I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.

We went home for the Christmas. While some things change over the years many things stay the same. Our family is big, loud and leaning very close to crazy.

Family lingering over coffee after a yummy feast

It's a whole different world back in Hartland. With a language all it's own. You have to pay close attention or you will get lost in translation. I am sure my family is no different than yours. The parents are now the grandparents. The siblings are all grown up: The successful engineers who travel all over the world; the working moms who do it all; the ones who think they have it all; and the ones who really do have it all. Note to self, I want to pick up a book on birth order.And the kids of all ages running amuck.

The food was plentiful and so was the laughter. Did I say it got loud? Oh yeah, everyone needs to be heard at these gatherings (I included). Even when everyone is listening they sometimes don't feel they are being heard so a bit of exaggeration is thrown in to spice the story up.
As crazy as this family is they have taught me a few things:
1) Time does not stand still, so make time for family. One day you will wake up and they will be old and not able to remember your name.
2) Always make time for game night. There is something about sitting around a table having a bit of fun over a game to bring everyone together.

Mom cheating and Amanda literally up in arms about it. LOL

3)Success means nothing if you don't have a family to share it with. You can have all the riches in the world but what good is it if you are all alone. I think Ebeneezer Scrooge found this out one Christmas Night.

 Each one of us is so unique and special, clever, intelligent and little on the witty side but what my parents have tried to instill in us that trumps all of that is love. I have said many times over the years "We never had much growing up but I have always known I am loved". I may complain about the craziness sometimes but this family has made me who I am today and that I am grateful for.