The Year Without a Santa Claus

Ok, let me start out by saying that I am not the biggest fan of Christmas. Having the kids has helped renew my joy (somewhat) but I just don't really enjoy this holiday. I know that I am really in the minority when it comes to that, but it is such a stressful time of year for me.

But, the other night The Year Without a Santa Claus was on. I have to admit - this is my favorite Christmas special..hands down. And, I am pleased to say that my girls have really taken a liking to it. Grace was singing the Heat Mizer and Snow Mizer songs all day. Then I remembered that a few years ago my mom gave me a copy. So guess what we watched again? And are going to watch again today? It's ok - I don't mind. We pop up popcorn and the four of us snuggle in the living room watching it. That's what Christmas and family is all about.

Have a great night!

Book Lovin' Penpals

Well, it's been a pretty productive day. I worked for awhile this morning and have this week all set...or at least as set as I can get it. Then it was time to focus on house and family stuff. Had to get the kids clean and they both wanted to try taking a shower today. It was kind of funny because they are only 3 and 4 so I had to help them with everything, but if they wanted to try who was I to stop them.

I made a big pot of chili for supper. We actually had some freezing rain today and now we are due for some more snow. Don't think driving is going to be a whole lot of fun tomorrow.

Another thing that I did was create a group on ning called Book Lovin' Penpals. I have seen a bunch of people looking to communicate through people via snail mail. I know that email is so much easier most of the time, but there is something special about getting a letter in the mail. I used to have penpals a long time ago and would love to have some again, especially some who share my love of books. If anyone is interested just let me know.

Hope you all had a great weekend - off to read for a little bit...if the kids actually let me:)

So much for all the snow

You know what I will never understand? When they cancel events before the snow even starts. It started snowing here fairly heavy at about 8:30 last night, and by 10 they had cancelled all schools for the next day. I understand that they are banking on the meteorologists being right, but how often does that happen, lol? Granted, we did get about 9 inches of snow in our area, and it was slow going. Schools should have been cancelled. But why do it so early. They even cancelled things for tonight, and it isn't snowing anymore and the roads are fairly clear (at least the main ones). Oh well, just ranting a little:)

Happy 74th Birthday Nana!

Today my Nana turns 74. I have put a picture of her and my Papa holding Grace when she was born and a picture of her holding Ella when she was born. I wasn't able to find my more current pictures, but that's ok because this is the way I like to remember her.

Her health has deteriorated quite a bit over the last 4 years. She has had two angioplasties, a hip replacement, and now suffers with end stage COPD and gall bladder problems. She actually should have her gall bladder removed but her lungs would not survive the surgery so she instead needs to try and control her attacks through diet. There is no hope of excercise for her, as both of her knees need to be replaced. They are actually bone on bone at this point, but again there is no chance for surgery. She also has been on steroids for too long, so now they have to try and wean her off. This will cause her more pain, and could make it even more difficult for her to breathe. Add this to the fact that her oxygen is no longer covered by Medicare so she has to worry about how to pay for it. You can just imagine what kind of life she has.

But, that said, this is one of the strongest women I know. She insisted on doing Thanksgiving at her house (like she has every year since I've been born) and she does EVERYTHING. And, this is for over 30 people just for the main meal, with other people coming later in the day (we usually eat at noon). She has had a rough life, but no matter what I can call her and she always makes me feel better. Even though I tell her how much I love her, and how much she means to me, I'm not sure words can express how grateful I am to have had such a wonderful role model for my life. I only hope that I can be half the woman she has been, and I hope that if I face some of the circumstances that she has, I will have the strength she has tried to instill in me to get through them as she has.

Happy Birthday Nana - I love you!