New Year's

Ok, to continue the highlights from the last couple of weeks.

On the last Friday of the old year, I piled the kids in the car and we headed down to Phoenix to pick up D's daughter. From that moment on, the three kids didn't want to be apart. They had their slight squirmishes, but for the most part, they played games, ate, slept, and pretty much hung out in various combinations.

Oh, there was one other thing to keep in mind - both D and I were sick! (This is the cold that WILL NOT DIE!) So with slightly limited reserves, we were able to keep the three kids entertained, well fed, and happy for the four days we had together.

On New Year's Eve we headed over to TGD's house. Throw some more kids, more food, and noisemakers into the mix (Seriously, woman - did we need those FREAKIN' HORNS????), and the kids and grown-ups both spent some time celebrating. At 11:00 we called it "Kid New Year" and poured the cider. After that, D and I bundled our crew back in the car and headed home. Kids were in bed, I'd had a quick bath, more cider poured (and a glass of wine for me) and D and I were on the couch with 30 seconds to spare. A perfect way to bring in the new year.

I used to love New Year's Eve. To me, it was the perfect call of "Do-Over!". I have to say, however, that this was the first one in many years, that I felt optimistic of what was to come.

Oh yeah, and as for today, can we just ignore it?

Where Have I Been?

Nowhere.

It's true. I have no decent excuses for not updating this Blog. My winter break came and went. Christmas came and went. New Year's came and went. My birthday looms (WAY, WAY too close).

I had a week and a half off of work. However, this was the year of the 30 minute vacation. I did get things done that needed to be done, but it never felt like I was on vacation. Between running errands, cleaning, cooking, laundry, doctor's appointments, kid stuff, work stuff (yes, even on vacation), it seems like I got my "time off" here and there - 20 minutes to read. 45 minutes to play a game. The time flew by.

Christmas with my closest was lovely. Being the nice guy that I am, I let T take the kids on Christmas eve, even though it was my day. However, I made it very clear that they were sleeping at *my* house, as Santa was coming there. The kids were nestled all snug in their beds, and that's when it hit me. The holiday skippies. I bounced around the living room, filling stockings, putting presents under the tree, scarfing down overly decorated cookies and ruthlessly chomping carrots. (The milk was left for D to drink - blech!)

The kids didn't wake up fast enough for the grown ups - who ever heard of such a thing??? so they were awakened with a whispered "Santa was here..." and out they bounded - paper was flying, stockings were emptied, items looked at and quickly discarded - however, all was well received (ok, maybe not the clothes or D's tupperware, but you know how that goes...)

A day or two later and the munchkins were returned to their father for a couple of nights.

The following Friday began the New Year's Weekend festivities, with one more child, twice as much fun, and lots more noise.

I'll think I'll save those stories for tomorrow. That way I can avoid thinking about the other thing that tomorrow brings...

Santa Is Gonna Have A Hard Time This Year

My daughter wants a girl dog. She wants Santa to bring it to my house, but then, we are supposed to take right away to Daddy's house, so that his dog has a new friend. Um...

My son wants a brother. He knows I can't have any more children, so he wants Santa to bring one. Um...

In The News

My gorgeous boy was in the newspaper yesterday.

There is a tradition of the Principal of the elementary school reading each class a story on the day they trim the school's Christmas tree. However, this new principal likes to sing. So instead of reading a story, he sang to each class.

In the small town where we live, this is newsworthy. Ok, so it's 7th page of the 2nd section newsworthy, but newsworthy none-the-less.

A picture of the principal singing to some 1st graders was featured, and lo and behold, there was the most gorgeous MIT (man in training) I've ever seen. Should I be concerned that he appeared to be checking out the blonde sitting across from him rather than listening to the music?

Actually, the part I was more concerned about was that the principal sang the song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause", which is actually one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. BUT (there's always a but isn't there?) is this the best song for this audience? How many of these kids are from broken homes where the only man momma is kissing is someone other than their father? (mine included) What about the fact that our children are growing up so much faster, questioning so much sooner, there is already doubt in my son that the Tooth Fairy is real - and he's questioning Santa, too.

So, in my typically over-analytical mind... Momma is either kissing some other man, who is in fact Santa, so momma is cheating... or momma isn't cheating, but then who the heck is Santa?

Aw, hell, who cares? My little boy is famous!