Wow, 2 days till Christmas! Time flies, doesn't it?

Even though this year we'll have the thinnest Christmas we've ever had (present-wise) I think it's been the most enjoyable Christmas season yet. We all knew that funds were low for all of us so there wouldn't be much (try nothing!) under the tree. There wasn't the constant need to get "just one more thing" and then worry that I got so-and-so more than someone else. We're all having Christmas dinner together and that's going to be my gift to everyone. Plus, my boys are grown now so there isn't the need to have "Santa" every year. I did do stockings for both boys and DS26's girlfriend but that's it. I help out as much as I can throughout the year and so do they and that's enough. Wish I had discovered how enjoyable the season can be years ago when I was stressing that it was never "just quite right" or "enough". My shopping this year consisted of buying 1 book of stamps and a trip to Rite-Aid for stocking stuffers and that's it! Just knowing the reason for the season is more than enough.

DS22 just called to let me know that his employer gave everyone a $100 bill for Christmas. He was so excited! He said as a gag they got a picture of everyone holding their $100 bill up to the light to make sure it was real! He just asked if I wanted to go out to dinner with him and a new girl he's been seeing. How sweet is that.....and her name is Kelly! She must be nice!

Tricia, I'm glad your girls made it home safely. I just saw on the news that there were several fatalities due to snow and dust storms. I hate waiting for someone to make it home and then know that the conditions are treacherous.

Time for one more cup of coffee and then a shower. Not doing much of anything today. My sinuses are giving me such a hard time and my left eye feels like it is twice the size it should be.

Ya'll have a great Wednesday!

Kelly - Yeah, it was crazy out there yesterday. The sad thing is 2 of fatalities were teens taking a quick trip to Dairy Queen. I saw a report online and some jerk made a nasty comment and someone told him that he knew one of the people who died. It was so sad. I certainly would have hated to be in law enforcement or work for the DOT yesterday.

Weave - No I am not ready for the holiday. But that's OK, it does work out and I don't stress over it.

morning all of you coffee-totallers ... (not tea!)

what happened to December?? OH, I remember - we got a big snowstorm and threw us all off ... and then, here's Christmas!! how fun is that!!

I'm so glad for all the snow, and the days brighter ...

I already made out my New Year's Resolutions ... only about 14 ... trying to stay ahead of the program this time!!

Kelly - that's great that your son wants to spend and share his $100 with you!! you raised him well!!

Soxmom - have fun with the cookies and kids ... I'm just pooped thinking of all the fun and racket that will be making!!

Weave ... write that down on your calendar or on a note and stick it in your wallet ... and date it!! then when your next private review comes up - and they ask: Do you have any questions for me?? pull out that note!! it wouldn't of been said to you out in the open if they don't intend to do something about it!!

2k2c ... that's great about spreading out Christmas all week long .. a fish fry sounds pretty good to me, too!!

have a great day - trying to get the rest of the letters out ... and work on some quilts ... my list is growing!!

by the way .. where's Jenn?? where ARE you???

Sandy - hope all is beginning to settle down with your mom ... and I like the 'split' responsibility idea ...

Tricia ... how early do you get up that you are SO organized to be painting from the get-go??

LOL, Vonn! I am a morning person. I get up stretch, do some yoga and/or walk and then tackle the things that take the most concentration as I am at my best from about 1/2 hour after waking up and 10:00 a.m. Then I am done for the day. LOL Well I do get a boost after my nap.

Counting down the days to 2010 personally. This year has been a rough one for me. Had a meltdown last night (this makes my what - fifth one this year at least?). On a plus side, it wasn't on Christmas.

Tried not to be grinchy, at least where my nieces and nephews have been concerned. Hung up a wreath and lights too, but just could not get into the spirit this year.

We're leaving tomorrow to see his family, so if I don't see ya - I will still wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas.

Hey Jenn ... I totally understand the 'meltdown' ... I lost count ... and don't care to keep a journal, anymore ...

you'll be fine, take your time ... having some downtime is okay ... look at what I posted last week ... there's so many different things that "hit" us all at once: pain, frustration, weakness, fatigue, anticipation ... and then WHAM - we meltdown ...

I believe in you, sweetie ... I'm so proud of all that you've done this last year!! and that you are my friend is what I'm most thankful for!!

HUGS-a-bunch to you!!

5th meltdown this year, Jenn? I think I've had 5 today alone. I am hoping we all have a much better 2010. I, personally, have no desire to even have Christmas, but I'm going through the motions for my kids. If I was alone, I would have just ignored the season. So, I understand not being in the spirit of things. I just wish I could actually get into it. Maybe next year...

To all of my friends here, have a blessed holiday and a great New Year.

Hi everyone...
Jenn, it's okay to not feel in the spirit...and it's also okay to have meltdowns...just breathe...rest...even in the midst of the chaos and mayhem of family and holiday, there is a special place inside us where we can feel at peace.
I've had the weepies for a couple of months now. Not the regular, I'm depressed weepies, but the MS weepies...the kind you get when you come out of the store and can't remember where your car is, and you sob...those kind. Poor DH dealing with a weepie wife. At least I'm not the cranky wife of old he and I laugh at what sets me off...after I'm done crying, of course...
Anyway, Jenn, take care of yourself...we love ya here and send hugs from all around

Kelly, I love your sentiments...you know what is truly important this time of year. Bless you and your sons...they sound like wonderful young men...

DH and I walked around downtown Chicago yesterday for a few hours...it was fun just hanging with him...took him to my toystore, Crate and Barrel...
Then the legs stiffened up and we headed back to the boonies for dinner out and a quiet evening.

Got my H1N1 shot today...after reading articles about how important it is for MS patients to get it, I caved in...

Worried about the nasty weather headed our way...ice, sleet, 2" rains...last year, Dec. 26, we got 4" of rain...I ended up bailing out my fish pond, which was getting flooded by the muddy water surrounding it...hope I don't have a repeat...and I hate ice storms...always worry about losing power. I went out back and brought up a bunch of firewood and covered it with a tarp.

Well, all of you headed out soon for your family visits, etc, have a very safe trip...and enjoy the moment...they pass so quickly. My FIL is always amazed by how quickly his life has flown by...I am trying to savor the moments so I don't miss anything!!

Thanks guys!

Coffee is brewing, and hoping to wake up here soon. Listening to some carols as I wait. Won't be online for a few days so - -

Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas!

Good morning and Merry Christmas Eve!

I'm having eye problems this morning so today will be a low key day for me. It would have been anyway so.....

We're having our Christmas dinner on Saturday. I have everything I need but won't begin cooking till tomorrow. We're having Roasted Turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls and cranberry sauce. Lots of friends have given me Christmas goodies so I plan on putting them all on a platter and that will be our dessert.

We're waiting for heavy rain to begin here tonight and last through much of Christmas Day. No snow here....just rain. And possibly some flooding as they predict 3" or rain or more. I think this has beat the record for most rain in December here in GA.

I'm going to get off this computer and go lay down for a while. Ya'll have a wonderful day and stay safe and warm if you're traveling.