Holidays, Matrix Style

I'm in this weird spot where I'm both ahead of the game and running to catch up.  I managed to mostly organize and even wrap the Christmas gifts I have, but it feels like I have so much more to figure out and buy.  My cards arrived today (after much dithering about doing them at all and spending way too much time trying (and failing) to get a decent family shot), but who knows when they'll actually get addressed?  And I have no idea how to be in 3 places at once Saturday morning.

It feels like I have so much to do and I'm woefully behind, but then, it's only the start of December tomorrow.  How is that even possible?  Such a time warp, the holidays. 

I don't really have a point here, except to say we all need to take a breath and go one step at a time.  It feels like a sprint, but it's more like a marathon.  But hopefully not as sweaty or physically destructive.  Hopefully.

My Companion for the Next Month

This is our Christmas tree. A few years back, I bought a new tree when I couldn't take the annoyances of the previous one (which of course I can't remember now, but they were sufficiently annoying). I purposely got an unlit tree so I could string it with as many lights as I wanted. LED this time, so hopefully they wouldn't burn out too quickly.  I spent a long afternoon weaving lights in and out of branches on each section, keeping each section separate so I could easily take apart the tree and store it with the lights still on it. Several hours (and many, many expletives) later, we had our own prelit tree. It's been 4 years, I think (this being the 4th) and it's still going. I'm sure I just jinxed myself.

I did too good a job because my parents bought a 9 foot tree (!) and asked me to light it.  Sorry for all those cuss words, Mom.

My favorite part is that every ornament has a story. Maybe it's something we bought on clearance after Christmas because one of the kids liked the character. Maybe we got it on a vacation. Maybe it commemorates a birth, a new house, a hobby, a shared interest.  Maybe my dad made it from scratch in his garage. I know every one. (I'll share if you ask, but never force a story on someone.) There is even a whole separate tree for the kids' creations (and some of mine!) over the years.

It makes me so happy. History on a tree.

Regal and Gentile

We took pictures for Christmas cards this weekend.  This works, yes?

Cooked

19 1/2 pound turkey roasted.  20 people fed.  Merriment achieved.

My mother in law was under the weather and couldn't make it to the in-law Thanksgiving, which was a bummer but for the best.  Hopefully, she can make it to Christmas, which thankfully is not at my house (thank you, Cousins, for offering to host another year).  It was extra warm, so people (especially of the kid variety) could mill about outside and not pack inside the house like sardines.  There was plenty of wine and other spirits, a good selection of appetizers (I could have eaten the entire bowl of what I would call baked brie dip, but really who cares what it was really called because melty cheese), and even a variety of green things mixed in with the carbs (including the poor tossed salad that never gets eaten).  I didn't take enough pictures again because I was busy making sure all the food was warm, available, and not accidentally dropped on the carpet.  Everyone seemed happy and even a bit reluctant to leave.  Good day.

Now, turkey stock is simmering on the stove, the house is almost back in order (get busy, Kids), I am in my jammies, and I just have to wrap this up before I go sit between my husband and the TV so he knows I want a should rub.  Good on ya, Thanksgiving 2017.  How about we do this again next year?

The Bird

I Hope You Got to Nap

I tried to post earlier today, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from my turkeys to yours, but I guess the tryptophan got to Blogger and it wouldn't post, so OK.

It has been a lovely, quiet day filled with carbohydrates, online shopping, laughter, and pie.  We didn't have a huge group around the table (that'll be Saturday, good gravy), but having just the 6 of us meant everyone got a seat at the big table and everyone was part of the conversation.  And other than Sabrina trying to bring up politics, it was excellent conversation. As were the hugs.  Lots of that today.

We even made a trek into the apocalyptic wasteland that is Walmart on Black Friday Eve.  (Since it was more than an hour after opening, it just had a picked over garage sale vibe.  We bought... celery.)  And now we're home, the kids are in bed, I'm running that last load of laundry I forgot about, and I'm contemplating if any new sales will pop up tomorrow since most everything got going over the past 24 hours.  If you are in person shopping in the AM, via con Dios.

I hope your Thanksgiving was joyous in every way possible.  I am thankful for much more than I can even count.  And I hope that there is even more for us all to give thanks next year.  And have a Good Black Friday!

Rounding the Bend and Heading for Home

The family is fed.
The house is clean.
I'm about to fall asleep on my feet.
You know what I mean?

Thanksgiving is lovely.
I love it so much.
It get so overshadowed
In the race to Christmas rush.

I want to remember
So many things I'm grateful for.
We are safe and healthy.
Who could ask for more?

And that we shall celebrate
With family near and even far
With turkey and dressing
And cranberries from a jar (or can, but can doesn't rhyme).

Maybe I'll take a nap
Once it all goes off with out a hitch.
What's that? I have to do this all over again Saturday for the in-laws?
Well, sonofa%&@!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

There's Always a Story

Time for the annual Santa picture post!  You'd think after all these year, I'd have figured out how to make this run smoothly, but no.  There is always some new crazy making wrinkle to be found.

This year, I checked with the website ahead of time to make sure Santa had indeed come down from the North Pole to grace the mall with his presence.  I glanced quickly at the posted times and planned accordingly.  Had to make some last minute scheduling glitches disappear, but no problem.

Sure, Sabrina wanted a complicated hairstyle I'd never attempted before.  Sure, Sammy had some kind of bug bite/allergic reaction situation going on his neck.  I can deal.  We got it all together, got in the car, and made it to the mall a few minutes after opening at 10, yay!  Surely we wouldn't be too far back in line.

No line at all, we see from a distance.  In fact, no elves or anybody around at all.  Hmm.  I guess we'll just wait here a bit until they get rolling this morning.  Maybe a few more.  Where is the photographer?  Let me just check that website one more time... oh.  11 AM this fine Tuesday.  Whoops.

I reassessed and took the kids to do their shopping for each other (an elaborate game of subterfuge involving a shopping basket covered in a jacket) first.  We made it back to find Santa ready... to take on the long line that appeared.  Sigh.

Luckily, none of the kids in line were like my kids of years past and everything went smoothly and quickly.  Then we got up to bat, I pushed and prodded everyone into submission, and I settled for the least weird picture as usual.  Then we did a little more window shopping and sample snacking in the food court for funsies, and an hour later, passed by a completely empty Santa picture line.  Oh well. 

Next year, I'll make one of those new-fangled online reservations. #thinkingahead

And really, how could I not?

Honor

Our Elementary school takes Veterans Day very seriously.  I didn't always know that, and I'm sorry I missed so many years.  When Sabrina's scout troop started participating,  I finally caught a clue.  And about half an hour after last year's ceremony, I caught another clue and realized we did have our own veteran to invite - Captain Jack.

A retired fire captain (hence the title), Jack started our as my dad's golf buddy, then is all the time partner in crime.  I've lost count of all the hobbies they share, and they're both quick to help the other and any family member  whenever it's needed.  He has so much patience with Sammy, whether its in helping him with scout business (Jack is a longtime scout volunteer) or teaching him the ins and outs of golf.  I'm pretty sure both my kids would move in with him if they count, if only to play with his dogs every day.  He's a pretty great addition to the family.  And that's just what I told people when they asked why we invited him today - we all adopted each other.

Sabrina was thrilled and honored to have her own personal veteran at the ceremony.  It made an already lovely day really special. 

2016: Checkpoint

Let's keep a good thing going.

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?

I'll start with the ugly one: buried a friend. Not my parents' friend or grandparents' friend. My friend. I'd prefer not to do that again.

Took my kids to Las Vegas.  Took my husband to Las Vegas.  Went on a car trip with 6 people in said car (to Las Vegas).  Made an actual Christmas list for myself.  Sent a kid to middle school.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Uncle.

Last year: I'm about 6 months behind in my photo organizing (a perpetual annual goal), because the bazillion Disney photos terrify me.  But I'll get to it as soon as Christmas is down and the house is put back together.

I did manage to get this done.  Buuut, I'm now 6 months behind on THIS years' pictures.  So, lather, rinse, repeat.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Nope.  My niece did, but she's all the way in South Carolina, so not close to me geographically.  But an exciting little addition to the family, I must say.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I really didn't want to visit this question this year.  Sadly, yes.  My friend, Erica @alldressedup, a very wonderful gift from the internet, passed away in April.  It still hurts to say out loud.  It probably always will.

My cousin, Mike, also died this summer, very suddenly and very surprisingly.  We weren't close, but he was family, so it's a significant loss.

And then there were way too many famous people who figured into my formative years.  Even though these weren't personal losses, well, they were personal losses and they make me sad.
2016 took too much is what I'm saying.

5. What places did you visit?

Las Vegas, Nevada.  St. Louis, Missouri.  Chicago, Illinois.  Kaukauna, Wisconsin.  Austin, Texas.  Many points in between.

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Same as last year: More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships, both in person and across the internet.  I need some buddies.

Adding this year: Will power, fortitude, self discipline, and better ways to communicate.

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 2, the day Sammy graduated from elementary school and Sabrina had to say goodbye to her favorite teacher.  July 27, they day we took Chicago by storm.  July 31, the day Elvis came to my great aunt's 80th birthday party.  August 22, the day I sent Sammy through the doors of middle school for the first time.  (And obviously the day of the answer to question number 1, but we'll try to keep it positive from here on out.)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I have no idea.  Did I accomplish anything?  Probably helping/teaching Sammy to study for his first ever semester exams and him doing really, really well.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Well, this one's on repeat, too: Letting frustration win, again and again and again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Coupla colds (one during the Las Vegas trip, but, eh).  Sabrina kicked my big toenail right outta my foot.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Let's see. The new comforter that makes my bedroom feel like a hotel.  A futon and TV stand to finish off the playroom.  The last 2 window blinds I need for the whole house, although they're yet to be hung.

The Hamilton soundtrack.

I'm actually proud of the things I didn't buy, but instead put on a Christmas list, both  account and giving other people some actual ideas for gifts to give me.  Not that anyone had to give me anything.  But they asked, so I did.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

This is a tough one to answer because as we wind up this year, it feels like nobody behaved very well, at least at large.  The Ladies Internet continues to be compassionate, insightful, and kind in so many ways.  Lin Manuel Miranda.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

We'll just chalk this one up to politicians.  Nuff said.

14. Where did most of your money go?

What money?  Day to day stuff.  Amazon Prime.  Taxes.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

I can't think of anything that warranted 3 reallys.  Our trips were giddily anticipated.  Christmas morning because I thought I did a really good job this year.

16. What song will always remind you of 2016?

"Can't Stop the Feeling," Justin Timberlake. I can't stop that song.

Anything Hamilton.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? I wouldn't call it sad.  I'd say more cautiously concerned and slightly gunshy.

b) thinner or fatter? Like I'm going to get up and go measure. My clothes fit, so, eh.

c) richer or poorer? I think this one is basically a wash.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

This remains ever the same: Catching myself before I get annoyed with the kids, particularly for interrupting me.  Spending time with lady friends.  It bears repeating, I need more friend time.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.  Now and forever.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2016?

After 2, it's becomes a tradition: we hosted a Christmas Eve dinner for my side of the family, whoever happened to be in town.  This year, it was my parents and my brother's family in from Washington state.  I made fancy prime rib again and my oven will not forgive me for a long time.  We went to Mass together and it was lovely.

We came home, cleaned up, somehow got the kids into bed, and let Santa do his business.  I watched the NORAD Santa Tracker a little too late and finally went to bed.

Christmas morning started off perfectly.  The kids adored their gifts from Santa, we had donuts and pigs in a blanket, and generally enjoyed life for about 40 minutes until Sammy started feeling poorly and went down fast with a stomach bug.  He didn't let that stop any of us, and we spent a nice day ay my parents' house, opening presents and eating while Sammy holed up in a bedroom with lots of movies.  He bounced back the next day, so even though Christmas Day wasn't what is would have hoped, he wasn't down for long.

21. Did you fall in love in 2016?

Weird forever.  And so this answer shall stay.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I really like American Wife and Speechless.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2016?

What birthday?  OK, I had one, but that doesn't mean I have to think about it.

24. What was the best book you read?

I'm enjoying Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple right now. The Hamiltome.

25. What did you want and get?

A smooth transition to middle school for Sammy.  A more relaxed holiday work season for Chris.  Somewhat less little girl drama for Sabrina.  A fancy coffeemaker for me. (Somebody has to set the bar low.)

I did finally get the window blinds and futon I listed here last year in the not get section.

26. What did you want and not get?

Skinnier.

And where is that rich benefactor?

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

We  just saw Moana this week, and I just loved it.  Big thanks to @Pamie and @Lin_Manuel.

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

I feel like I'm getting closer to some of the moms of my kids' friends (isn't there a better term for this?).  Must initiate more random coffee/lunch stops.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A jet pack.

Always, always, always: the ability to communicate anything to my children and have them understand instantly.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

I like what's in my closet and I shall wear it.

31. What kept you sane?

Laughter.  Texting.  The Ladies Internet, for sure.  Caffeine.  Prayer.  Same, same, same.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Hamilton kind of took over significant portions of my life, so I'm going to say Lin Manuel Miranda here.  Not in the traditional fancy sense, but in the I really want to be your friend and hang out sense.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Ugh.  I'm trying to stay upbeat, so we'll let this one lie this year.  I hope to have beautiful, positive things to say 12 months from now. Hopehopehope.

34. Who did you miss?

Everyone I lost and everyone I don't see often enough (which is most everyone).

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

You do you and keep working on who that is.

Tree: Trimmed

A lovely little holiday tableau.  Very Norman Rockwell.  What you can't see is 3 type A personalities rearranging each others' ornaments as soon as backs are turned.

I found Sabrina lying completely underneath, looking up at the lights.  I'm so glad it's Christmastime.

At Least There's No Sap

A grand total of one thousand, three hundred, forty imported not-Italian twinkle lights.  Not counting the star.  Hand looped onto each branch by yours truly.  Total number of curse words emitted: 1, which is a complete miracle.  This isn't even my tree.

But it sure is purdy, isn't it?

Wrap Up

This isn't even everyone.

What a week.  What a weekend.  I am exhausted.  And oh so grateful.  OK, bring on the rest of the holidays.  But maybe tomorrow.  The couch is calling.

Thoughts from the Day

Also known as phoning it in.

• I do not have enough arm strength to lift a 21 lb., fully stuffed turkey out of a pan.
• I will never make it out of the kitchen at one of these things.
• There will always be plenty of desserts and no one will take any home.
• Given the opportunity, my children will drink themselves into a Dr. Pepper sugar coma.
• Something will always get broken.
• I will always intend to take many pictures and end up with 2.
• They will both be of the turkey.
• I will always be glad I did it, but dad gum, I will be tired.
• What am I making for dinner tomorrow, you ask?  Very funny. There are 15 more pounds of turkey in the fridge. That's dinner forever, people.

Happy After Thanksgiving. I hope we all get to relax tomorrow.

Take 2

No rest for the weary.  And I am weary.  But.  My house is Christmas decked (mostly), clean (mostly), and ready for 25 of our nearest and dearest to descend upon it tomorrow (not really but let's pretend).

There is a giant turkey slathered in butter in my refrigerator awaiting the slow roast in the morning.  What's that you say?  Thanksgiving was yesterday?  Yes, yes it was.  But I have traded one insanity for another, and it avoid traveling hither and yon eating multiple meal on Thanksgiving proper, I will be hosting in law Thanksgiving, Turkey Round 2, the Turkening on the following Saturday here and forever more probably.  This is year 5 I believe, so there's no getting out of it now.

I've also managed to get a fair amount of Christmas shopping buttoned up, save a few hard to gift folks, but I'll get 'em.  So maaaaaybe I'll get to slow down and enjoy some holiday cheer after tomorrow.  What's that you say?  Christmas cards?  Rats.

This is how tired I am tonight though.  I ordered pizza delivery.  I never do that.  But the thought of cooking anything, or even going somewhere to pick something up was too overwhelming to stomach (pun intended).  Chris practically passed out when he saw the pizza boxes. 

I believe I've made my level of exhaustion quite clear by these semi-coherent ramblings.  Off to lay down until the unfathomable, all-too-soon pre-dawn hour when I have to hoist that Volkswagen Beetle sized bird into the oven.  Sigh.  Then I can sleep until New Year's, right?

Happy Thanksgiving

May your tummies and your hearts be full. I am thankful for you.  Happy Thanksgiving.

There's Always Gonna Be a Story

Yes, it's that time of year again - Santa pictures!  I don't know how much longer I'll be able to get away with this, so I'm taking advantage while I can (maybe I'll convince them it's kitschy and cute for teenagers to take Santa pictures, maybe I'll bribe them, you never know).  It's my tradition and I'm sticking to it.

But the course of Santa never does run smooth, so of course there had to be a story.  I'm right in the middle of setting up Girl Scout cookie sales for next year (Happy Holidays to me, blergh), and I had 1 final task to complete today, at a very specific time (kind of like trying to land that precious eBay auction in the final nanoseconds), and the system crashed.  I refreshed like a mad woman, but somehow I didn't have the golden ticket to get in fast enough and now I have to drive 30 miles out of my way to pick up the little sugar bombs.  So I was perturbed from the start.

I rounded up the kids, cleaned then up a bit, sprayed a cloud of hairspray, and loaded them into the car.  As I drove, I congratulated myself in checking Santa's schedule and finding out he wouldn't even have been around before 11AM.  Without that tidbit of information, I might have headed out first thing this morning and ended up waiting forever, ha ha ha, I am so smug.  You see where this is going, right?

We marched right up to the photo kiosk to find a sign that read "Santa is feeding his reindeer.  He will be back at 2PM."  It was 1:10.  Goody.  Now, I do not have toddlers any longer, but I really didn't know how long I could keep these two from losing their minds.  And my own, frankly.  But we rallied and decided to take care of some Christmas shopping (oh just to wait and see what they picked out for you, Daddy) and made it back with 10 minutes to spare.  There were a couple of families waiting ahead of us, and we watched as their sweet little cherubs, one after another, contorted their faces in silent (and not so silent) screams while being placed on St. Nick's lap.  I do remember those days, and I did not feel smug.  Nope.  I feel ya, parents.

When it was our turn, I tried to be as gracious and quick as possible, directed the kids to sit properly, smooth down their hair, and for heaven's sake smile.  Snap, snap, snap, and done.  I wished the photo elves a peaceful season and thanked them for the not so easy job they had, and we beat it out of there to the parking lot.  There was a brief moment when I thought I'd dropped the photos, but they had just fallen down in the passenger seat, and I didn't have a total heart attack anyway.  And just like that, Santa pictures are in the books for 2016.  Thank all that is merry.

We Need a Little Christmas (or it Might Not Get Done at All)

I have expressed my love of Thanksgiving many times, including here in this space.  It is the overlooked holiday, squished in between and exponentially growing Halloween and Christmas.  It barely gets a morning before Santa Claus shows up.  I try really hard to give Thanksgiving its due, being a national tradition that unites every one in this country and a time to reflect on the good things in our lives and finding gratitude.  It's important.  I even stretch it out by having all my in-laws for a second meal the following Saturday (upwards of 30 people in my house eating and drinking and occasionally bringing marshmallow shooters to thoroughly destroy my yard and floors).  I love it that much.

But reality creeps in all too often, and practicality has to take precedence over stubbornness.  We now decorate (most of) the house for Christmas between our two Thanksgivings (including the tree) so the family can see what our house looks like for all the holidays (we'll do Christmas with them elsewhere).  That's after Thanksgiving proper, so it actually follows my personal holiday preparation beliefs.  We knew we had a open day today with good weather, so Chris put the lights on the house.  I'm not going to let him turn them on just yet, but they're up.  (There are actually many lights up around here because we have a large Diwali-celebrating population around here.)  You do what you gotta do.

What I didn't expect was for my daughter to get rabidly angry over it.  She threw an absolute fit about decorating the tree too early (even though it's AFTER THANKSGIVING for the love), and followed it up by losing her dang mind over the lights going up today.  There was sulking.  Over Christmas lights.

As we were hanging out today, I may have turned on Christmas music just to see how long it would take for Sabrina to get ticked off. 45 seconds.

My mother is laughing heartily at this, something about how you reap what you sew and all that.  It won't be so funny when I fill her stocking with actual coal now, will it?

Proactive

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?  I've tried to get a head start, and I feel like I'm both ahead of and behind in the game all at the same time.  I finally got over myself and put together Amazon wish lists for the kids and myself.  I can't really say why I haven't done it before now.  Maybe it felt a little bit like giving my family a menu and telling them what to get me, and that makes me uncomfortable.  But it's been surprisingly helpful so far. 

I've found a couple of sites/gadgets/widgets/whatchamacallits that have been incredible helpful in making sure I'm not throwing away money, and I'm sharing them here.  I vastly enjoy saving money and getting a great deal, and I love it even more when my people do, too.  So here's what I've been using this season to achieve those goals.

Honey - this is a Google Chrome add on that will tell you when the item you are considering on Amazon is at the best available price.  Right there on the description page.  If you have the best deal, it says so.  If you don't, tells you where it is. Maybe it's just a no sales tax listing, maybe it's a lower price altogether, but it's all money in your pocket.  Nice.

Camelcamelcamel - you add your Amazon wishlists (the URLs for any and all you've created and want to watch), and CCC will send you an email when the price drops.  Just this morning, CCC told me that an item on each of the kids' lists dropped by 50%, so I snapped them up.

Wikibuy - another Chrome widget (or iPhone app) that tells you alternate places to find your Amazon cart items cheaper.  This one can be a little glitchy, but it just might direct you to a site that hadn't come to mind or showed up on a Google search that can save you a ton.

With the help of these little gizmos, I'm feeling much more relaxed about my shopping this season.  I'm getting to spend a lot more time sitting down, having the deals delivered right to me rather than hoofing it from store to store.   Now if could just remember to look for gifts for my family and friends instead of myself...

Tap, Tap, Tap... Is This Thing Still On?

Happy 2016!  It's November, you say?  And I've written a grand total of (math, math, math... carry the one) zero posts this year?  Well at least I'm consistent!

But with the coming of this 11th month of the year, I've heard the whispers of NaNoWriMO (I tried to get that right, and if I didn't don't tell me).  So I suppose this would be a good way to skew my average for the year.  Playing the numbers, that's what I'm doing.

On the plus said, I have 10 full months of interesting stuff and (mostly) navel gazing for subject fodder, so perhaps I won't sit in front of this screen for each of the next 29 days slack-jawed and wondering what the heck I'm supposed to write about.  But let's face it, I'll totally still do that.  I just won't tell you about it.

Let's kick things off with the traditional Halloween family photo, courtesy of Elvis, the White Witch, a decades old puffy paint shirt that I won't give up until it turns to dust, and Mr. Didn't Get It Together This Year.  50% of us rocked the costume thing (do better next time, Elvis, sheesh).

2015 Checkpoint

Once more, with feeling.

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Went to Disneyworld with children. Developed something of a coffee habit. Allowed a game console into my house.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Here's what I wrote last year:

I want to keep better track of the budget.  I let that get away from me at the end of this year, and that made me feel bad.  And I'd just like to keep on top of things better.  I'm a terrible procrastinator.

Hahahahahaha. Nope. In fact, I did terribly, forgetting to keep track altogether for weeks and weeks, then trying to catch up and forgetting what had been spent.  I'm planning a big turnaround for this year.

I'm also about 6 months behind in my photo organizing (a perpetual annual goal), because the bazillion Disney photos terrify me.  But I'll get to it as soon as Christmas is down and the house is put back together.

I just want to be better at the things I take on this year.  Whatever that will be.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My neighbor across the street.  I have yet to meet the little guy, but I will, oh yes, I will.
Sabrina's teacher welcomes a new baby, one we didn't know was coming until 2 weeks until the due date. So I had to hurry up and pull together a class baby shower lickety spilt. I think that earns a good snuffle, right?

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I've been able to answer this question in the negative for many years, but unfortunately, this year is not the same and by far.  In February, my uncle fell, hit his head, and was gone by the beginning of March.  Total shock.  Then in September, my parents took my grandmother to visit family up north, and while there, she had an aortic rupture.  She was able to hang on for about 30 hours after that, surrounded by her family and be at peace.  I even got to talk to her on the phone one last time, a memory that will be hard to recall but one I will treasure nonetheless. She was 93.

Also, in December, my brother's dog was in too much pain, so he made the hard decision to let him go.  That was sad for all of us as well.

Enough though, hear me, 2016?  No more of that.

5. What places did you visit?

Orlando, Florida.  The House of the Mouse.  Austin, Texas.  Houston, Texas.  Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Not in that order.

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

More surplus dollars.  A boatload of patience.  More and closer friendships, both in person and across the internet.  I need some buddies.

7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

February 28, the day I left for a fantastic ladies' weekend while a veritable blizzard descended on Texas.  March 2, the day I came back from that wonderful weekend away to find out my uncle was in the hospital.  June 5, the day my kids got out of school and we got on a plane bound for Mickey.  June 7, the day I got to hang out with Jen and Diane and their terrific families. The rest of that week with my giant family at Disney, every single moment.  September 27, the day my grandma fell and we worried she'd hit her head.  September 28, the day we lost her.  

Man, what an up and down year.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting a smart phone.  I'm pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to do it.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Letting frustration win, again and again and again.  Not being present in the present.  

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I never did get the flu last year, and I attribute that to my flu vaccine and Emergen-C.  I did catch a stomach bug from Sabrina late in the year, but it was short-lived.  A few colds here and there, but nothing too debilitating, thank everything.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Smart. Phone.  Giant white cabinets to organize and hide all the toys.  Anything I bought he kids at Disneyworld because it made them so happy.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Every teacher my kids have had. Our friend, Miss JT, who decided to write a children's book starring Sammy (and Sabrina) - and followed through. Fr. George, who just adored my grandma and has now pretty much joined our family like he's always been there. The Ladies Internet, always and forever.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

A particular toy store gave me a whole lotta grief right before Christmas because their left hand didn't know what their right hand was doing.  A large portion of drivers on the road this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Do I have any money?  The usuals.  A deck refurbishment.  A new washing machine.  Sammy's ears (hopefully the final surgery).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Do I need to spell it out again?  

A trip to Disneyworld. I'd like one of these every year, please.  Maybe two.

16. What song will always remind you of 2015?

"Shut Up and Dance with Me." Every single one of us would start chair dancing whenever we heard it.  (Also because Diane told us her daughter didn't like it because of the shut up part. That completely charmed me.)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? It was a roller coaster year, and I'm still a little blue from the recent losses.  But it will get better.

b) thinner or fatter? Like I'm going to get up and go measure. My clothes fit, so, eh.

c) richer or poorer? 'Bout the same, maybe down a little since our investments didn't do so hot this year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Catching myself before I get annoyed with the kids, particularly for interrupting me.  Spending time with lady friends.  It bears repeating, I need more friend time.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

"Sammy, hands out of your mouth!"  "Sabrina, we look with our eyes, not our hands!"  Exactly the same as 2014 and 2015.  Sigh.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2015?

All my life, Christmas Eve was my grandma's domain.  Though it changed over the years, we always went to Christmas Eve Mass and opened presents with my grandparents.  With the both gone this year, I decided to fill the time.  So I cooked a fancy meal of prime rib, broccoli rice casserole, and roasted vegetables for the four of us and my folks.  As a little girl, Christmas Eve dinner was a somewhat fancy affair, so I thought I'd resurrect that.  Never mind I'd never made prime rib or broccoli rice casserole before.  Thanks to Google and the Ladies Internet, I was able to pull it off.  I suspect this could become a tradition.  

After dinner, we went to Mass at the chapel at the residence where my grandma lived in recent years.  Their Mass was close (just a mile down the road), late but not Midnight Mass late so Chris would be able to make it (delivery elves work hard Christmas Eve), and not overcrowded.  They cranked the heat up a little too much on a 70 degree night, but otherwise, it was a lovely service.  And special because our newish priest friend concelebrated.

We came home, cleaned up, somehow got the kids into bed, and let Santa do his business.  I watched the NORAD Santa Tracker a little too late and finally went to bed.

Christmas started with a Santa explosion (woo boy, sis he go overboard this year), followed by some serious spoiled from my parents.  Christmas brunch and dinner.  Evening capper: some sort of liqueur my dad and I found that tastes exactly like a cinnamon roll.  Very nice.

And although we were quite aware of holes both permanent and temporary (come back next year, Brother!), it was a sweet, lovely day.  I hated to see it end.

21. Did you fall in love in 2015?

Weird forever.  And so this answer shall stay.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Chris has to admit he fell face first into Game of Thrones. I have never seen him binge watch anything before, except football.

I feel like I lost a lot of good shows this year, and haven't really filled the holes.  I seem to be spending more evenings on the internet or reading, but I still love.  I need to catch up with Jennie and just jump into Arrow and The Flash already.  Also, I have every episode of Orphan Black on the DVR  just waiting for us to watch (hoping this is our next together show).

I'm pretty much still devoted to anything Shonda Rhimes does.

I currently have The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, Penny, and Leonard hanging on our Christmas tree, so that says something.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2015?

I must have successfully ignored it because I don't remember a single thing. I'm sure there was cake.

24. What was the best book you read?

Man, I wish my library kept a list of the books you've checked out.  I'm going with The Raven Boys and its followups because I'm really excited for the final installment to come out this year.

25. What did you want and get?

Um, duh.  (Also, the right 2nd/3rd grade teacher for Sabrina.)

26. What did you want and not get?

Skinnier.

A rich benefactor.

The last 2 window coverings I need in this house (so close!).

A nice, non-college-dorm-looking futon for the playroom so the kids can have a better place to sit and sleepovers (coming soon to a 2016 near you).

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

I saw Cinderella (with Sabrina on her birthday) and Inside Out in the theater. So I'm going to say Star Wars: The Force Awakens (not that I've seen it).

28. Did you make some new friends this year?

In February, I went to a Ladies Internet hangout/get together/whatever you call it.  And I'm not even kidding a teeny bit when I say every single lady I met or reconnected with there is spectacular. You know who you are, and I adore each and every one of you.  I would hang out/talk/text/telegraph with you any day, every day, all day.  It was a real treat to see all these wonderful women in 3D and I can't wait to do it again. Seriously, call me.

My neighbor, Jodi, and I started having the occasional hang out and drink coffee morning this fall, and I love it so much.  I would like to do that every morning.

I am an introvert to the core, but I'm finding more and more that I really want and need friends.  And I'm grateful for them all, however I can get them (I'm fully on the side of virtual friendships are just as real as in person friendships).  So if you feel like I do, I'd love to be your friend.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

To only ask something one time. And always, always, always: the ability to communicate anything to my children and have them understand instantly.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?

It worked last year, so why mess with it - long tunics and leggings.  Basically public pajamas.

Oh wait, this is Texas and it's the surface of the sun 8 months of the year. So, anything that keeps me from bursting into flame.  I did learn that capris don't really make me look significantly stumpier than I actually am, so those made it into the rotation.

31. What kept you sane?

Laughter. Texting. The Ladies Internet, for sure. Caffeine. Prayer.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Charles Esten made an enormous left turn from goof on Whose Line Is It Anyway? back in the day to super hot country crooner on Nashville a few seasons back. Also, that dude that plays Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time wear his guyliner pretty well.  

Yeah, I don't even understand myself.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Healthcare.  Still totally messed up.

34. Who did you miss?

Everyone I lost and everyone I don't see often enough (which is most everyone).

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.

Don't wait to tell someone you love them.  And do it often.