Good Morning friends!!
I just have a few minutes, but I wanted to hop on and try to play catch up. I only went back a few pages though..... too much happening on here lately!
Tracey.... welcome back! I hope your trip was spectacular!
Kathy.... Sorry Michael got bit... our GP's only nipped when they were scared... maybe the flash was too much for him? And nice job keeping up with the running, despite the weather! The Princess should be SO exciting for you!
Taryn.... hope things are going well with PC. Hope the weather didn't put a big damper on your weekend party.
Jeanette.... CONGRATULATIONS!! Exciting times ahead for you!
Dona..... sorry you are getting so much sad news lately.
Rose....... leggings? really? You must look HOT!! And the clippie looks great (I'm putting out a preference now to be on Team Mickey.... but honestly, I'll be happy anywhere!)
Everyone else.... I promise, I read your posts!

to those going through medical issues and financial issues and "kid" issues! It is a difficult time of year, stress-wise, even if it is a happy time. The holiday stresses can really add up! Let's all take a moment to try and relax and let go of some of the smaller things and appreciate each other and what we do have.... health, love, peace, etc.
Thanks to ALL OF YOU who have been so supportive with your prayers, hugs, and kind words as my DH continues to recover. Cam, you were RIGHT! Being the caretaker is VERY stressful and exhausting. But thankfully he is getting better every day. I had to leave him home with DS for a long period of time over the weekend (while I took DD to her swim meet) and it made me a bit apprehensive.... but it went fine. And thankfully DH's sister and BIL came to visit yesterday for several hours, so that gave DS a break. It isn't so much that DH needs constant care, but I just don't want him to be alone much yet.
As far as Christmas goes.... I've got about half of my shopping done. I'm not really worrying about my parents or DH... as long as I have stuff for the kids I'll feel okay. DS is mostly done, but I'm struggling with what to buy for DD.
We have a tree, but it has no decorations. Nothing is wrapped, there will be NO cards sent this year, the house is a bit of a disaster.... oh well. Christmas will still arrive, we will all be here at home, healthy (or relatively so) and happy to be together. That is what is most important, right?? Thankfully my kids are old enough to appreciate the situation and be understanding if Christmas isn't "just so".
DD had a GREAT swimming weekend! She got personal best times in almost every event! And she qualified for States in two events at her HS meet on Friday night! She was swimming like a CHAMP! I was thrilled for her. And I was thrilled with her attitude.... even when she isn't swimming her best, she never lets her attitude get the better of her.... and that can't be said for everyone on her team. 'Nuf said.
I was doing well on the scale, but had a bit of a disasterous run-in with some trail mix and Lindt chocolates this weekend. I think I can still pull it together and maintain this week, but I feel like garbage today. That stupid trail mix is sitting like rocks in my gut. That'll teach me to leave a jar of trail mix within reach in the car during a 90 minute drive!! I had a big glass of fresh carrot juice with breakfast (DH isn't the only one enjoying fresh juice lately!) and hopefully that will perk up my system and get things cleared up!!
Did I tell you all that my HS boyfriend found me on FB?? Talk about a blast from the past!! And he was all like "you still look like you did in HS!" Little does he know that I looked a lot different 90 pounds and three years ago! Ha, ha.... let him think that I never put on a pound! (Although honestly, I don't think I was ever this slim in HS!) It was SO STRANGE and surreal.... I haven't kept in touch with ANYONE from HS... so to hear from him was just ..... WEIRD! But we shared stories from the past 28-ish years and it was nice to hear that he was doing well. He came from a strange broken family and my parents never had any hopes that he would amount to anything. But he has worked his butt off and joined the reserves and put himself through undergrad school on the GI bill and then law school working nights and weekends. He is married with two adorable girls! I am so pleased for him. And he told me that I "helped make him the man he is today"!! What a compliment! Anyone else ever get back in touch with any old loves from HS or college? Was is super weird?
Well... time to get DH up and moving! He is sleeping in the bed now and seems to be getting some good rest. But he wants to shower today and that will take some time and energy! And the VNA is coming at noon, so I want to at least have some lights on the tree by then! And I have thoughts that there MAY be a run on the schedule for me today! No excuses about the cold because it is in the 40's here today! And I KNOW I will feel much better just to get out there, even if I only do a few miles. It has honestly been WEEKS since I ran even an inch! I'm kinda craving a good run! (wait... who said that??? couldn't be me!)
Holiday love and hugs to everyone! You are truly a special bunch of folks, no matter WHAT the scale says this week! You are all kind and caring and considerate. You are smart and motivated and determined to make yourselves better! I will say, again, that I feel SO LUCKY to be part of this family. Wish we could have a holiday party together! Sort of sad we are all so far apart, geographically.
TTYL...................P