her... I couldn't.

One of the biggest lessons that life has taught me in the last couple of years, is that life goes on whether you're ready for it to or not. So we moved forward with trying to fill our days with as much Christmas cheer as we could muster up. 






I'm pretty sure I lost my mind a little bit, because Rian had been asking for twin sisters for our elf, Ralphie, so we adopted two little girl elves- Rosey Jade and Ruby Evergreen.


And they are just as mischievous as Ralphie once was.


My mom sent Rory and Rian outfits for our elves.

December started our weekly training sessions with my friend Vicki who is a personal trainer. Staying stagnant in quarantine was just not working for us.






The tradition continued with our Reindeer cookies. 




A little personal touch to Papa's golf balls.


Christmas Eve... gifts for Rory and Rian, there was even a little something for Ralphie, Rosey Jade and Ruby Evergreen...


Reindeer food sprinkled out front...


And finally, milk and cookies for Santa.




Christmas Day. Can you guess what movie is starting on the TV?






















We ended the year with a visit from my parents. NYE was definitely low key compared to the last couple of years. We went the relaxed route of charcuterie boards (or chick-chickery boards... hahaha Logan), playing cards, making a giant puzzle and watching fireworks. It was just what both doctors ordered.


























2020 was a piece a work and I was happy to see it go. 2021 you have quite the burden to bare to not repeat the to poop-fest that 2020 dragged us through. Good news is that the bar has been set very low, so with little effort you should come out a winner. Hahaha!

2021 we're coming for ya!

-aMie