Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 was nice and easy, not too much stress, boys were happy with what they got. Went to a few parties, ate way too many goodies, stayed close to home, didn't do the last minute shuffle this year, a good change. Enjoyed church Christmas Eve had some friends over for a drink and then lounged around on Christmas Day.

Check out Chris rocking in his boxers!

Bah Humbug

I guess if I want this blog to be an accurate diary of my life, all entries can't be cheery. I don't know if it's the gloomy weather or all the bad news on TV, (I think I will take a break from news this weekend). I am in a pre Christmas funk, mainly beacause Jim and I who both normally get bonuses at the end of the year, didn't. I know, I know we should plan all year for the holiday spending, but it never happens that way. And I know, we should be thankful we have jobs, but we both worked "over and above" this year and it is just plain disappointing! So I guess my shopping is coming to a screeching halt, we have warned the boys "don't expect much" and they are understanding, although Chris keeps looking nervously under the tree. Things could definitely be worse, but this is my blog. It is interesting how the extra money is never spent on me, it always goes to others gifts, but it bothers me, I guess it is true Christmas is about giving and when you can't give freely, it is just not as fun!

Trying to Keep the "Reason for the Season"

Bryan and I had an opportunity through our church to help with some holiday good deeds. It was great to get out and see what wonderful things are available for people in need right here in Woodstock. We delivered foodbaskets to the Hope Center it is an awesome place for women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy, a monumental time in a person's life for sure. We had a tour of the facility, and met the director Cindy O'Leary, she is so full of joy! she is doing such wonderful work, she left her lucrative corporate job to do "God's work" and seems so happy. Maybe in the future I will become a mentor for new mothers since, I think I developed some mommy skills raising my 2 boys.

Today we are going to deliver our Adopt a Senior gifts and food, I am doing this in honor of Jim's Mom and my grandmothers, I can't stand the thought of lonely elderly people at Christmas! I really don't feel like it is enough, but we got them what they requested.

After this we will get back to the partying and shopping!

Over the river and through the woods...

Actually it was many rivers and lots of woods, we drove 14 hrs to NY to spend the holidays with my family. With gas so cheap we decided to go for it, we saw it for $1.47 in one spot in Ohio!

It was really nice to see everyone, I hadn't been home for Thanksgiving in 15 years. I got to meet some of my 1st cousins once removed (we figured that out after much debate) for the first time, my cousin's sons. We found out my cousin Ted has to go back to Afghanistan for a year, tough with 2 small kids!

We had a few memorable moments, like when the oven became locked on the clean cycle just as we were getting ready to roast the turkeys (Jim's fault-I knew it would time lock!) So we ran the turkey over to the neighbors, thank God she had room in her oven! 

We hit all the highlights: Schallers Bill Grays and Abbotts, still just as yummy as ever. We are a low budget bunch although dinner for 6 a Bill Grays runs about $72 dollars! 

It was a tough 16 hour drive home, between the weather and the traffic. I actually really enjoyed the farmland scenery in Ohio and Kentucky and was impressed with Cincinnati, it is a cool looking city. Here are a few pictures from the weekend: