Definitely a Marathon NOT a Sprint

Every holiday season that I get to come home, no matter if it's for 2 weeks or even this year 3 weeks it never feels like enough time. I'm sitting here this morning reflecting back on my past few weeks at home not believing that we are all ready getting packed up to head back to Ohio tomorrow. Although we were able to get a lot crammed into the semi-long time we were home there were still so many things that I wanted to do and I just don't know where the time went. It's also strange to think that this is the last time that we will be coming home as just Jason and I. The next time we are back in the great state of South Dakota we will be a family of three. CRAZY!!

The week of Christmas is always a busy one no matter if you have a big family or a small one. It seems like Jason and I were blessed with a really really big family though, which means unfortunately we weren't able to see or spend a ton of time with all of them. Our week started out with of course my baby shower. My sister, best friend and Aunts did an amazing job throwing me a wonderful shower in Sioux Falls. I still cannot believe how blessed Jason and I are to have such wonderful family and friends. We had a pretty good turn out for the shower which surprised me with it being so close to the holidays, and Little L got spoiled big time! Jason and I are still trying to figure out how we are going to get the gifts home. The next day the Lehr family (Dave and Kathy - Jason's parents, Ryan - Jason's brother, Jason and myself) made the trip up to Aberdeen, SD to spend some time with the Lehr/Jark family. The night of our arrival Jason's Aunts hosted another shower for me. So again very very spoiled Little L! It was a great time to see all of his Aunts though and kind of talk to them about what's been going on in our crazy lives for the past few months.

This year we actually started out our Christmas on Sunday with gift opening at Jason's parents house. We were able to spend time with Dave, Kathy, Ryan and his girlfriend Carissa. Everyone got exactly what they wanted this year which is always a good thing, and some how Little L ended up with a few things of his own. Christmas Eve is always one of my favorite times of the holiday season. It seems like that is when the most activity takes place, not only in Jason's family, but mine as well. Although this year I wasn't able to go over to my Aunts house for the big Italian Christmas Eve (by the way we are not Italian, but we tend to do themed Christmas Eve dinners - gotta love that family), I was updated on gifts opened, who drew who's name and some of the gifts received, so it was kind of like I was there. Jason's family's Christmas Eve is just as fun...I think in part because we get to see how much things have changed with the kids all growing up and all. We first were at the Jark's for gift opening and the adult gift exchange (which Jason and I both scored with a Qdoba gift card and Kmart gift card - I see dinner and a movie in our future). After we had that mess of wrapping paper cleaned up we went over to the Lehr's Christmas. This year it was a lot more mellow over there, but not all of Jason's Aunts were able to make it back from Minnesota for the festivities. On Christmas morning we woke up bright and early and headed back to Sioux Falls so we could have Christmas Day with my family. I tell you what having two little ones around makes the day very tiring. My nephew Caiden was entertaining as always waiting to have every toy of his assembled, charged, and functioning the moment it was open and not getting frustrated with us adults when we failed to complete this obviously simple task. Lesson learned open the present from the original packaging and have it ready for the 3 year old. Kinley was a lot more mellow I guess that's what you should expect from a 3 week old.

Now with all the Christmas-ing (yep it's a word) over with like I said Jason and I have to start preparing for that wonderful 16 hour drive back to Ohio. Of course though we can't have an easy trip back, mother nature has to throw in a few curve balls of her own and now we are going to be following (not leading) and snow storm for pretty much the entire trip. Slow and steady wins the race I guess. We are planning already to break up the trip into two days, one because of weather and two well I am to huge to be comfortable in a car for that long in one day. Speaking of me being huge yesterday was 31 weeks so we are in the home stretch with Little L. It seems so crazy that in a few short weeks Jason and I are going to take that giant leap into parenthood. It will be fun/scary/exciting all at the same time. To add to the fun I need to say Congratulations to the Wang's who are expecting their first baby in May, the Hatlestad's who are expecting their second in May and the Wiederich's who are expecting their second in July. Babies coming out of the wood work and the great part is that we are all such good friends so we can force our kids to be friends too haha! But yeah I'll keep you all updated on the trip back home and of course Little L updates.

There's no place like home for the Holidays....

Whoever came up with this song/saying was absolutely correct. You don't realize how much you miss home until you are here, comfortable and a lot less stressed. For those of you who didn't know I came back home about a week ago. We had a very hard and unexpected loss in our family. My cousin passed away from a blood clot about a week and a half ago, he was only 33. In true Mettler fashion though we all rallied together to be there for each other. Every cousin was able to make it back for the funeral, which is quiet an accomplishment considering the fact we come from such a large family. Going through this experience and losing a family member so young makes me really appreciate my family and friends that much more. There isn't a rule saying you have to be old in order to pass, so this holiday season enjoy every moment with your family and friends.

In other news since I came home a week early I will be spending not 2 but 3 whole weeks at home. This past week I have been able to see and spend time with my nephew and my new niece. They are so fun to have around and Kinley (my niece) is so small and cute you would think she is a cabbage patch doll. It's been really great to spend time with my sister too. I have really missed just hanging out with her. This week was also my Dad's 55th birthday so we were able to have a little birthday party for him. I can't really remember the last time that I had been home for one of his birthday's so I made sure to make him a double decker chocolate birthday cake just like I did when I was growing up. I think he really appreciated the gesture. I even had Caiden (my nephew) help me...kinda. I also have been able to spend time with my bestie Emily. She was kind enough to save all her Christmas shopping for when I got here. It's a tradition we either shop or bake, this year we shopped and I do have to say we did very well for ourselves.

Now Jason has made his way out (he had to drive 16 hours by himself, kinda felt bad), he is able to join in the festivities. He came at the perfect time too. The other night my parents big screen blew up, so it was time for them to purchase a new one. Who wouldn't love going to Best Buy and spending their in-laws money on gadgets and things your wife would never in a million years let you buy. So that's what the boys did yesterday, and of course they had the new bigger TV set up in time for the kickoff of the 49ers game. As if there was a doubt that would happen.

This week seems like it's going to be pretty mellow for Jason and I at home. We don't have a lot of plans yet. Come this weekend that's when things get tricky. We have my baby shower on Saturday which I am so looking forward to and then Sunday we leave to head up to Aberdeen for Christmas with Jason's side. Then once the holiday's are over it's pretty much time to head back to Ohio.

Cooper did not come with us this trip. Jason dropped him off at Doggie Day Kamp on Thursday. I am trying really hard to wait a couple more days to call and check on him. I know he is having a blast though and will be super worn out when he comes home. I do have to say I really miss that crazy pup and can't wait to hear if he likes his Christmas gifts I sent with him to Kamp. (oh yeah that's right I'm that crazy dog lady!).

I hope you all are having a safe and happy holiday season!