Journal Your Christmas - Day 25

Merry Christmas! Happy Holiday!

We started early; but not as early as we could have. Kids woke me up at 8. I put on my red robe, we got our coffee and "off to the races". The kids sorted everything and then we took turns opening gifts; sipping coffee; etc.

The gifts were all well received. Sheridan's primary gift was the Mac (Note: haven't seen much of her since!); Lucas's primary gift was the ipod Touch - of course then Susie spent alot of the day trying to get it to work with Lucas's iTunes account - she was successful later in the day!

As always, Larry gave me some nice stuff. I got a yarn swift; an Eileen Fisher sweater (sale I hope) and a Spa Noa facial gift certificate. He also found a place that sells watch parts so that my Tissot watch can get put back togehter (yeah). He wasn't sure why he got the PS3; but finally noticed the part about the blue ray player.

After gifts, Larry made Belgian waffles and we ate them in the kitchen. During the afternoon, we worked on some of the Christmas dinner, played Risk, tried to play this weird clue version and talked to faraway family members.

Dinner happened around 7 when everything was ready. (It was really yummy) We ate the first two courses at the dining table with the pretty stuff (china, crystal, sterling and cloth napkins) then had dessert (maple pecan pie) while watching the new blue ray player. OK - so maybe District 9 was not the best Christmas viewing; but it's what Lucas and Susie wanted to see. Then, we went to sleep. All in all, a really nice Christmas. (And there was some knitting in there too!)

Merry Christmas.

Journal Your Christmas - Day 24

It's Christmas Eve and it's been a busy day! I got up at 6 and went to work for half a day. President Obama gave the feds a half day off which means we got it too (we appreciate it!). I got the work done that needed to be done and straightened my office up since I'm out next week. I left about 12 and headed out for the stocking stuffers. First I stopped off at Uniquities for a few knitting things for Susie's stocking. Of course, I had to look at all the pretty yarn. Then, I headed off to Dick's Sporting Goods for winter socks and golf tees. Next up was Kohl's. Found an inexpensive kids watch for lucas and makeup for Sheridan. This all took longer that it should 'cause the lines were pretty long.

I got home around 3 and treated myself to a Torpedo. Larry was making the maple pecan pie for tomorrow (yum, yum, yum). Then, Susie worked on the green bean casserole. I wrapped up the last presents and started my new knitting project. It's gonna be awesome.

I made cheese fondue for dinner. Susie cut up the bread. We discovered that we were out of corn starch (this was about 6:30). A quick check on the internet showed us that Giant closed at 7 - so Larry and Sheridan took off and got it (yeah!) - the fondue was saved. We also had swedish meatballs, cream gravy and baked fries. Then, there was the rose sparkling wine - Lucas had sparkling cider in a champagne flute - very cute.

We did a little caroling - Sheridan and I practiced our silent night. We did record, but may try again tomorrow. If we get one we're willing to share, it'll be on Facebook. And, of course, we ate our Christmas log from the Amphora - now that was really yummy.

Right now, we're watching Julie & Julia (she's blogging!)

Journal Your Christmas - Day 23

2 days to go. Lucas can barely wait. He's constantly stalking the tree looking for new gifts.

Anyway, we like the tradition of Christmas stockings. We always had them growing up. My Mom made the first one that I remember. When I moved to DC, I made stockings for Larry and me. Somewhere along the way, Nancy made fancy stockings for me, Larry, Susie and Sheridan. Unfortunately, she never finished one for Lucas - guess I'll have to do it at some point. The stocking that he has came from one of the Nutcracker performances. I always put it in the middle because it's bigger. I used to put them up with thumbtacks. Now I use fancy metal hangers. They don't always deal with the weight once the stockings are filled, but they look really nice. On Christmas Eve, all 5 will get filled with little goodies. There will be chocolate and other stuff. I talked to Santa and know that they will also have some pens and pencils, some sticky notes, some bubble bath and other fun things.

Journal Your Christmas - Day 22

• 3 days to go. 1 1/2 days of work left. Lots to do!
• Christmas To Do List:

• Decide on the menu for Christmas dinner
• Make shopping list
• Get stuff at grocery store (Larry)
• Wrap Susie’s last gifts
• Finish straightening the house
• Figure out how to put toner cartridge in laser printer
• Decide if we need more stocking stuffers
• Don’t forget to blog
• Take more snow pictures
• Post picture of sweater
• Update vacation list (work)
• Turn on “out of office” (work)

Sheridan and her friend out in the snow!

Lucas hugging me in my new sweater!

Journal Your Christmas - Day 21

It's the shortest day of the year! Way back in 1994 (or maybe 1995) I spent a this day in Stockholm -- user training of some sort -- it was dark when I left for work; it was dark when work was done (and a fair part of the actual "at work" time too!)

We're getting close to being ready. Fed gov't closed today so work followed suit. While I still had one meeting, the rest of the day was busy with non-work activities. Like shipping. I procrastinated and paid the price! I planned to ship today from work; but work was closed. So, Larry and I trekked off to UPS to send the packages. It cost more and took longer; but the packages should arrive on time. (And there's some good stuff in there).

The house is a mess. Those who know me know thats not really the exception case. But, part of the house is pretty too! I got most everything wrapped; and the tree looks nice with them underneath. And, I finished my sweater. Mom will say the stripes make my hips look bigger. I DON'T CARE!!!!! Tomorrow I'll post a picture of it.

Anyway, here are today's pictures!

Journal Your Christmas - Day 20

We've gotten lots of pretty cards this year. It's nice to find out what's going on with everyone! Here's a sampling ...

Journal Your Christmas - Day 19

Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl. It really wasn't my fault what happened at Maria's Christmas party. It was Hope who spiked the punch with too much Tequila. I can't help it if I drank 22 glasses. It was so good---smelled and tasted just like Chanel #5.

I thought it was funny when I put Kathy's sweater on my head and danced the tango on the wing chair while singing `Smoke Gets in your Eyes'. I didn't mean to break Maria's iPod and don't know why Maria would sue me for burglary.

I don't remember calling Eric's wife a smoky cow---even though she looked like one with blue eye shadow and purple lipstick! And when I threw up on Amy's husband's hand, it was only because I ate too much of that chocolate.

After all that fun, I admit I was a little tired. So I fell asleep on my way home and drove my Jaguar XK8 through my neighbor's dining room. I don't think that was any reason for my neighbor to call me a gorgeous thoroughbred and have me arrested for speeding!

So, Santa...here I sit in my jail cell on Christmas Eve, all hot and tired. And I'm really not to blame for any of this twinkling stuff. Please bring me what I want the most---bail money!
Sincerely and amazingly yours,

Judy (Really a nice girl!)

P.S. It's only 12 bucks!

(Madlibs are fun!)

And, more snow pics!