Well obviously alot has happened. Where should I start? From the beginning I guess.

Ok well Nemmy spent the night Sunday and watched the kids for us on Christmas Eve Day. Both of us had to work and we had no other choice. Nemmy rocks. We took Nems with us to my Aunt Marys house for the family holiday. She was well received and all my cousins liked her a great deal. The spread was HUGE and we all ate well. We headed to Moms to do gifts there and then home. Christmas morning proved to be a delight. Santa made quite a stop at our house. Everyone had gifts to open. The kids fave? The motorized scooters from Mom and Dad! YAY! Logan got a VSmile and games and keyboard, Lauren got a gently used computer (from my Aunt Mary and Uncle John) and Shawn got some clothes and tools. Nemmy got a tart warmer and tarts and I got tools (LOL) and a light up make up mirror (DROOL). There’s more but why go into details? Everyone was happy and no one left the tree empty handed.

The kids went to my Moms Christmas night and have been there since. Shawn and I had to work seriously long hours this week and we just couldn’t afford a sitter. So Mom took the kids and I was able to put in big time rockin hours this week. I’m working today at 1 and we have Shawns company thing tonight. It’s a hockey game (YAY) and free goodies. Nuff said, we are all gonna enjoy that. I work tomorrow and will hit over 40 hrs this week so next week check will ROCK! Of course, with all thats happened lately, I’m barely working next week.

Barbs funeral is next Saturday. Her son David is throwing a MASSIVE celebration of her life. The country club is gonna be packed with folks and we are taking over and gonna just have a ball. The kids can’t go and are gonna have to crash with my mom again. She’s more then happy to help out as the kids just don’t need to go to another funeral. They went to Aunt Cathys a couple years ago and that was more stress then they could handle. Plus with Lauren, she will think of Dawn and I can’t put her through that.

So next week is hectic. Punker Paul is coming in Sunday night, Nemmy is headed up (to meet Punker Paul and hook up) and we are gonna party like its 1999 for 2 nights and play cards. We are making lots of good food, and gonna have some fun with 2 of our friends and basically ring in the New Year with some fun and laughter. We even got a bottle of bubbly and I got my good glasses ready.

My health hasn’t improved much. My knees are a wreck from the poured concrete floors at work. I got good shoes but those only help so much. I need to find a new orthopedic doctor and get my knees evaluated. I am seriously dreading this and putting it off for as long as possible but between Nemmy, Shawn and one other I’ll be lucky to not get my ass chewed for waiting this long. As a treat to us both, I took Shawn to the hot tub gardens to help us both unwind and relax. Nothing like 120degree hot water and bubbles to ease your aching body and let your mind wander. We both felt better but I could use another hour easily.

We are still amongst the clutter at the new house. I still see cardboard boxes as I scan the room but it’s slowly coming together. We bought the Closet Maid shelves and finished all the closets last night. I even have a shelf in my laundry alcove for storage. Once I feel confident in how my house looks, I will post pictures openly. So far, I’m frustrated with the clutter and mess and am waiting.

The kids are doing great and Lauren is excited because her dad is coming up for her birthday in a couple weeks. We are bowling (again) and keeping it small and simple. Just Logan, Caleb, Autumn and possibly my niece Abbi. If her dads bring his “things” boys thats on them, I’m not paying for that mess. I don’t like the fiancee nor her sons. They are little assholes. But the party will be fun though a dark cloud will be hanging over my head in silence.

Nemmy has to return to Germany. I am literally heartbroken. Due to a few circumstances beyond her control and that of her husband, she has to fly back on the 11th. I’ve cried a great deal since she confirmed it the other day. I can’t help but be “well what about me” but I know it’s not her fault or choice. She has to do this and I have to get over it. I am hoping to have a few great pictures from New Years of her and I to share and for me to have to capture the memories of her short stay in Michigan. I can’t say more on why she’s leaving or even how much it hurts. I’m still coming to terms with it and the reasons for her departure are solely because of the US Army.

Beyond all those things, life has been quiet but good. Shawn is working his ass off, I do the same. I’ve lost almost another whole size since working which is amazing considering how I eat at work. (I’m so bad) The kids are getting SOOO tall. Lauren is wearing 10s in jeans and shirts and Logan is between 5/6 and 7/8. He’s getting so big too fast. My children fascinate me lately. They are evolving into little people! So outspoken and well read. Lauren is approaching the pre teen years in a blaze of fury and God help me I’m terrified! LOL! She is definetly her mothers daughter. I fear for the world :) Logan on the other hand is a replica of his father thus far. He is loving, caring, attentive and easily distracted. Give the boy toys or tools and he’s in another world. Yep, Shawn’s son. Figures.

I’ll close for now. I have to shower and get ready for work. Shawn is driving me in today partly due to bad weather, partly due to my accident last night and partly due to the hockey game tonight. No need for 2 vehicles to be roaming the streets. 

Happy Holidays no matter how you celebrate it.