For Mary

Another one of those "I just can't believe it" moments with Mary. Makes me want to hum, "oooo-eeeee-ooooo-oooooo."

My old doll crib being used by the new Josephina. After trying to get a closer peek at "Winston," I noticed something similar in Mary's family Christmas photo. Mine's a little worse for wear after 40 plus years. Ooooo-eeee-oooo-ooooo. Happy New Year, Mary!

Houseguests

become inconvenient and tiring after a week. I'm tired and I want my house back. Whine. Whine. Whine.

I'm Sorry

I'm very sorry. I wasn't intentionally rude. But I am truly sorry. If you think I'm saying this to you, I probably am.

Peace.

It's Not Very Cold....

There is no snow. But it still feels like winter.

Not a creature was stirring...

except for me and my boy, Hershey.

Getting Ready

The tree made it into the house over the weekend. It's resting and waiting for tonight when a bunch of little elves will surely turn it into the most spectacular tree this house has ever seen! Even without one decoration hanging from its branches, it brightens up everything. And the smell.....mmmmm. It's Christmas already.

Before

The Bearded One

Here's another secret of mine. I've got a thing for men with beards. I've loved them for as long as I can remember. I think a small part of it is that men seem more cuddly with a beard (like Santa). I think that the biggest attraction is the mystery (like Santa). What is he hiding? Husband is now growing his winter beard! I don't think he particularly cares one way or the other about having a beard, but he understands what it does for me. And for him, I guess.

So with a Ho Ho Ho in my heart and beards on my mind, I'm ready for Christmas. Bring it on, Santa Baby.

Chim chiminey chim chim

I spent so much time with the chimney sweeps, I feel like Mary Poppins!

Too stupid for words...

but the kids love it.

www.simonsezsanta.com

A whole lot of nothing....

Yesterday brought the first snow of the season. Not much, just a dusting. It brought out the Christmas in me though, and I finally had to pull out the music (both sheet and CDs). I've been both listening and playing during all the free time I have.

Mom finally came home last night, after a long weekend of hurry up-and-wait. She's feeling much better -- still pretty worn out, but better. Dad can no longer drive at night, so I went to get her, missing Holiday Night at school. The kids didn't seem to mind a bit (sigh) since they got to go with hubby instead.

Sunday night I got to see Movin' Out, the Billy Joel Broadway show, at PPAC. I've never been the biggest Billy fan, but Mom asked me to please use her tickets. How could I say no? Hubby couldn't have been less interested, so off I went with a girlfriend who was thrilled to go. The seats were great. Wish I could say the same for the show. The review said it was "magnificent." Maybe I expected too much. It was not magnificent, but it was enjoyable just the same. Plus it was great having a much needed night out with a friend!

Son asked a girl to the Winter Dance. Geeze, he's so young. He'll turn 12 next week. I'm amazed at his confidence, though it worries me that he may be a chip off this mom's block when it comes to the opposite sex. Guess we'll have to wait to see. He asked me for extra money to buy her ticket, and could he please buy her some flowers (roses that are pretty like her)? He is too cute for words!

That's it. Except for shopping. I am NOT a shopper. It's one of my least favorite things to do. But in the spirit of the season, and not being the real Santa, I am forced to brave all those other people out there and get it done! I'm off.

What a difference

a day makes. Mom looked much better yesterday. "Really, I do? Because I feel better, I think." "Yeah, you definitely look better." She seemed to be breathing a little easier which, of course, made me feel better too.

Then Dad called shortly after I'd left the hospital. "A nurse came running in and said, 'We have to take a picture of her heart right away.' They did, and a few minutes later came in to say that the monitor at the nurses' station showed that her heart converted back to a normal rhythm but that they needed to check it to be sure. And it did!!! Now all we have to do is wait for the pneumonia to resolve itself, and she should be good to go!" I don't think I've ever heard my dad sound so excited.

Great news! She's out of the woods, over the worst of it. Hopefully, Mom will be able to come home over the weekend.

Thanks to all of you for your best wishes. You're a great bunch 'o bloggers!