Christmas Morning

It is thirteen minutes to gift liftoff when all the big people drag themselves into the living room to open presents and the little ones go nuts. As usual, there are way too many gifts in the room. As usual we all promised to cut down and we actually did, but it is hard to tell that right now.

My Christmas blessings.

First, all of my family are mostly healthy this year. Drew continues to have some health issues from malaria, but at least he isn't being shot on a regular basis like last year. Rachel has had some problems with her Atkinson side of the family, but I think she is ready to move on with her life. She does a good job doing textbooks, but she (nobody) can work in that situation.

Second, the grandkids are just fabulous people to know. They are funny and smart and pretty darn cute too.

Third, I love my students at school. And I love my co-workers.

Fourth, I am ready to move forward with being a writer. It is time to shift gears.

And I am happy overall. I hear stirrings and it is not a little mousie. Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas if coming!

Christmas is coming and so is Drew. I am up waiting for Drew to make it in from Colorado. He gets to start his break. He is happy and so are we! I don't know how we made it for a year when he was in Afghanistan. I am glad he is back, but I think often of those who are there now. I hope their family gets to enjoy the holiday together next year.

Bob was in Springfield, but now is back. He is off work for the rest of the year. He will enjoy getting to spend time with Drew while I am working for the next couple of days.

And I don't know that I have ever been so happy for a school year to half over, ever in my teaching career. I still love the topic, love the kids, and love most of my coworkers. But there are many new programs and unwillingness to bend to help the students. Hopefully the second half of the year will be better.

Rachel has been busy working. We all went to Cash and Veronica's music concerts last week. They both did great. Cash has perfected his bow. Rach and I also took the kids to get their pictures taken. All of the chaos was worth it, because the kids look adorable.

Mom has been a cookie and candy making fool. And this is after she swore last year she wasn't going to do as much this year. She has done MORE!

This weekend, I cleaned, cooked four kinds of meat since I will be busy this week, shopped, wrapped, did laundry, and straightened up the fridge and pantry.

I am looking forward to Christmas Eve when the family gathers. Good food and games.

I don't have my Christmas letter done. One year I did it February, once in July, and last year I wrote it, but didn't send it. Pretty bad for someone who wants to be a writer!

I think I am going have to give up on the boy and go to bed. 5:00 am hits hard on a Monday. Enjoy your holidays!