Although I’m gasping for breath and I think I need a ten day

nap, it is still hard to believe Christmas is over! I hope everyone had a great time. I had a mother’s dream- a house full of family and friends. My Dallas kids Shane and Christine, brought their kids; Danielle, Sarah, Jason and John. My San Antonio kids are still with me as they make final preparations for their move to Germany.

Right now I’m in full swing for the Hardwood Classic on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I’ve made changes to the menu, but I think the kids will have food to eat. I was thinking that for parents with athletes who compete in football and basketball, there are no holidays with the family. I know that is the way it has to be, but it sure seems a shame.

We have run little cars around here until the batteries must be

steaming. As quickly as they run out we plug them in and charge them up again. We lost two batteries to the battery demon, so two of the cars were Gerry-rigged by Uncle Dave with real batteries. They are the favorite cars

because they keep running longer. I guess we’ll have to find new homes for them after the boys are gone. I doubt that they will want to ride little 12 volt battery cars when they are almost teenagers! It really has been a beautiful week. The weather has been a little chilly, but the sunshine makes outside enjoyable. I just took a sneak picture of my sister Dee sound asleep on the lawn chair. It may be cool to me, but it is balmy to her! The snow on Christmas Eve was an added bonus. It was awesome to watch and even better when it went away! I’m not sure why we’re getting snow twice in one week. After all, we are in a global warming trend, according to the experts. I know a few experts that say we are in a cooling trend. Based on last week’s weather, I’m inclined to go with group B. Either way, I’m enjoying the time off in the crisp, but sunny weather. Russ decided I needed some exercise, so my gift was a Wii Fit. It has been a treat for everyone. It’s the only thing I’ve ever used that can age or de-age you in one day! I went from 42 to 58 in 20 minutes! I think there was some smart aleck comment from the machine about tripping

over my feet when I walk! At any rate, I shall use this as often as possible in the vain attempt to lose the pounds that found me over the eating season! Mind you, we are not quite finished yet, so I’ll just go get another piece of pecan pie. The divinity is a tad soft, but I believe it is quite edible!

The guys have been filling up on food and football. We watched

our two favorite movies; White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life. There were a few others on the Hallmark Channel that tickled our Christmas heart strings. We put everyone to work picking up rocks, so that Granddaddy and

Uncle Mark could use the new shredder. It’s not my idea of a great gift, but Russ seems to be pleased with his gift. Mind you, it will have to be his gift for the next five or six years! I must say, this Granny is worn out. We have cooked and eaten mountains of food, played countless games, and handled dozens of little squabbles. I feel the need of a long Sunday nap, but it doesn’t look like it is going to happen. The "Look Granny" machine is still on and keeps talking to me. The sound is precious and welcome, but it sure makes naps look extremely desirable! I was saddened to see that two of our community members are under indictment for murder. That sounds serious in itself, but the heartache that is involved for all the connected family members, will be an ever widening pool of sorrow. Our prayers are out for everyone at this time. I sure hope everyone had a great week and special Christmas. My heart goes out to all who experienced a "first" without their loved ones. Please pray for them, our President, our government and our super heroes. God bless our troops and their families. Blessing to all of you, and have a happy and safe New Year.