partying.

Happy New Year's Eve. Not usually an eve that I celebrate. I'm not one for partying. Not really my thing. So no real traditions.

When I was little my brothers and I would eat chips and homemade onion dip. And stay up all night watching Marx Brother movies. I still like chips, onion dip, and Marx brothers. But I don't like staying up all night. And I don't have any brothers around.

But tonight I have plans. I get to see what my husbands been doing with his evenings the past two plus months. And I'm looking forward to laughing. Eating. And laughing some more.

What are you doing?

facebooking.

Here's the problem with Facebook - I can't remember the majority of people sending me friend invites. So if I don't accept you as a friend right away, please don't take offense.

It's not you, it's me. And my brain. Which has issues with memory and recognition. I just have to figure out how I know you before I can accept. I mean wouldn't it kind of be like lying if I accepted everyone? Even those I had no clue who or where they came from? Or am I being elitist? Promoting cliques?

So please be patient. Or, better yet, send me a note with your invite telling me exactly how I know you. Spell it out. Obvious is the word of choice here. For example: post our preschool class picture. I'm pretty sure that will kick my memory into action. I think.

apologizing...

Dear Neighbors -

I apologize if we woke you up Saturday morning. I was cozy in bed too. Until Clin came running in screaming that the sky was falling. In other words, his car was stuck in the snow.

As you know, we live in a culd-de-sac that does not get plowed as frequently as the outer streets. But this past week a miracle happened and they plowed the sac. And left two large piles of snow strategically placed so that we have to maneuver very carefully around them.

Clin decided to tempt fate. Decided to see what our front wheel drive 4 door could actually do. You know, cause he's reckless like that. And he drove it straight into the largest mound of snow. And instead of getting out the shovels, ran for me to drive, thinking his push could get us out. So did not work.

So I'm sorry for the loud engine noises. the grinding of the wheels. the smoke emanating from the vehicle. The stressful voice from Clin as he loudly wondered what the car was stuck to, and my angry reply: snow! But we completely deserve props for not swearing. That's right. We retain that for inside the house.

Sincerely-
Us

merry...

At least I should be. very, very merry. But alas - I awoke to find poop on the stairs. Mind you, this is the in-laws stairs. And I blamed the cat. I've never owned a cat, but figured it was something a cat might leave behind.

Sometime, during the opening of presents, the room began to smell. A smell not so merry and bright. And it continued. And I heard whispers around the room. I blamed the cat.

And then, as the smell continued, I decided it was time for an educational toddler wipe session. And that is when I discovered something fowl on the bare feet. And almost threw up. And the in-laws declared that was NOT cat poop. But something more human.

And a few hours later, we ran out of panties. Why must holidays force us all to digress? Into the children we were growing up. Into slothful blobs that desire diet coke or a nap. or both.

And then the younger one, who has not regressed because she doesn't have much to regress to, had multiple diaper changes....(wait for it)......leading...(wait for it)...to (wait, wait)....vomit! Our theme for the past week.

So on to merrier thoughts and images.

Uncle Nate (the shepherd) - getting ready to move to Virginia. Why must all our siblings leave? Oh. Perhaps the above story explains it all.

Beautiful Arianne with beautiful fiance Ben. Again, leaving us. Well, I guess she already left. But she's moving on through marriage. Never to look back. Probably for the best.

Which leaves us. Alone. Making Cream of Cod for Christmas Eve. And I'm posting this one for MY family. See what you missed? Rather, see what we miss?

Day 24: Re-enact the Nativity

Millie gave up the part of Mary so that she could wear the angel's hat and a green dress. Because all good angels wear green.

Merry Christmas!

warm and toasty.

Tonight, while Clin battled the elements for rehearsal, I enjoyed an evening with warm blankets. fudge. quiet. and a rendevouz with one of my most favorite comfort movies ever.

Best line ever?

You are a murderer of love.

Day 23: sibling presents

And we went with easy. Dollar store. Release the hounds. See what they choose for the other.

Ellis seemed to hover around Winnie the Pooh and foam pebbles. But we ran into the Ariel straw/spoon, Ellis cried out, "belle" and Millie's gift was found.

Millie decided on Winnie the Pooh mini discs. What Ellis will do with them? Only 1.5 more days to find out.