It is what it is . . .

Under normal circumstances, the phrase, "It is what it is," seriously rankles me.  It implies that there is no possibility of change.  However; I've learned that sometimes it can act as a statement.  A gentle nudge to move on from a situation that is/has/will occur in a manner that you simply cannot change. 

In plain words, December sucked.  Toby weaned during a stomach virus that steamrolled our house, I had to say goodbye to Luka GrizzleFrizz, I missed my family so terribly it hurt and we endured many power outages due to rolling ice and snow storms.  Christmas seemed muted despite the visiting family and gifts to the littles.  I had put up a tree, but Matt and I struggled with holiday cheer.

I always tell myself that next time, things will be better.  That in the kid's eyes, they had a wonderful time.  They got to hug on family and received fun presents.  Christmas is for them.  But I wanted it to be for all of us.  Sometimes, given circumstances whether financial, emotional or physical . . . it is what it is.  We did the best we could to make sure the kids were happy and we achieved that.

New Year's also seemed muted.  Having been here for a year, there were no parties to attend, no friends to hang out with and it seriously bothered Matt.  For me, I was content to hang out and spend time with him once the kids were in bed!  Talk about a sign of the times!!  I'm okay with my "party days" being over.  I'm okay with being "boring" and hanging out at home.  But not everyone is like that . . . but, sometimes it is what it is.

So, Happy New Year. 

The littles are cheerful this morning, fed and playing.  The sounds of their talking, laughter and story telling fill my house.  I remember a plaque that hung in our house when I was growing up that said, "When Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."  Well, in my house, if my kids are happy and Matt is happy, I'm on Cloud 9.  Sign of the times?  Maybe.  But I'm pretty easy to please.  Chocolate, coffee, a good book and maybe a good first person shooter (computer game for you n00bs) and I'm a happy camper.

P.S.  I still haven't cut Toby's hair.  I recently stared putting conditioner in it and his curls are GLORIOUS!