Christmas and Cranberry sauce

It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down to write a blog for our page. 

It seems like 2023 has gone by faster than any other year before. I have to somehow find a way to make my days longer. It seems like I have missed so much of my kids life, but really, it’s no different.. Same time in each day, but it’s not slowing down, kids are getting older and life goes on. 

We are now getting ready for Christmas and SO much has happened this year that we are so grateful for. Our oldest daughter, Parris and her husband, Colton are doing amazing. Our oldest son, Jacob moved to Texas, attends the University there, bought his first car, loves his job and also is doing great! Elizabeth’s business is booming, Logan joined wrestling in the rugby off season and Ethan is a typical 13 year old who loves gaming and just being a typical teen… - thank goodness it’s the last teen… 

We celebrated Thanksgiving with some friends and Parris and Colton spent a few days with us. I think although it was nice having Thanksgiving, really… everyone was looking forward to Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when we all go pick out the Christmas tree.

Now, we all know who really decides on what tree we get, but I do love having the input of my family. Maybe a missed a tree that was better than the other. Maybe someone found one better that the one I had my eyes on… I do look at the trees they suggest, but, If I see a tree I like, I kinds just stick with that one. 

I went with a totally different style of tree this year. In past years, we went with tall ( always ) and very full trees. This year.. I decided on a tall, but “skinny”-“laggy” tree. I don’t know why. I thought it was cute and had potential. The photo let’s just say does not do it justice. go check it out on our family instagram @theyoungbloodlife It’s super cute and fun and will definitely won't be the last tree like this I get. 

Let’s also be honest.. we have barley started to shop for Christmas. We still have a lot to do in very little time to do it in. Before we know it, it’s going to be Christmas morning, Ethan will be up trying to get his siblings up and we will all be getting out of our warm beds to spend 30 minutes ( or less ) going through what took weeks to wrap, buy, think of, ship and hide. Again, so worth it! 

We are really looking forward to having everyone home for Christmas. I miss having all of my kids home. The house feels empty even though we still have 3 at home, it’s not the same. Yes, less chaos and arguing… but there comes a time when parents actually miss that. And, since the kids are getting older, it’s going to start to get more quiet, especially with how fast time is flying. 

You always want to grow up when you’re young and have nothing to worry about. But, when you’re a parent, you wish you could stop time, rewind the little moments and freeze all the time just so you can have that extra moment with your loved ones. 

This Christmas will be just as special as the last… and many more to come. 

Home Made Cranberry Sauce: 

3 cups of cranberries

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup of fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 orange 

1 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients into a pot, simmer on medium heat until all berries are popped 

-we like serving warm. 

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