I'm up earlier than most New Year's Days but I went to bed long before the clock struck midnight, too!  Dh and I had plans for an evening out with some friends from church but had to cancel due to a stomach bug that ds had picked up while visitng family.  We returned home from our visit on Sunday evening and ds was ill late that night.  He seems to be doing better now and so far no one else has come-down with it (and I'm praying no one else does!). 

I actually was quite relieved when we made the decision to stay home last night.  I really enjoyed our visit with family but was so glad to be home.  So, we (dh and I) found ourselves cleaning the carpet in DS room at 1 a.m. Sunday night and I knew in my heart that I just wanted to be home with my family for the passing of the New Year. 

I spent New Year's Eve getting my Gestational Diabetes test done, going to the library, stopping by Target and going to the grocery store (wow, it was BUSY there)!  I arrived home around 4:30 p.m. tired and sore (baby is getting big) but I was greeted with the smiles I love the most!  We had a simple dinner because of DSs tummy and the kiddos went to bed a bit early.  Dh and I snuggled on the sofa bed and watched the first two parts of Wives and Daughters.  We watched the news for the weather at 10:28 and headed up to bed. 

Well, you say that sounds rather blah and mundane...to some I'm sure it seems that way but I have been struck with the simple joys of family life the past couple of weeks.  We have had no lofty ideals of how to celebrate or make memories.  We've enjoyed being together and have marked this recently past Advent season with simple reminders of who Jesus is and why He came.  Now as we look forward to a New Year we will spend our last day of holiday vacation (with daddy) being together (reading stories, snuggling on the sofa bed to watch the Rose Parade, watching some movies, playing together, doing some basic chores, and watching the snow fall). 

How I pray more families would enjoy the simple rhythm of family life...at whatever stage or age their kiddos are.  

We will mark the New Year this morning with our traditional breakfast....French Toast Casserole and Blueberry Syrup, YUM!

I'll leave you with the recipe...

French Toast Casserole

1 LB. Loaf of Italian Bread

8 oz. Cream Cheese

1/2 c. sugar, divided

1/2 t. vanilla extract

4 Eggs

2 c. Milk

1 t. Cinnamon

2 T.  Butter, melted

Cut bread into one inch cubes (about 14 cups).  Place half of bread cubes in a greased 9x13 pan.  Place cream cheese in a microwaveable bowl or measuring cup.  Cover the container with plastic wrap and cook on 100% power for 30 seconds (will vary with your microwave).  Stir it with a spoon, cover again and cook until it is completely melted.  Stir half of the sugar and all of the extract into the cream cheese.  Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes (it will not completely cover them).  Top with remaining bread cubes.  In a bowl, beat the remaining sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and melted butter together.  You can freeze it now if you would like.  I make it the day before and let it sit in the frig over night.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until browned.   Allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.  Serve with warm syrup or purchased or homemade fruit toppings.

Homemade Fruit Syrup

1 and 2/3 c.  Fruit, canned, frozen or fresh (drained of liquid) or 14.5 oz.

1 c. sugar

1 c. Corn syrup

1/2 t. vanilla extract

Chop fruit into pieces no more than 1/2 in. square.  Combine fruit, sugar and corn syrup in a sauce pan.  Bring to a boil stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.  Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the extract.  Serve warm over the French Toast Casserole (or pancakes, ice cream, waffles, pound cake, etc.).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!