So, Christmas

The holidays this year didn't turn out at all what I had envisioned. With Mia sick, and the bad weather, the disappointments just kept piling up.

As I am sure many people did, the big winter storm that hit the Midwest over Christmas Week had me waving fists at the sky. That thing didn't want to leave. We planned to be in Denver the Wednesday before Christmas but we didn't make it until the Sunday after. We ended up missing all the family festivities. And since we had not planned on traveling for Christmas after this year so that we could build our own traditions, the blow was much bigger. Especially since much of the family we planned to see would be meeting Mia for the first time.

But amidst the disappointment, there were still many blessings. I am trying to focus on the blessings, because the negative side of me wants to wallow in the disappointments. So in the spirit of looking on the bright side, here is a top 10 of our Christmas blessings:

10. Mia made a full recovery.

9. It was a White Christmas.

8. While others were stranded at airports or on the highways, we were cozy, warm, and comfortable at home.

7. Arrived in Denver safe and sound. No breakdowns from Mia.

6. Got to spend quality time with my BFF's.

5. Saw three movies in the theater.

4. Rang in the New Year celebrating my Dad's big 60th birthday.

3. Woke up Christmas morning at home.

2. Mia's first Christmas came with tons of gifts! She is one lucky girl!

1. I realized through all my grumbling that even though it wasn't as expected, we still had a great Christmas with our loved ones. The Schnelles and the Snyders. Just as we wanted it. And in the end, that is all that matters.

Up next, a pictorial review of Mia's First Christmas.