The tree in the front living room with the mishmash of ornaments that have been collected over the years by way of gifts, vacation souvenirs, childhood ornaments, etc. There is something on this tree that represents pretty much every important person in our lives since childhood. Want to know what is on there that represents YOU? Email me and I will let you know. And, yes, you are on there. Really, you are! Through the front window you can see the tree out front that is all lit up (also the reflected lights on the window, of course).
Two hour delay for schools today, so that meant a two hour delay for swim team practice also...I think I could really get into a schedule that went like this: Swim team: 7:15-9:15; School 9:40 to 3:30...I am thinking the kids (and especially swim parents) would be much better rested on a schedule something like that...okay, I know...but dreams are important, too, right?
Mark and the boys loaded up the snowblower yesterday and drove up to Elwood to dig out his parents and stock their pantry and refrigerator for them. We have mixed feelings about this (not about the pantry and frig as it is important to keep them fed and watered, of course), but the actual making-it-possible-for-them-to-get-out deal. They are in their 80's and we aren't sure we really want them out and about on these snowy and icy streets. However, since they live about 45 minutes away, it would be difficult for us to get up there at a moment's notice should one of them need to go to the ER or something along those lines. So, we dug them out. And, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the need for Christmas shopping, etc. can wait until the weekend when Nan comes home for the holidays, and everything else can wait until Luke gets there tomorrow. That's the plan anyway. Sometimes things don't go according to the plan, so that's why we are keeping our fingers crossed.
Mark arrived home this evening, chipper as always (that's the great thing about being married to a trial lawyer as anytime they are out of the courtroom or office is like a vacation...Mark is always in a good mood when he arrives home), asking, "Did a box arrive yet from LL Bean?" Me: "Clueless...just got home, you will need to check the front stoop." Mark: "Yes, indeed, package has arrived." Me: "Great...what's in it?" Mark, big smile: "Oh, you bought a shirt for Dad for Christmas." Me: "How very thoughtful and swell of me." Mark: "Yep, and while you were ordering that you stumbled upon a few things for Christmas for me, too." Me: "Ah, did I now?" Mark: "Indeed you did. And, look, just the right size and colors...exactly what I would have chosen." Me: "Well, I am so very good at this sort of thing. Isn't it a good thing that you married me?" Mark: "Ah, all these wondrous perks." And, that, ladies and gentlemen is why I am so happy that I married this man (well, one of the many reasons): He doesn't expect me to shop and I don't expect him to cook or do laundry: It's a Wonderful Life.