Weekends are no longer our own. Which is fine. The girlfriend (I say that to protect her, not to make fun) comes to us on the weekends now - her haven, her place of rest. Next week, she'll spend Christmas weekend with us. It makes me sad that she doesn't want - has no close ties to want - to spend time with either of her parents.

Tomorrow is her birthday - she's here. She'll get french apple pie for breakfast as her dad is taking her and my son out to dinner.

It will be an interesting week.

***

I called my father today - he was fully prepared to spend Christmas Day alone. Excuse me? Hubby will drive down on Christmas Eve to pick him up - on our way to Arizona on Saturday, we'll drop him off at home. No family of mine will spend it alone. Except perhaps my oldest brother, who goes where he chooses now.

I am treading water with this seeming new addition to my family, but I'm doing so with the intention of keeping all our heads above water. Surely that counts?

Life can be an exhausting thing. But I believe if you carry love in your heart, and always look to the brighter side of life, in the end you'll live a happier life.
May yours be happy.