Twas the two days after Christmas...

And all through the house, debris, flotsam, and jetsam covered many a mouse? Well, so much for post-Christmas poetry. The house is a disaster and my mother-in-law's coming over tonight. So, it's pretty clear what we'll be doing today. Right now the kids are still in bed, so things are pretty quiet.

Rachel and I will be heading down to Texas to see the fam Sunday evening. It should be an interesting mix of good and bad. You see, my mom has finally admitted there might be a problem, and went for some testing for Alzheimers. She will be getting her test results on Monday, and I don't think she's going to like what they have to say. It's been obvious to the family for a long time, but her quack doctor said she was fine. Where can someone find a doctor that actually listens, PAYS ATTENTION, and looks for answers until they are found?!? I can't believe what these guys get away with for the price we pay! MEDIOCRITY!! I think we all know where I stand on this issue now. The problem is, she could have been in treatment for well over a year now. Each time I see her, she's gone noticeably down hill. It's so painful.

On the upside, I'll get to see my Texas friends and attend a New Year's Eve party with one of my buds. I get to stay with my niece/best friend, and I can't wait to spend some time with her! I was hoping to get my hair cut while there, but my hairdresser in TX is booked up and I'm broke. So, I'll just have to struggle along with this sorry little mop for a little while longer.

Speaking of broke, I have a small moral dilemma. I am now the proud (or not so proud) owner of a Coach purse and an iPhone. I received both as prizes - it's strange, I happen to win things often. We looked into returning the purse, but they would only give store credit. I needed the phone, so we didn't try to return it. Besides the fact that I won it at the company picnic, so people would have asked questions. The dilemma is this: we are broke. As in, I'd like to buy a dozen eggs, but I just don't have the dough. Like, Doug and I didn't get gifts for each other - not even stocking stuffers - broke. So it feels really weird to be carrying around these luxury items. I have no illusions about them being luxuries, and they aren't things I would have ever bought for myself. Ever. I didn't even know about Coach before this sales contest came up. It just feels weird. Once again, I ponder "what is God up to?" Once again, He offers no clue. It's this deal we have. Any ideas out there? Is anyone still out there reading? I suppose not, but that's the consequence of not writing for months at a time.

If anyone is reading, I hope you had a blessed Christmas. My kids really stepped up to the responsibility plate and didn't complain about the dearth of gifts this year. I'm proud of them. Now I must start the pre-Mother-in-law cleaning process. Happy New Year!

A Christmas Miracle!

Obviously that intention to post more often "gang aft agley." However, I did survive the semester - two "A"s thankyouverymuch! I don't think I'll try two evening classes again. The whole semester was junk food 3 meals a day. Bleah.

We had some stresses throughout this time. My grandmother-in-law passed away just 3 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, my mother-in-law had a heart attack scare, and my husband developed a mysterious G.I. bleed and bowel ischemia that resolved itself with no explanation. Oh there were lots of tests, lots of bills, and a 5 day stay in our local hospital. But no explanation. My 16 yr. old son is experiencing a great deal of teenage angst - camp friend killed in a car accident 2 days before Thanksgiving, first love broke up with him by text right after that, and a good friend just moved to Switzerland. I wouldn't be 16 again for love ner money!

We camped again at Thanksgiving, which went pretty well. It was a nice campground with only one other camper there the whole time. The weather was just cold enough and the food was great. I miss my camping buddies, though. It's just not the same without them.

Once again, Christmas will be lean. I'm trying to keep a stiff upper lip about the whole thing - tell myself it's o.k. to wait till Jan.15th for my husband's quarterly bonus to come in - but a big part of me is not buying it. You'd think I'd be good at this "wait upon the Lord" thing by now. Not so much.

So, while I know this post has all the rousing Christmas spirit of the first half of "A Christmas Carol," the miracle is - I did post. I'm still believing for something to come through before Thursday. "Hope springs eternal" and all that. Remember us in your prayers - if anyone is still out there. I've enjoyed reading your blogs this semester - they've kept me going through this difficult time. Thanks!