HO, HO, HO.. and a Happy New Year

Well, you better watch out,you better be nice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice, Santa Clause is (was already here)

This year was a good one for me as everyone Mom and Dad and Kim' family, but the adopted Huffledink Family in Texas came to my house and spent Christmas Eve. Santa came here after I personally called him to explain the Haines Family would be staying with me in Columbus. Sam was given the option of writing Santa a letter to let him know where he and Josh would be but he was ok with coming to my house, he just told his mom "MOP has his number she can call". Lots of confidence.

It took us nearly 3 hours to open everything, that sure is a lot of stuff. The boys each got the most important items on their Christmas list and were very happy with Santa's choices.

Those over 6 got nice things too. This year I tried to think of something special for everyone. I am not sure if ever there was time you could not buy Christmas, we had one of those years when the kids were in their early teens and could understand, I had to give out IOU's I think Tom may be the only one that held on to his. Ever since that time I have tried very hard to not just buy to give but to give things that each person will appreciate. I guess I need to pay up the IOU's, with interest the way it is and having a bank officer in the family I will probably get a bill that will wallpaper one room.

I loved being here when the kids woke up and came out to see what Santa had brought them. That shy smile Joshua gave when he saw Patrick, he just grabbed Patrick's cone head and sat on my lap, still smiling. He loves Patrick, cause he's pink. Sam got the mask that changes his voice he was quite proud of that so all day we heard everyone who could get that on their head try to say something. (it could get annoying) ha

I didn't set the oven on fire, just burned up the gizzard, liver and other internal organs. Forgot I put them in a pan to boil to add to our dressing. We had that big dinner that really no one felt like eating, I think we all wanted to lay down, wait, I did that. Every year I say let's just have sandwiches, potato salad, some vegetable and just let everyone eat when they want to. Well, maybe next year.

The TEXAS grandchildren had a wonderful Christmas and so didn't UPS, I paid for at least one tire or tank of gas in shipping charges. Being the savy business person I am, I ordered everything on line and shipped it to me, then turned around and shipped it to TEXAS. Kim, in her most loving and kind way pointed out the rationale of changing my process for next year.

Christmas comes so quickly and then poof it is gone. All that is left is the wrapping paper, bows (if you use them), and crumbs on the floor. But each time I pick something up to put it away I am reminded of what a wonderful time I had with my family and can't wait until next year.