Et Cetera

Well, it's over... All in all, it wasn't horrible (although parts of it certainly were) and I survived. I only cancelled next year's Christmas once, but then I realized Christmas really will be cancelled (or altered) next year because we will be on our big trip. We are going to Israel and Jordan, and possibly Egypt over Christmas break '09 and I can't wait for the change of venue. It's a year away, but I am already feeling like I am behind in my preparations. Does anyone know if you can board a Chinese water dragon?

Anyway, the boys have gotten to spend some quality time with their friends. Mr. G and gang went caroling on Christmas eve in their speedos, which was quite the hilariously disturbing sight. Most of his friends are out of town now, so hopefully he will catch up on his homework. Mr. B is off paintballing with his little crew today. Those two know how to enjoy their downtime.

Hubs is on vacation, which is rare for him. He is usually back at work, leaving me to entertain the sister in law. However, this year, he doesn't have to go back until Jan 6. I will be so sick of him, but at least he can deal with his sister. Today, they are off to yet another Civil War battlefield and I am home, basking in the quiet.

Santa, per usual, was very generous to me. I have my very own laptop now and I am so happy. I love it so much (and you, too, Santa!). Oh, and I scored some seriously awesome boots that deserve their own post. Of course, it hasn't dipped below 60 since I got them.

We are all so desperate for snow that we have decided to skip town for a quick ski trip next weekend. We are going with another family so we will all have a ski buddy. We all ski at completely different levels, so we never see each other on the slopes, and it's no fun skiing alone.

I have been baking and eating. Chocolate cake, Toffee, pie... I have been showering sporadically and I haven't shaved my legs in weeks. I've been extraordinarily and unapologetically lazy. Here's a self-portrait for your viewing pleasure.

I have been thinking about all of you... Little things will happen or I will see something that reminds me of one of you, and I will smile. I almost hugged a woman that HAD to be Em...drinking a chocolate peppermint milkshake from Chik-fil-a. Was it you??? Did you head North looking for me? And I swear I saw Jill (in her fantastically fluffy boots) pinching Saddam Hussein's butt in the mall.

Love and warm holiday wishes to you all!

PS: Don't forget to come back tomorrow for your final opportunity to enter our MISSION: Monday Grand Prize Giveaway Extravaganza. No thanks to me, it promises to be a fun one.