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.

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.

See how much nicer you are than I am? I'd be at the point of open threats and hostility. You know how Santa is a house rule? Well SANTA BRINGS COAL, KIDDIES.

ooo, how about one that says "Hillary/Kennedy 2008"

or Hillary/Obama 2008. a woman AND a black man.

I heard some “boys are like that” noise from MIL and SIL. That just isn’t acceptable.

no, it is not. And, frankly, as much as I love Brendon, he needs to take some responsibility here. Of course, if his family thinks that "boys are like that", that might explain how it happened. But, it will NOT happen again.

I did, however, get a TiVO.

Jooooooin usssssss . . . .

I just made some tea, using my new tea kettle, my new flavor of tea and am drinking it out of my new green and gold tea mug. Ahhhhhhhhh.

Still sick, but am feeling as though I've crested the worst of it knock on wood.

{{Laura}}