As the year winds down, it’s that familiar season when holiday greetings fill our mailboxes, often accompanied by those glossy holiday newsletters that seem like a curated highlight reel of someone else’s life. Let’s be real: these newsletters are like the filtered selfies of our lives—carefully crafted to showcase the best moments while glossing over the daily chaos. I’ve been guilty of it too, digging through my calendar for the year’s bright spots to prove how amazing my life is to folks I hardly ever see.
But let’s skip the pretense this year! How about a refreshingly honest holiday newsletter? Here’s what’s been happening at our place:
Dear Friends and Family,
Wow, another whirlwind year has passed. Honestly, doesn’t it feel like we’re racing towards the finish line of life? Because that’s how it feels to me!
This year has had its ups and downs. Sure, we have food on the table and a roof over our heads, but let’s not sugarcoat things—there were definitely some rough patches.
The kids? Well, they didn’t exactly set the world on fire with their accomplishments. Jake is dealing with some serious acne—definitely not my genes, right? I mean, I still get the occasional pimple, but I was never a walking advertisement for Clearasil. But hey, after months of nagging, he finally landed a job, so there’s that!
Sophie? We had to pull her from the gifted program because, let’s face it, it wasn’t a fit. She still enjoys playing soccer, but it’s more of a casual affair now.
And the twins—oh boy! Emma is experiencing the joys of early adolescence, complete with her first hints of body odor (yikes!), while Mia has discovered the art of dramatic meltdowns. Can’t wait for the teenage years with these two!
Little Bella is still adorable, though she’s also testing her limits and becoming a bit of a handful. As for Max, he’s still rocking his Down syndrome diagnosis, and we’re considering trying hypnosis next—because, why not? I read somewhere that it could help with just about anything. And then there’s baby Lily—bless her heart; she’s cute but oh-so-demanding!
Health-wise, we’ve been mostly okay, except for that brief episode of the stomach bug (you know how it goes!). Oh, and the lice situation a few months back—thankfully, we think we’ve eradicated those pesky critters!
We didn’t manage to take a vacation this year; it’s tough with our growing crew. I mean, a real getaway would mean escaping the kids! Ha! Michael lost his job but is diving into self-employment, so fingers crossed that pans out.
On the financial front, I’m attempting to save up for a little self-care—bladder repair surgery is on my mind. I mean, you know what they say about having kids! But then again, I’ve been dreaming of a little breast lift for ages, too. Decisions, decisions! Maybe I’ll just borrow from the kids’ nonexistent college funds. Just kidding…sort of.
Our house? Well, it’s seen better days, but with three little tornadoes running around, who has the time or energy for renovations? You might be surprised to learn who’s become great friends with antidepressants and who’s taken to a little liquid courage. My lips are sealed on that one!
Anyway, happy holidays! Here’s to another year filled with chaotic love and laughter. Until next time!
Warmly,
Lisa