Hello

and

!
Happy Afternoon! I have to post or I'll just stop, and I don't want to do that...I'm not feeling like she who I will not hug, but I will say have a nice nap

I'm just overwhelmed, but I think I should get used to it. Sigh.
Rose -- I don't dare hug you, but I will say I get it. And I think it doesn't matter if your parents are great or crappy, it's hard to transition your child to adulthood

I think I was probably the easiest I could have been, and I still got mad at my parents, argued, felt like they didn't get it, was disappointed, and disillusioned. I think it's just what happens, and you should just live through it and know it will get better eventually as his brain catches up to his body. Remember, we cannot reason like adults until our brain is fully mature around 22.
Kathy -- Decorations are hangin' in there, literally!

I've decided to take the cotton batting from under my Christmas tree skirt, because it's not staying there anyway. They both love to lay under the tree on the skirt, and it keeps moving with them and not covering. I think you are going through a great process with the shelter, and are sure to get a good match for your family

I can't wait to see photos of your new addition! I bet you're glad you don't have feed this one the way
Nancy has to feed hers! Or maybe not. I think I am in the bf failure Hall of Fame, so I probably don't know of which I speak
Lisah -- Well, it's too early for the verdict for Jan - Dec., but I am hopeful I will be lower much lower than I started. I had a great December last year and managed to lose 10 lbs., of course I had the WDW Half at the beginning of Jan., so I know that helped. We'll just have to see how I do without that, but with more and better runs...If I had your coach, I wouldn't be skipping runs either

I hope the copier upgrade goes off without a hitch.
Lindsay -- I don't think I ever said -- I don't know how you hold it together when you encounter a child abuse situation, particularly involving a 4 month old. I would be a wreck. You are made of strong, sturdy stuff -- as I'm sure people can see in the Zumba class -- I bet you don't jiggle half as much as you think you do!
Nancy -- Um, you can't seriously be annoyed with yourself that less than a week after birth you are not at your pre-preg weight?!

Give your body time to recover. You had a trauma, and it will start to whoosh it's way out as your body adapts to no longer supporting another human life. Trust me, we (or at least I), will still be here trying to lose weight whenever you are truly ready

Oh, and I have to say again what cuties you produce! Beautiful, precious children. You should be one proud Momma!
Lisa -- I like Terra Nova more and more. I have a bad feeling the soldier who wants to "make Maddy his wife", may be a casualty. I am eagerly waiting to see "Belle" on Once Upon a Time. I've heard it is an excellent episode
So, on the health front -- I ran 4M yesterday, and did 3M of intervals today. I just felt sluggish, and I think it's because I should have taken today off, after running Sunday. Too late now, but I'm resting tomorrow and Friday, and doing 8M Saturday morning. Plus, I'll definitely get some exercise Saturday night. We are going to Portsmouth, NH for their Victorian holiday stroll. There are a ton of historic houses decorated for the holidays, crafts demonstrations, musical performances, sleigh rides...it's going to be a lot of fun. We're going with the BIL and SIL we really like, so even better! I have been in control and reining in my eating very well this week. I don't want to jinx anything, but I think I might have a decent loss.
On the

front, the same BIL and SIL offered to have the family holiday party in their home this year! This means we don't have to make any arrangements. I'm going to ask her this weekend how she wants to handle it -- sit down potluck, everyone bring appis and desserts, etc. I'm going to try a new type of cookie this weekend to see if it's a good idea. I'm using Betty Crocker pumpkin spice cookie mix, and adding chocolate chips. It sounds good in my head

Plus, the scary relatives may not come at all! It's Dennis's cousin's family. If the good cousin doesn't come, I doubt her brother will show up. He brings his freeloading self, Baby Momma and the young adults they "raised" to enjoy the free food and gifts, with not even a token effort to buy a gift for the kids (which is what we all do). As the hosts we have given hostess gifts to adults, but not this year. I'm skipping it! I did still do goody bags for the kids, but they are much smaller and not a present in themselves this year. Did I mention they also bring their 5 yr. old, literally conceived so they could continue to stay in public housing in their unit because their youngest older one was aging out?

If there was anyone in our family that should not reproduce, it's these two. Good cousin's husband got so upset this summer -- because the 5 yr. old informed him he couldn't wait until he was older so he could get drunk and do illegal drugs like his older brothers...Okay, probably TMI, but the truth is other than good cousin, nobody wants to be subjected to these people. They are drunk or high most of the time, including the party. I guess we should be happy for the entertainment factor, but who wants that around their kids?!

Who wants to admit these people are part of their family?! I know, I sound like the Grinch. I've been putting up with these people since 1996 when we moved out here, and they are leaches on society who have no interest in improving their lives, or encouraging their children to consider a different way of life.
Wow, if you stayed with me through that you get a gold star. I have to get that out about once a year, and there it is
To end on a positive note -- we rearranged our living room, and I couldn't be more pleased. At the same time we opened it up, and made it more cozy. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it is an oddly shaped room. We are all really enjoying it, and having our holiday candle (nothing special
Lisah, just a Red Berries and Cedar Yankee Candle) lit every night.
Have a wonderful evening, and here's to looking forward to a fabulous December!
Maria
