Reality Check

I did have a very nice Christmas.  I would (once again) go to my nephew's alone.  It was (and always is)  such a treat to spend time there . The house is beautifully decorated with lights, trees and everything festive. My nephew is quite the cook... soft Christmas music in the background. (After dinner entertainment-- we watched the munchkins snow ski down the stairs---a twin mattress at the top of the stairs snuggly fits as the 10 and 3 year old  hang on tight and slide down to the bottom. )  BTW-- their 38 year old Dad did the same thing several days ago (minus the mattress) as he sneezed and stepped at the top at the same time... he DID NOT have quite as much fun. lol

The kids do make the holidays so much brighter.  Little Jaxon is quite the fact checker.  He comes over to me with one of my iced cutouts in hand and asks--  "Aunt Kim did you make these?"  when I smile and tell him yes I did.  he goes back to his great grammy and says "You were right she did make them".  Then comes back over and tells me "They are deeelicious."  Later he comes and finds me and asks if I am staying for awhile yet. When I told him yep I am gonna stay for a long time... I get a big hug and he informs me I am not allowed to leave til last.    (Truly did make my day)

After sitting back and taking it all in-- that the kids (and their kids) do have the perfect family that most of us want  (even with the little flukes and minor drama) I do share that with Sheri and Mike.   I tell them how glad I am to be included in their holiday celebration... and how great it is to feel a part of a "normal" family. 

Sheri looks at me and laughs.  Says" last night after she got home from work everyone went in different directions and her and Mike wound up arguing about something.... said  her Mom can be a bit of a head case.   We are anything but normal. " I said you do put on a good front.  She says "oh yes---I learned that a little smile  does make all look happy and bright." 

Mike walked me out and when I said the same to him he also laughed.  "Normal?  When you guys all leave.. the kids will be arguing over something and he and Sheri will probably wind up doing separate things... her on her phone, him on his laptop... or passing out on the couch "  (they were both exhausted)  So apparently-- The grass is always greener. and there is NO perfect family-- just what they want us to see-- or how they do truly feel.   (still perfect to me)