Tree just got put up last night, but we may have to get a new one - it is 8 years old - prelit, and the lights are not working. I really don't want to shell out $ for another one right before Christmas, when I could get a great sale on one after, but we have to host the neighborhood Christmas party in 2 weeks

. We could get some lights and string them up but I don't know if it will look good w/ the many strings of lights already on the tree. We had a great vacation in
Disneyland, but wow, has it made me behind this year. I have 1 more suitcase to unpack, about 20 loads of laundry to do (we got back Thurs. & have had a full weekend of kid activities - piano recital, basketball, cub scouts). I haven't started any shopping yet (it took so much time to get ready for our trip w/ 3 kids), haven't decorated the house yet - I am majorly stressing. I told DH no more vacations close to the holidays. We have to spend Christmas skiing in Colorado (6 hours away) w/ my extended family, so I'll be packing again in a few weeks (spending 5 days there). In between is Christmas w/ DH's family, the neighborhood party here, helping at school w/ parties and the usual nuttiness of pre-school, dance, piano, etc, etc, etc. I am trying to get into the holiday spirit but sometimes I want to cry - there is sooooo much to do! Thanks for letting me vent - I will atempt to go put my big girl panties on, chug some coffee and get started! I am blessed w/ a healthy family and we have a nice home & food on the table, so I vow to be grateful for what is truly important & let my kids see a cheerful mom!
