I've been busy...

Sometimes, just saying I'm busy is an understatement. I had so much planned for my blogging in December, so many gift ideas to share ( a personal training certificate or a Garmin running watch, hint), or the Pinterest collage I was going to make.  December happens, and if you don't get it done before (I didn't) then you get it done in December.

It all started with a trip to Charlotte the first weekend in December for a family gathering. It was a lovely time of visiting with aunts, uncles and cousins, and eating lots and lots of good food. I got in trouble with the eating part, especially when your body is not used to eating such rich, high calorie foods. So the following week, I hit it hard and heavy at the gym. I was determined not to let my overindulgence get to me. I was pretty sore that week too.

I ended the week with a cookie decorating party for my boys and friends from their school. I had six boys and two girls at the house (not including my own). The kids decorated 4 cookies each with an assortment of colorful frosting and sprinkles. We had so much toppings left over, I made another batch. We are still eating cookies.

The weekend was a soggy rainy mess, but we had our family Christmas portrait scheduled. We bundled up and ran to the studio. My hair didn't weather through, but we made it. So later this week, I can send out our Christmas cards. Thankfully the rain cleared out on Sunday so we could attend the Holiday Express at Pullen Park. We got there early and rode the Santa Train. The entire park was decorated with lighted images of Christmas, Santa and winter. They had stations to make ornaments, play bingo and cornhole, visit Santa, and watch Christmas movies all while being lightly dusted by snow. Although we bought tickets for Sunday evening, we were also joined by other tickets holders that were rained out the following evening. The park was crowded. Their were lines for all activities and the lines for the carousel and train literally wrapped around the whole park. Shuttle buses were headed in different locations and crying babies, tired children and cold parents were getting frustrated. I'd love to do the Holiday Express again, but I hope Raleigh Parks plans for inclement weather next time.

I started the week, watching my 5-year-old's Christmas play. He played a tired sheep. Only 3-days of school this week then Christmas break. I hurry and drop my oldest off at school, then rush to the gym for a quick workout. This morning I ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill, then focused on my arms lifting weights. I felt good squeezing in a little me time and relieving some of the added stress. I hope to do the same thing tomorrow before I wrap up my shopping.

I'd love to hear how you are celebrating the season and staying stress-free. I'll be giving away some coupons to Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, just in case you have more shopping too for the those that comment.