Merry Christmas!

Consider this my Christmas card. I can not remember the last year I sent an actual Christmas card. It is one of those holiday "traditions" that I consider a "chore" and therefore I have cut it out of my holiday "must-dos". And please know that I totally understand how much work and time it takes to get all of those cards sent out and I really do appreciate all of the cards we receive (especially the ones with updates and pics), but I also know that you still wish us a Merry Christmas, even if we don't get a card, so don't feel guilty if you are like me and don't send cards.

Please accept this as my Christmas card to you, there is a Christmas background on the blog and Christmas music to enjoy, a wish of a "Merry Christmas", and even an update about how/what we are doing. The only thing missing is a cute family photo. I promise I will take a few pics over the holidays and post them after...hey it will give you something to look forward to. ;-)

Those of you that know me well ( and in a moment anyone who happens upon this blog) know that Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I mean Christmas is good..but I have a hard time really enjoying it and finding ways to celebrate in ways that are meaningful to me and my family. But this year is better than last, we did not even get the tree up last year (gasp here). This year the tree is up and decorated, even (most of ) the lights are up and working on the outside of the house too. Raymond and I are almost done with the shopping, probably because we are not actually buying many gifts for the kids. We are taking a family vacation (to Massanutten) in Feb that we are counting as our big present to ourselves and the kids. The kids and I even made a few cookies to decorate, really that is just above and beyond for me.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. And this year was a good one. My mom and brother came here for the week. It was good to spend time hanging with no real agenda. We cooked together, watched the parade, teased each other, fought over how to cook things, and eventually drove each other nuts...perrrrfect Thanksgiving. Ray's mom joined us for dinner to, it was great to have a full table.

The big kids are doing great with the swim team. It took a while to push through some commitment issues they were having, but now things are really good. They are consistently cutting off seconds from their times and learning the strokes better and better. They are building endurance, determination, and the understanding that working hard at something has long term payoffs (even if you don't see results right away). I love to see my kids growing in this direction.

Hope is 2..all of 2, terrible, terrific, tantruming, dancing, funny, disobedient, sweet, demanding, and smart as a whip, learning everything (good and bad). She sleeps very well in her bed...sometimes naked with a pile of books and dolls..but eventually she sleeps. I think (actually I know) that Santa is bringing her a kitchen and it is all she can talk about every time his name is mentioned. She did sit in Santa's lap this year (with her big bro and sis, of course) with no tears and not too much prodding..she was soo proud of herself.

Speaking of the big guy...Will has figured it all out. He talked to Raymond about the Easter bunny earlier this year so we were not surprised when he told him that he translated that to Santa and the tooth fairy too. He has taken it really well though. He likes being in the know and helping to make it fun for Hope and Brooke. I am sure it will not be too long before Brooke catches on and there will only be one little one to play Santa for. Of course Santa is still bringing everyone goodies..I am not that scroogie.

One last little tid bit....I am a Tupperware consultant now. Why?...because I do not have enough on my plate....or maybe because I have so much on my plate that I need containers to store it in. ;-) So let me know if you want to have a party..online or in-home....they are tons of fun and we all know Tupperware is a great product. Visit my website www.my.tupperware.com/caraelmore to see new products and set up a party.

Well, that is it, I think.

Merry Christmas!