I’ve always believed that it’s the small moments in life that hold the most magic. Over the last few years, I’ve become really good at spotting them.
Our tree is tiny, but full of cheer. I played holiday music while we put on the lights and ornaments. After, I made a huge mug of hot chocolate, lit candles clustered on every flat surface, and read a book.
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| From 2010 Photobook |
On Saturday, Chris built Oslo a fort out of his cat lounges, some boxes, and a soft blanket. Oslo reacted exactly like a human kid — he explored every inch of it. He hid. He pounced. He lured his brother in and played with him for as long as Cairo could stand it. He climbed on top of it, and eventually, when he had worn himself out, he fell asleep on it.
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| From Oslo |
The weather has been wonderfully “cold” in Los Angeles, forcing our cats into even cuter configurations. When they’re not contorted like this, they’re snuggling on our chests, on our laps, under our knees when they’re bent. They are ridiculous perpetual cuteness machines, even when their breath smells like cat food. They are our family.
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| From 2010 Photobook |
This is a terrible photo — out of focus, angled wrong, taken from too far away — but I love it. Chris is in the office working on his novel, and Oslo is helping.
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| From 2010 Photobook |
On weekends like this, I feel like the luckiest person alive.
Oh, the cuteness! It burns!!
Oh, and Theo's doing a "cat" unit in homeschooling this month! Right now he's reading James Herriot's Cat Stories, and he's reading a science book about them, too. Up next, his own cat story.
A cat unit! Man, I so want to go back in time and join him!
Those small moments of joy are what keep us from flying apart under stress. You have a beautiful family, Jenn. Hug them close!
There will be much hugging, I promise! And I hope you're managing your stress with lots of happy moments, too — you've got a lot on your plate, and a lot on your mind. Wish I could ease the burden for you!
I know what you mean. Yesterday, I assembled the gifts that need to be mailed. And looked for boxes the right size. And Goo Gone'd any pesky, sticky price tags. And brought out the giftwrap. This is a job that takes many hours (not because of volume of gifts, but rather the obsession that sometimes overtakes me to find a more beautiful wrap/ribbon combo or debate what kind of gift tag to use and how to attach it).
The shuffling CDs set a warm tone (1/2 holiday, 1/2 past "best of" CDs), but this year's happy surprise was the periodic, spontaneous outburst, usually along the lines of, "I have the most amazing people in my life," or "I am soooo lucky."
You with the camera. Me with the outbursts. All with the mindful moments of gratitude. Happy Christmas, friend.
I love that last picture, too.
V. picked out the smallest tree on the lot and carried it into the house under one arm. That's how tiny it is.
What lovely moments. Thank you for sharing.
: )