Dear Friends and Family,
As we approach the end of another year, it’s hard to ignore the swift passage of time. It feels like we’re all racing towards the unknown at an alarmingly fast rate, doesn’t it? So, while I take a breather from the never-ending cycle of laundry, chores, and the latest reality TV episodes, I figured it’s time to share a candid update about our lives over the past year.
To put it bluntly, 2023 had its fair share of challenges. Sure, we have food on the table and a roof over our heads, but let’s be honest—things could certainly improve.
The Kids
The kids? Well, they’ve been their usual selves. Sam has been struggling with his skin; he’s hit that awkward teenage phase, and I’m quite sure I didn’t pass that down to him. After months of nudging, he finally found a part-time job, so at least there’s that small victory!
Emily is no longer in the gifted program. We made the decision to pull her out when it became clear that the stress wasn’t worth it. She still enjoys playing soccer, though, and that keeps her busy.
The little ones, Mia and Zoe, are growing faster than I can keep up with. Mia is starting to show signs of adolescence (hello, body odor!), while Zoe has recently embraced her dramatic side, giving us all a taste of what’s to come during her teenage years. I can hardly wait for the chaos of three girls navigating puberty while I’m also dealing with my own midlife changes!
Lucas is still our sweet little guy, although he can be quite a handful at times. We’re considering alternative therapies to help him, having read about various options online. Meanwhile, baby Lily is as adorable as ever and proving to be quite the little diva. Parenting babies is exhausting!
Health and Home
Health-wise, we’ve managed to stay relatively okay, aside from a brief episode of stomach bugs that swept through the house. I think we’ve finally banished the lice that made a surprise visit a few months back, too.
As for vacations, well, those are on hold for now. With the costs involved and the sheer number of children we have, a getaway would feel more like a logistical nightmare than a vacation. My partner, Mark, lost his job recently but is exploring self-employment options. Fingers crossed that works out!
On the financial front, I’m currently saving up for some much-needed medical procedures—because let’s face it, the struggle is real. Who knew deciding between bladder repair surgery and a long-desired cosmetic procedure would be a thing? And college funds? Ha! What college funds?
Our home is in a state of disarray, but honestly, who has the energy to fix things up with all these little ones running around? I wouldn’t say it’s squalor, but let’s just say there’s a fine line. You may wonder which one of us has turned to antidepressants and which one has found solace in a glass of wine. I’ll keep that a secret for now.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season! Until next year!
Best,
Lisa
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Summary
This holiday update offers a candid and humorous glimpse into the ups and downs of family life over the past year, touching on common challenges while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
Keyphrase: No-Bullshit Holiday Newsletter
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