Christmas Blessings from our Team to yours...

'Tis the season...

I am taking it upon myself to offer some Christmas shopping tips for the overworked, underpaid, over stressed, underappreciated, over- it shopper out there. Christmas is not about gifts. Material ones, that is. The best gift you can give to a fellow shopper is patience, understanding and a genuine smile.
It might be the mom whose kid's Autism is showing and he is having a meltdown in the middle of the store, or the mom struggling to keep her inconsolable daughter from screaming cuz she is having pains she cannot express any other way. It might be the little guy drooling cuz he has poor oral motor muscles, or has runny snots cuz mom can only do 9 things at once and doesn't notice it. Believe me, we know when our kids' diapers need to be changed...but I challenge anyone to find a changing table made for a kid bigger than a two-year-old. There is no such thing as 'running a quick errand'. We could make the most efficient project manager envious on a daily basis.
My advice: Don't stare. Don't plaster on a fake smile or pretend you don't notice the chaos that surrounds us moms. Don't pity us or look at our kids like they escaped from a freak show. Don't go on and on and on and on about how cute our kids are. Say it once if you feel like it, and if you don't have anything else to say, then don't.
Just smile genuinely, say 'merry Christmas', or whatever holiday you celebrate, and treat us like we want to be treated. Like everyone else.
Christmas brings out the best in people. I encourage everyone to act Christ(mas) like all year long!!!!
To quote the great Elvis Costello: "What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding?!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is pretty much tied with Christmas for my fave holiday. It is the start of the Christmas season (remember...it is a season, not a retail fiscal quarter!) and there is less stress and commercialism than Jesus' Birthday.

I love getting together with my family and hanging out, talking, laughing, playing and enjoying each other's company. Our loved ones out of town are close in our hearts. Drew loves it too. His favorite things in the world are his family and eating! So it's win-win for him too.

I will be posting pics of the Indian Headresses and Pilgrim hats I am requiring everyone to make before they can eat. We did this a few years ago, and I am looking forward to 100% participation this year.

Toonces, our cat, has taken quite a shine to Drew lately, as he has to her. I think they both miss Rufus. :( She will lay by him now, and he reaches out to pet her. Yesterday, she made herself at home on his lap while he was getting a drink! He didn't mind at all! I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving--we are very thankful for our family and friends!!!

Is it just me, or...

Are you also wondering what a cat looks like in Drew's shirt??

Is it just me, or...

Michigan...will the last one out PLEASE turn off the lights.

Rock the Vote

Election day is one of my favorite days of the year. I am a complete dork, I know. I have a great appreciation for the periodic table of elements too.

Anyway, THE THEORY OF DEMOCRACY PRESUPPOSES AN INFORMED CITIZENRY. So, ROCK THE VOTE Y'ALL!!!! you still have an hour and a half if you haven't voted yet. It's worth it. No posting would be complete without a pic of Boogie, so here is one of him enjoying aunt Terri's pool in Hilton Head. We can't wait to go back!!

Drew's expressive face

Chris got these pics of Drew as he was talking to him---he was trying to answer sooooooo badly! It's gotta be so frustrating for the kid--considering his lineage of big mouths. LOL :)

I would like to think he is saying: DO YOUR RESEARCH AND VOTE TOMORROW!!! Our soldiers are fighting to keep this the land of the free, home of the brave, so do your part and take a few minutes out of your day to vote!!!!

He is probably saying "Dad, You are the best! I love you!"