The calm before the storm

It's Christmas Eve, and we're all ready for the onslaught of family. My three siblings, their spouses and collective nine children, along with my mother and Alan's brother are joining us tonight. The boys are beside themselves with excitement.

The new sectional for the family room arrived in time for Christmas and it looks gorgeous with our new paintings. I'm looking forward to spending some time relaxing there over the next week.

And after a busy day today, the food is prepared, the house is clean, the children are bathed, and everything is in order for an evening of entertaining in our new space.

Merry Christmas!