Stopped in my tracks!

What a week.  Last week, I finished up a grueling week at work with a great dinner and my favorite annual ritual... decorating our Christmas Tree.  I love it.  Watching the children open boxes of ornaments and argue about who puts the angel on the tree, just means the world to me.  I never want it to end.  This year, Dad helped with the process.  In some years past, he waited for us to unveil.  This year he monitored my lighting and the children's' placement of ornaments and it was great fun.  Saturday was a whirlwind.  We took our daughter to a Bat Mitzvah, a horse show and then a big dress evening diner and dance related to the Mitzvah.  She looked so grown up.  I couldn't believe how she has grown.  She showed amazing poise when her horse show didn't turn out as she planned and she looked so lovely leaving for her party.   But, Sunday was as big of a deal as Saturday.  It was the first Sunday of Advent.  I let the girl sleep in as she was out so late, so she and Dad missed services and came for Sunday School.  I love all of the Christmas Advent services.  It is good to take lots of time to remember why we celebrate. ..how it all started.    Then Mom and Mom in Law came to celebrate Moms birthday with lunch and some Christmas shopping.  A lovely and long day.  Then, I got knocked on my butt.... literally.  Running around getting everything ready for school and work, i fell down the stairs.  Fortunately, i only suffered a bad sprain... not a break.  

Needless to say, it ground me and everyone around me to a halt.  I had to take off work.  Todd had to delay all of his work and take me to the emergency room. Stephanie had to miss piano and get Clay to the bus.  Everyone at work had to shift and cover.  But everyone came together.  I got to see my sitter in action that afternoon.  I watched as Stephanie took over dinner and waited on me without complaint.  I needed that after watching her behave in a most entitled manner on Sunday.  It made me feel good to watch her shift priorities with no gain in sight for her.  I guess we don't require it enough of her to make it a habit.  It was so great to know she can put others first and cheerfully.  Clay was a doting fellow.  The short of it, we all had to focus on each other for awhile.  And frankly, it was a good for me to be unable to do for them for a day.  I love to take care of my family.  I like to do it well.  But I overdo it and then  stressed out, I seem to cancel out my efforts by becoming cranky and short.  As much as my ankle hurts, I have enjoyed the efforts made by my family.  They have taken wonderful care of me.  And possibly enjoyed doing for themselves a little.  Plus, not being able to do laundry and clean, means I have been watching Christmas specials with my kids.  Yeah Rudolph.    I love that little misfit.

I certainly feel like one week after week.  Especially after this strange week.  I may be on my feet again soon.