{{Cash}} You can't possibly pile so much on yourself. Kids, sick pets, holidays, and back pain each require a huge amount of emotional and physical resources. You are not going to have anything left to spend on anybody if you end up collapsing under the strain. Nobody wants to see Cashmere bedridden for Christmas.

And what they most likely all said while I had my window open forever!

You went back, AmyLiz? Wow. You're a dedicated mommy. Sorry about the pony thing. I hope Santa told her that would be a difficult present to get.

We went back after fortifying ourselves with some food court lunch, and the line was shorter.

I'm going to get her one of those plastic molded ponies and put it in her stocking. She's three. She has the attention span of a gnat, and at this age, anything wrapped is worthy of oohs and ahhs. You could get her five dollars worth of dollar-store play jewelry and she would nearly faint from the bliss.

You're a very smart mom, AmyLiz. I am sure Sara will love the pony.

I remembered what I forgot! I sent JZ's listings to Erinaceous so she may find one or more of her dresses on dressaday.com.

{{Cash}} what can we do to help?

That's the best kind of pony for everyone.

Oh, AmyLiz, you're a better mom than I'd be!

{{{Cash}}}

Deena, got a sec to jump on IM (gmail or AIM)?

{{{{Cash}}}} I am so so so sorry that all of the home stuff is piling up on you, in addition to it being the holidays and the family stuff you are dealing with. I wish we could help with more than soft bosoms and shoulders.

Making a decision about a sick pet is so hard. {{{}}}

We'll try Em with Santa this year. She was great when she was 3 weeks, last year she screamed. We'll see how she does this year.

I'm there. Very foggy brained today. Thankfully, I told the bob I've been super tired and need a break, so he's not expecting me to be on pointe today.

{{Cash}} What everyone else has said. You have to take care of yourself first or you can't take care of anybody else. I hope the doctor can act quickly to get you relief.

Deena, I t heart Kara. What a sweetie.

Awww, Cash. I hate hearing about your pee puddle dodging toddler wrangling screaming backache day. That fucking sucks.

I love Kara's chattiness with Santa, and concern for his well being. That's such a snapshot of her personality.

I'm getting into trouble with Emmett's continued belief in Santa. Now he's asking for super powers. I thought he'd figure it out long before now. He's going to be in freakin' middle school next year! I guess we've been too successful at fulfilling his Christmas wishes. But now I'm afraid he's really going to be disillusioned and upset.

I think it's sort of like mumps. It's better to get your Santa disillusion over early.