Merry Christmas

Hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas. The weather cooperated enough that Noah made it home for my birthday. He surprised me with a Kindle! I didn't quite know how to respond. It is an awesome gift, but way too much for him to spend as a college student with expenses and loans. But it is rude and disappointing to make someone feel like they shouldn't have done something, so I tried to walk that fine line. I probably did it wrong, as I seem to do most things wrong with him nowdays. We had another argument a few days before he came home, and he was obviously still angry about it because after breakfast on Christmas morning, he picked a fight with me again. And he didn't just drag up what he was angry about this time. He drug up what he was angry with me about this summer, and something he was still angry with me from 5 years ago. Apparently the message has been sent loud and clear around here that anger is justified and it is ok to vent it all upon me. I'm struggling with depression because I feel like all the years I poured into raising my boys have been in vain. Example is more powerful than words. I thought I could make a difference, but that is not what I see with my eyes. I know, I need to keep looking up in faith, believing in that which I cannot see. It is not the end of their story. God is not through with them yet. It is just difficult right now. I can't wait for my prayer group to get going again.

We had another blizzard over Christmas. This time was worse than the last. We are having problems with ice dams and a faucet on the back of the house burst. My back is still giving me problems from shoveling last time and there is so much to shovel still. Thankfully we were together. We had a nice Christmas morning. The boys really seemed pleased with their gifts, so I did good even though they hadn't given me any ideas. We had a break in the storm, so we went to see the movie, Avatar. I wanted to see Nine, but didn't get any takers.... Avatar was much better than I expected, but we probably should have stayed home. When we got out of the movie, the storm had picked up again and it was a little tense getting home. The storm was still raging on Saturday. Noah and I were supposed to work. Thankfully, they closed our businesses. He wound up going home Monday morning. Also thankful that we had power the entire time! Still, Jim kept the wood stove stoked, which made things extra toasty.

Jim gave me permission for a puppy for my birthday. She was actually born on my birthday! Now we just have to wait until spring to bring her home. She is a Maltese/Shitzau mix. Smaller dog this time, non shedding. Sometimes I think-What am I doing? And other times, I am just so excited. I think I need her right now. Something to mother and love and something that will look back at me with loving adoring eyes. We are also getting ready to start our kitchen remodel, so I am trying to get all my Christmas stuff put away. I will need to move EVERYTHING out of my kitchen for the duration. Oh my, what a mess that will be! I don't even know exactly what I want to do yet!

Well that is all for now. I have to go and get ready for work. Drop me a note and let me know how your Christmas went and what is new in your life!