Last night I had our family Christmas gathering, because I had to work at Sears this morning.  It was lots of fun.  We had wonderful food and drinks.  But the best part was watching the grandkids open their presents.  My sister gave the two youngest grandsons Superman and Batman pyjamas.  They couldn't wait to put them on and they actually Danced around in them.  Nate is 4 and Sam is 7.  Dancing, happy boys...I loved it.  They wanted to watch one of the videos I gave them... and we all sat and enjoyed "Planet 51."  The two older boys seemed pleased with their presents, too.  And little Gracie, at 7 months loved the food, the paper and the lights!  My neice gave her a sooooffft little polar bear and she kept patting it.  So cute.

Now Sammy has autism, and he is on some medicine for his croup.  The medicine is not agreeing with his autism.  But he was sooo good.  He was sooo happy. I'll take it.   And he loved the Star Wars Lego Wii game I got him.  Actually, it is for All the kids to play.  (But Sammy just Loves Star Wars)

This morning, I worked at Sears.  When the husband picked me up, I asked to go for a ride to a nearby town. Tiverton Four Corners has the cutest crafty sort of shops.  We would take the kids there when they were small.  It felt nice to be with my husband, but the warm memories of when the kids were small echoed all around me.

I am glad that I enjoyed those years with my children.  I can never get those days back.  Sometimes, I wish I could relive them.  But those beautiful memories are mine and I will never forget them. 

I am so proud of my grown children.  They are very nice people.  I feel blessed to have been a part of their young lives and hope to be around to watch them evolve and grow. 

The fun part is being a grandma...really.  I would be sad about growing older, but I have these dancing boys and a little girl and two teenagers that fill my heart, too.  So my adventure is not over yet.

So today, I had an adventure.  I went to the salon and gave massages.  The last one was for my hairdresser who trades with me. We left the salon and got into our cars, but hers would not start.  OOPs no gas.  No gas can, either.  So, I took her to Walmart and got a gas can. Next, we pump gas into the gas can, with difficulty.  Next, we drive back to the car and try to pour the gas from the can into the tank.  Turns out it is a 'mission impossible' gas can, and we have to figure out how to work the nozzle.  After many 'fancy words', we finally get enough gas in the car to drive down the street to put more gas in the tank.  It was kind of funny in an "I Love Lucy" kind of way.  It was fun to help my friend.  Sometimes these goofy things happen in life.  And you just have to grin and bear it...hopefully with a friend! to which I say, yeehaw!!

So today, the repairman came to fix my washing machine.  Luckily the part was in warranty ,and I only had to pay for the labor.  Much cheaper than buying something comparable. 

My oldest son made my day today.  When I was younger, I did a lot of singing and playing guitar.  I played lots of Irish tunes, which were great for one voice and one guitar.  (and sometimes just the voice)  Anyway, he told me he'd had a rough night at work, and when he turned on his ipod "Follow Me Up To Carlow" came on.  It reminded him of the times when I would sing to him and his sister (the youngest was not born yet).  That memory cheered him up. 

I guess it is important for your children to see you enjoying yourself.  You need to let them know you enjoy having them and that they are special to you.  And let them see you having fun!  Include them if you can!

Here in New England we have a strong work ethic.  It is an admirable thing.  However, we also need to have a Fun ethic.  It is healthy to have wholesome outlets that you can share and enjoy either alone, as a couple, or as a family.

I still enjoy my guitar when I play with the Grupo Folclórico Madeirense.  My daughter and I sing at the family Mass once a month. 

Yes, I think sometimes people overlook the importance of having fun.

People ask me why I am taking courses at the University.  Well, the answer is simple:  I have always wanted to study languages.  For me, learning is fun.  I have met some great people, and have stretched my mind out of its comfort zone.  It's a good thing.

So, after 20 years of living in my home and making those home improvements ever so slowly...we are thinking of moving out of our city.  I'd love to be able to find a place in my hometown.  It is just a bit quieter there, and it would be closer to my daughter and her family. 

Unfortunately this means I am going to have to begin to get rid of 20 yrs of Stuff.  I am going room by room and looking at things with a ruthless eye. 

Today, I spent time searching for the cheapest houses.  sigh.  Well, I'd like to just buy one outright, sell this one, and then pocket the profits.  We are going to talk to a  couple of realtors. 

Well, today, after church, my husband of 27 yrs and I had breakfast at a little place in Mattapoisett.  On the way home, we stopped to get a wreath to hang on the door.  I also got a poster board and some permanent magic markers.  I made a sign that reads..."Jesus is the reason for the season...merry Christmas".  It looks really cute.  Now, I hope that doesn't offend anyone, but it is how I celebrate the season.  For me, Jesus is the reason...for many things.  So the wreath hangs above the sign on the door and it looks great. 

I worked at Sears and my feet are so sore and tired.  When I came in the door, my husband had lit the pellet stove and plugged in the Christmas tree. sigh. so nice. I need to study some homework, but I am soo tired.  Really, I am just going to have some tea.

While at breakfast, I ran into my English teacher.  She is so nice and a wonderful teacher.  I learned alot in her class.  Definitely moved out of my comfort zone.  But now I'm too tired to work on anything.

Working retail during the Holidays will make you brain dead. Ha.