mmm, I don't recall that many random "hail mary's" as a kid growing up catholic.

But what might REALLY piss off is stuff like "mmm I wonder what the Pope would say to that" or "isn't that a Pope's blessing" (as a mild exclamation of joy)... or talk of a pilgrimage to the Vatican.

And a pin that says "Hilary for Prez."

Ugh, ND. I’m sorry that the Christmas visit is an obligation and not a joy. Staying in a hotel sounds like it would be helpful. It’s easier to deal with family crazies after a good night’s sleep. (Also, feeling all awwww over the in thread comfort side by side posting with Kristin. U 2 R cutieheads)

Yay for great Christmas dinner, Cashmere. The kids at that age at Christmas are so sweet. before they turn into selfish *&#% teens

There are two pictures of Dubya and Laura Bush sitting in the living room.

Maybe you can pretend you are in a sitcom. Visiting the set of All in the Family or something. My parents and most of the sibs are like minded politically with me, but I’ve had to become an expert of changing the subject with my brother to keep the peace.

Yay, Deena. It sounds like a lovely day all round.

Also, I was told I have to come back tomorrow so that he can "have a talk" with me.

Eeep. Must be that he wants to tell you how proud he is of you. Or at least that should be the reason.

Thanks to everyone for the comfort and support. I heard some “boys are like that” noise from MIL and SIL. That just isn’t acceptable. I’m the least materialistic person you could meet, but they have to learn to think of others and be more considerate. If they had brought me a cup of coffee and a biscuit in bed all would have been right in the world. I’ll try and talk to them today.

Morning Laura! I'm so sorry about the boys yesterday. That's so frustrating and hurtful. I hope they're able to hear you when you talk to them today.

{{{ND}}}

Yay for lovely days for Deena and Cashmere. The kids are at SUCH fun ages!

It was a lovely day here, as well. And my SIL finally relaxed a bit and let us help her, which was nice. She did have a little breakdown at dinner about the lawsuit, but I think she still had a good day. And I got my red Kitchen Aid mixer. YAY!

vw, yay for the mixer! I hope you saved room in your luggage to pack it.

Laura, good luck with the Christmas reeducation. I know kids are self-centered by design but I hope they can see the error and how hurt you were by it.

I have to admit something. I was dubious, to say the least, when my MiL said she found an adorable and cheap toddler drum set for Owen. Noisy gifts aren't my favorites. But it's so damned cute to see him sit down at the wee little stool, take up the sticks and actually drum and sing. My BiL is a drummer so he set up the kit and lets Owen play his big boy drums all the time. I'm waiting patiently until my SiL sends me some pictures of the two of them together.

Cash, that sounds absolutely adorable. Who knows, Owen might be able to turn some of the endless exuberance into something less fear-inducing and useful.

Yay, Kitchen Aid, vw! I want one of those for myself, but it's something I may have to request for Christmas some year. It's just too expensive to justify buying for myself right now. I did, however, get a TiVO. Whoohoo! I can finally watch all my shows without having to worry about when each one is on.

{{Laura}} I hope the boys learn something, today. It's incredible how oblivious teenagers can be.

I hope you saved room in your luggage to pack it.

Oh, no! Mom and dad didn't even bring it. It's waiting for me back at their house. I can get it when I pick Toto up.

It's just too expensive to justify buying for myself right now.

This is exactly why I asked for it. I can't wait to get home and make a big batch of bread dough.

Who knows, Owen might be able to turn some of the endless exuberance into something less fear-inducing and useful.

If he wants to be a rock star and take care of his momma, I'm on board. I'll take him to get his first tatoo (if only to make sure he takes some time to choose the right design).

Hee, good mommy Cash.

I did, however, get a TiVO.

Woo!

DH was suggesting I needed to bake bread more often. I mentioned that I would probably do so if I had the appropriate applicances. I have an insane number of kitchen gadgets, big and small. And yet, there are so many more I could add.

I had a very kitchen-y Xmas. I got several cookbooks, including a church one with a recipe Grandma E submitted and I got a blender (now I can make smoothies!), and Dad got me two ceramic blade knives and a mandolin style slicer. And I got a cute little mini three sided grater in my stocking.

I also got Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and it seems like a great cookbook. Lots of information, beautiful mouthwatering picutres and the recipes seem fantastic.

SJ, the Pirates figure was well received and perfectly apt as EM's big present to Emmett was an actual painting of Captain Jack (fan art for xmas!), as well as the very cool Dread Pirate board game.

I'm glad he liked it, Hec.

{{{Everyone who had a difficult Christmas}}}

I'm glad you got your mixer, vw.

Mal is a cutie!

There was more, but my brain is still mush.

I had a very lovely holiday with TCG's family. It was very low key and non-stressful. I like only spending one day of the holiday with my family. I only saw half of my dad's side and for a very brief period of time, and when I called to talk to them the next day, I was very glad of this. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with my stepfather's side of the family though. Although, I did get a few really cute pictures of the niece, who is quite possibly the cuddliest baby ever. She is so happy and will sit contendedly with anyone.