As Rich and I left my home on Saturday, I laughed at a comment my mom had said. "Maybe you are not feeling well, because you are always busy and you get sick when you rest." I could not believe that anyone in their right mind, would call the last two days rest! My holiday consisted of constant conversation, jumping barking dogs, sharing a twin bed, people constantly in and out, babies, early mornings, late nights, drinking games, eating, eating, eating, yelling, laughing, fighting, sneaking in a nap during thanksgiving number 3...

Believe me, I did not get sick from too much rest! Seriously, I napped on Rich's couch during their thanksgiving, and then slept in till 1:30 today. But after making my joke as we were pulling away, Rich laughed and said, "Yes they may be loud and crazy. But more then any other family I know, they understand the value in gathering together."

That is certainly true. We all make sure to find our way home for the holidays one way or another. No matter how off beat our holiday's may be, no matter what friends we pick up along the way to join in, regardless of whether we throw every other tradition out the window, we will always make our way home for the holidays.

This is my family -- these are our gatherings. These wild, unrestful, sacred gatherings for which I am so grateful.