Another year...down and dirty.

I wish I could hit 2010 on it's rear as it heads out the door. Really. Truly.

Alas, since I can't, I'm going to follow the superstition of opening my doors (specifically, the deck door and the front door) prior to midnight so that 2010 can find it's bad-ass way out of my house.

Maybe it's the fact that I didn't eat cabbage, black eyed peas, or pork last January 1. I didn't walk around the house banging pots and pans to scare away the banshees. Maybe I took out the trash and doomed us to a year of bad luck? Who knows. All I know is that this year, I'm following these: http://www.snopes.com/holidays/newyears/beliefs.asp

Over-dramatic? Absolutely! Desperate? Completely! In 2010, we were riddled with illness, unemployment, a car accident, and major appliances crapping out, which all led to a lot of undue strain on other parts of our relationships.

But, in retrospect, these were all over-shadowed by the good things (some were heavily disguised, but I did see them once I opened my eyes!).

In the end, the absolute best of 2010 came with the birth of my second son; the sneaky little crawling rugrat he is. And with his birth came visits from both sides of our family, from South Carolina, Atlanta, and Ireland. We're so blessed that, especially with this economy, everyone was able to help us celebrate Conall's arrival. And being surrounded with all of that love makes even the bad seem not-so-bad.

I hope 2011 brings much happiness, many wonderful memories, good health and complete success to all of my dear friends and family. And, as I celebrate 6 years of engagement tonight, I hope that this year is the start of deeper relationships with those who are really important in my life.

Happy New Year!

It's the most wonderful time....bah humbug!

I'm having such a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, and I can't pinpoint the reason why. I honestly think it started with Santa. Honestly. I think the Santa we took the kids to see had to be the un-jolliest fat guy there is. He wasn't mean. He just seemed like he didn't care. He didn't talk to the kids; every picture of them has him looking off to the side ... it's not right, considering we took them to the Zoo for lunch with Santa and paid quite a bit, and drove a bit of a distance to do it (and in the freezing cold). I almost want Gavin to find out that Santa isn't real, because I'm just so disappointed! I'm even debating writing them a note about it; and it's rare that I feel that strongly about things to write a letter.

*sigh* In other holiday news, the tree is up (albeit the 4-foot one, as I didn't have the energy to fight a crawling/pulling up 9-month old with the 7-foot tree); cards are (mostly) written and out; shopping is done and gifts are wrapped and mailed; Sparky's (aka: the husband's) external lights are up and lighting up the neighborhood; kids' professional pics are taken; and I am off the hook on cooking. All that stands in the way of me and Christmas Day is one more work day, a Christmas party, a doctor's appointment, 2 birthday parties, and a 12+ hr car trip with two kids under 4. All in the next 3 days. I hope the liquor cabinet is unlocked where we're going!

Since I probably won't post again until the last week of the year, Merry Christmas and may the spirit of peace, love and happiness find you all!

Love to all, from my wee boys.....