January Doldrums

January is just a hard month.  Apologizes to anyone who has a birthday in January.  We don't in our family; we can't even look forward to a birthday. 
It just a long, hard, cold month.  Throw in our lovely Utah inversion that hits every year at this time and we are just trying to get through.
For some reason, this year has been particularity difficult.  It's been a bit warmer and sunnier, so I know it's not the weather.  That has actually been a pleasant surprise.  We haven't been too sick - a few sniffles, a few mornings of sore throats, a few nights of croupy cough - but nothing that has put us in bed (aside from a nasty migraine of mine last week).
We are just struggling at our house.
Maybe, I'm struggling and then passing it on to everyone else.  January is always a challenge for me:  Christmas let-down,  cloudy skies, cabin-fever kids, dirty ugly snow.  It seems to hit all at once.  If I can make it through to Enoch's and Kate's birthdays in February, then I can see the end of winter in sight.  We will still have snow in April, but the sun seems to stay with us longer, the kids can stay outside longer - it just feels different.
We had such a blast over Christmas break, that getting back into a routine, while welcome, has been tricky. 
Guard loved having everyone home. 
I loved a break from homework. 
Enoch really loved a break from homework. 
We all loved having Greg home for two weeks. 
We loved sleeping in (except for Enoch who was up every morning at 6am throughout the entire break).
We loved doing things together as a family. 
We loved not having a schedule. 
Kate loved a break from gymnastics. 
Gavin loved catching up on his sleep. 
Guard loved having egg nog every day (nog, as he calls it - it is his favorite!). 
Enoch loved reading for as long as he wanted.
Enoch, Kate and Guard loved watching Dragons as many times as they wanted. 
I loved not having to be the naggy task-master, making sure everything was getting done.
Usually I love being on a schedule, but its been a hard transition this year.  My brain still wants to be on vacation.  I guess we all needed it.
But, January is here.  And we will make the best of it.  February isn't too far off!