A Butter World: December 2008

So I guess this year clinches it: I'm not really capable of writing a holiday letter, at least not BEFORE the holidays! But I was thinking of you all - and trying to get to it!

Dec 21:
Life continues at its mad pace here in the Butterworld - the pace madder than usual (is that even possible?) in December. But now we've survived the birthdays (Will & Satchel are 18, Reed is 7) and vacation is here, it's time to feel the holiday spirit!

Last night, Satchel was at work, Will was off nerdling (playing tabletop strategy games), Geoff was shopping, Reed was asleep and Carson was reading. I had some classical guitar playing; the tree was lit - the tree that Carson and Reed decorated without any help from me, this year, Hooray! - and the dog and cat were sleeping. It was SERENE in the house! Why is "serene" in all caps? Because a) it's so rare and b) I often feel like that Seinfeld episode: "Serenity NOW!"

Dec. 24:
Now today it's Christmas Eve. Will and Satchel took my car and their snowboards and headed up to the snow for the day - in the rain/snow/blizzard - and the little guys are off to Bev's. What!? Serenity AGAIN? It's amazing!

I've decided on a new descriptive term. Just as there is a Gaggle of Geese, or a School of Fish... I think a group of male children is an Explosion of Boys. At least, it sure is in this house!

Dec. 27:
It was wonderful to spend a day with my brother and his family (and entourage of friends) - it's amazing how both short and long a year can be. My mom's house was full of people, as it's meant to be, the food was abundant (especially the chicken), the conversations were good, the kids were happy... a good day.

Dec. 30:
I have to throw in the towel on this letter, and just send it off! At least it'll be finished before the leftovers are! (Want some chicken soup? Come on over!)

So here's hoping that your holiday was, like mine full of:
Snowboarding on the Stairs