Spreading Illness and Cheer

Well, Sarah is now sick and this evening John is sick. Sarah was able to make it down for the presents this morning but spent most of her day in bed. She just ate some leftovers so apparently she has what I had....a half day stomach something. I hope that John has the same.

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I have been walking around with a can of Lysol hitting door knobs and such although I really think it is too late to help the rest. I have to try.

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My little helpers were successful in putting together the Playmobil school and firehouse. My son in law has stated that his future children will never own any toys with so many little pieces. I just smile.

In spite of Sarah getting sick and now John, I consider Christmas to be a success.

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Today we fit 9 family members into our tiny kitchen table with the kids table was sitting next to us. We discussed the fact that we may have to come up with a different plan if we get any bigger but it was nice to all huddle around the table together.

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It seems like the kids grow up so quickly. When they are little you knew where they would be on Christmas morning. They were still in your home and didn't have other obligations to be elsewhere.

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We have no idea what next Christmas will bring. We threw out the idea that Tasha and David should host the next meal and they offered up peanut butter and jelly. Guess they are not ready.

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Our Christmas did include gifts. Too many gifts.

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During the year I typically don't buy any toys unless it is some garage sale item. So at Christmas time I do indulge a little too much. It is easier when they are little because their wants are so simple. But, I am thinking that next year we may do something different.

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Even the Grinch needs loving.

I did get the camera I wanted for Christmas. Now I am overwhelmed. My loving husband also bought me several lenses and filters. I need to figure out the camera. My concern is that I wanted this nicer camera and what if my pictures don't look any better? What if they actually look worse? My old reliable camera is a 4 pixel camera and has been dropped several times.
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The following pictures were taken with my new camera......the kids enjoying the Playmobil toys and played together nicely.


You may notice Larissa wearing dresses more frequently. I have decided to stop fighting a battle. Larissa doesn't like to keep her pants on for some reason. I am always telling her to put her pants on. Well, I ran into a bunch of clearance dresses for $10 each and bought several. I am pushing the dresses....no fighting about pants.

I know some folks are wondering how Joselin did after her sudden return. She actually did well for the most part. She did have some tears on Christmas Eve when Jason decided to tell her how he felt. I was there when this happened and he wasn't particularly mean or even yelling. He just point blank told her how he felt about how she treated the family and how he doesn't appreciate it. She didn't like it and started crying. I didn't stop the conversation. I didn't try to protect her. Jason was speaking the truth. Her actions have effected the entire family, not just herself.

The girls did not say anything to her and were just being kind. But I know that they harbor some ill feelings as well. They have come to me and talked about it but keep the peace and don't say anything to Joselin. Maybe the kids do need to speak to her more. I am in an unknown area here. Joselin is now 17 years old, no longer a little child. She needs to be more aware of how much her actions effect others around her.

Obviously I don't have the magic answers or I wouldn't be struggling so much with my daughter. Some days I feel that all I can do is pray for her, it is out of my hands. Day by day is all we can do. Today she is home and save.

My youngest daughter Larissa told me this evening that this was her best Christmas ever. She sure knows how to make her momma happy.

I wish that happiness onto everyone else tonight. Have a great evening.