A Merry Christmas in the works

A month ago, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to bother with the holidays this year. I hated to feel so Scrooge-y, but this year has worn me out! However, with Brenden moving out, I've turned a corner emotionally and this past week has been all about preparing and shopping for Christmas.

First, Dave and I bought a 40’ HiDef TV for OUR Christmas present to ourselves! It’s awesome. Then we bought a real Christmas tree, after several years of either no tree or a fake one. This year, I want the smell of pine wafting through my home. It’s a lovely Douglass Fir that we’ve named “Doug.” Got the twinkly lights on him and we're slowly getting the ornaments up. I suppose I should get to shopping so there are presents to put under the tree.....

The next project around here: turning Brenden’s old room into a home gym. Dave wants to paint the room blue. Sounds good to me. We’re thoroughly enjoying the empty nest thus far, I gotta tell you.

Brenden's been over a few times picking up more stuff. Apparently he's staying with a friend's family, at least some of the time. Dave may find out more tomorrow. He's attending a meeting at a charter school called Eagle's Peak, regarding Brenden's transferring there to finish high school through independent study. He also got a job at a local pizza place. When he was here one day, I asked if he wanted to talk about anything, and he didn't. So I just decided to apologize for the things that I said in our big blowout that were "over the top." But I didn't apologize for everything. Some things, I said, he needed to hear, even if they seemed painful. He may never grasp this. But I've said my piece, and I feel good.

Breanna's belly sure is popping out. I am attending Lamaze classes with her, so I guess that means I'm the birth coach. I have mixed feelings about it, but I know Breanna will need me there when the time comes. I had a dream that the baby was a boy! But the ultrasound looked female, so Bree's counting on that. Things are slowwwwly getting resolved with things like her divorce and her health care transition to MediCal. If you want to help her tangibly, send newborn diapers! She's aghast at the cost. (So am I!) Keep all this in your prayers.

Will post this and get back to Christmas preparations. Love and merry wishes to all! :-)