A Fresh Start

We spent the long weekend cleaning up the remnants of Halloween/Thanksgiving and preparing for the upcoming holiday season.  We took down the scarecrows and cornstalks, raked the leaves and finally stored the giant light-up jack o' lanterns.  We brought at least a dozen big boxes up from the basement and unpacked the tree, the ornaments and countless other holiday decorations that we've collected over the years.  We spent these past three days cleaning up and getting a fresh start for the holiday season.

Will was the consummate apprentice, following Daddy around and demanding to 'help'.  Liam's needs were easily met and he let his Mom and Dad get lots of work done.  We had a fun and productive weekend and happily spent lots of time as a family.  One wouldn't have thought this was possible if they had been in our house on Wednesday night.

Wednesday night.  I would like to say that Bill and I had an argument.  But this was not an argument, this was a fight-- the kind a couple may have once, maybe twice a year.  We were both extremely tired and irritable and ended up bickering over something so foolish.  We were shouting and making unfair generalizations.  We were hurling jibes at each other and pushing one another's buttons.  I thought I was right and he thought he was right.   Things got really ugly on Wednesday night.

It took about a day for the dust to settle.  Bill was up early the next morning and making pancakes.  That's because, unlike me, he knew he was wrong is so good at letting negative things go.  It took a little while longer for me to come around, but I did.  We made up and Wednesday night is history.  A few months from now, we probably won't even remember what we were arguing about.  The important thing is that we recovered and we were able to salvage an awesome weekend.

Getting through each day, dividing up endless tasks and responsibilities, it's easy to forget how lucky I am. When exhaustion sets in, it's becomes hard to communicate and it becomes easy to focus on the negatives. In reality, Bill is a wonderful father and husband.  He is kind and caring.  He works hard to provide great things and opportunities for his family.  He is patient and supportive and steady.  He is honest and funny and generous.  

Although I was too senseless and stubborn to say it on Thursday, I want to say how thankful I am to have such a wonderful man in my life.  

Here's to cleaning things up and getting a fresh start.