It's beginning to look a lot like...

I'm not quite sure why I bother to update this thing anymore, sporadic though it may be. According to my trusty web stats, I have fewer readers than ever. I've always known my life was dull, but evidently others are starting to figure it out as well.

My holiday plans have been hijacked by the possibility of winter weather. I mean, I'm all about a white Christmas, but can't it just be pretty on the trees and grass and leave the roads alone? I totally wanted tomorrow to just veg and finish last-minute tasks. Tonight I went to four stores in search of canned pumpkin so that I could make a cheesecake for Friday. I just hope it turns out okay after all of that schlepping around and heavy-duty mixing.

So, to the three of you who still read this thing, I am announcing a possible hiatus. Tomorrow afternoon/early evening I'll be headed south (so Memaw, if you're reading this, keep the couch warm for me), then Friday includes spending the morning with the kids and Vickie and then heading back to Memaw's for the traditional Hester Christmas fish fry. Saturday plans are still tentative, but Sunday I'm headed back to Texas, so I'll be out of pocket until the first of the year.

Hmmm... if I'm out of town for 10 days, are 37 outfits enough to pack? I'm sure I'll be throwing stuff in the car at the last minute since I'm headed out earlier than planned.

Just in case: Merry Christmas, everyone! Fleas on your dog. I leave you with a pic of Hope and me, at the Plunkett festivities last night.

'Tis the Season

I'm not quite sure why, but this holiday has been the most stressful one of my life. Planning out of town trips every weekend since Halloween probably wasn't a smart move, especially when you consider that there are only so many shopping days before Christmas, and lack of sleep equals a very cranky Lori. My gift list keeps expanding with people I forgot I needed to buy for. My credit card balance keeps growing. And so does my waistline as workouts fall lower and lower on my priority list.

In my quest to become the consummate Renaissance woman, I decided this week to balance my work budget during the day and bake like Martha Stewart by night. I've slept ten hours during the past 72, spending the rest of the time catching up on work and working on cookies. And trust me, I'd rather stare at spreadsheets all day than cut and ice cookies.

This morning I delivered dozens and dozens of treats to folks at work (after icing them at 3 a.m.), then decided to stop at McDonald's for breakfast, where the lady behind me obviously didn't understand the double drive-thru concept of taking turns, and proceeded to honk her horn repeatedly before rolling down her window to yell at me. Merry Christmas to you too, lady.

It seems that I'm not the only one cranky this month. I've had line cutters at Williams Sonoma, cranky operators at XM, and lots and lots of traffic. It's enough to make you not appreciate the season, and the reason we celebrate.

Not just because of the birth of our Lord and Savior, which is of course the most important, but the time spent with family and friends. So what if I don't have time to pack... I get to spend two whole weeks with people I seldom see, doing things I want to do, and not going any meetings. Sleeping in and eating and making small talk. Getting on each others' nerves.

This morning on TV they were discussing the end of the decade, and it occurred to me for the first time that, in a mere two weeks, we'll be ushering in the '10s.

So I started thinking about all that's happened in my life in the past 10 years and, instead of focusing on the tremendous loss we've had in our family, I started feeling grateful for all of the love.

Every year I make resolutions I don't keep. But on this New Year's Day, I commit to stop living my life in pursuit of the ideal, and start enjoying the interim. Because life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. It's the little things like obsessing over boys with your girlfriends whether you're 13 or 33. Snuggling with the kids in your life. Waiting for Santa. The cool people you meet that you may never see again.

And yeah, we'll all have broken hearts and credit card bills and love and loss, but that's the amazingly wonderful thing about living.

Even when you have jury duty and presents to buy and people to see.

Thou shalt not covet thy friend's pantry

I'm aware that I am commanded not to covet, but it's one of my biggest sins. I often find myself staring at another woman, thinking... I want her shoes. I love her handbag. I wish I had her six pack abs.

My friend Estella has many things I covet, not the least of which is the most amazing pantry you've ever seen. Her house was designed around it. Doesn't it just make you want to cook?

Her whole house looks beautiful. Check out our friend Sunny's pics on her blog from yesterday. (She took the pantry pic, too.)



Sunny and I iced and decorated sugar cookies for about five hours on Friday. Yesterday's Open House was a big success, with 60 people dropping by to taste the fabulous corn and crab bisque and citrus champagne punch, finishing with a masterpiece of a Christmas cookie.

Today we went to the Christmas cantada at church (where Estella rang bells) then had brunch at the club before a three-hour nap. We're headed to the movies in a bit to see "The Blind Side."



Guess I'll go home tomorrow.

Brain fart

I need a vacation.

I know... I know. I've been on vacation a lot of days this past month. But driving for 20 out of the 96 hours of your vacation does not count as rest. I need sleep.

Even though I was sick today and sound like I should be charging $1.99 a minute to talk to me on the phone, I have been productive all day. Crossed a lot off my to-do list at work. Bought some more Christmas gifts (one for Hope, four for me). Addressed and stamped Christmas cards. Baked eight dozen cookies. Oh, and I went to the gym at 6 a.m. and did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. NO MORE FAT CLOTHES!

But I also sat in an admissions meeting this morning and we were discussing a student (no FERPA violations here) who was born in 1975. " So how old is she?" someone asked. "29" I replied. Um, not even close, stupid Director of Admissions.

Then I had lunch with my friend Paige at PF Chang's, and it was very expensive for her since she not only bought my lunch, but I talked her into ordering a new MacBook Pro when she got home tonight. You're welcome, Bryan.

Tomorrow it's the gym, meeting (yawn), work, then driving to Mountain Home.

When is it time to sleep? Oh yeah, that's what I should be doing now. Oops!

Deck the halls

I'm still mired in the inability to complete a house project. Tonight I finally finished the mantle and tree decorations. These pics don't do it justice; it actually looks pretty good. I used the traditional Christmas colors of pink and lime green. :-)



Tomorrow's projects include finishing the home office cleanup/redecoration and finally cleaning up/out my garage. No laziness allowed!

Holy cannoli!

Something I learned about myself today: never underestimate how far I'll walk for good dessert.

I trekked back to Mike's Pastry tonight for another cannoli. And maybe some tiramisu. I did figure out if you wear workout gear, leave your purse at the hotel, and run, none of the bums ask you for money. I'm hoping my two-mile sojourn negates all of the calories I've eaten today. I'm just like Tom and Katie! Except for that weird religion. And only a few people looked at me strangely while I was running with a cannoli under my arm.



I was over by the Garden, waiting for the light to change (if you want to look like you're a local, you must jaywalk... just don't fall drunk onto the subway tracks or you'll make the national news), when some guy turned to a guy with him and said, "Is that the Garden over there... where it says 'The Garden?' " Friend looks at me, and I say sweetly in my best Southern drawl, "Who are you... Captain Obvious?" Friend about falls over laughing. Guy gets embarrassed. So he tries to be funny and responds. "Yeah, where are we... New York?" I said, "Sure. Why don't you yell GO YANKEES really loudly?" Bahahaha.

It's so sad that I have to go home tomorrow! And sadder still that I have to stuff my purchases into my suitcase.

Thanksgiving is two weeks from today, and Christmas a mere six weeks. Are you ready?

You give me fever

It's been a weird day. Yesterday I thought maybe I was getting a fever blister. This morning I woke up with FOUR of 'em and my upper lip turned inside out. It is not cute. Needless to say, I stayed away from the public today.

This afternoon I finally took down the Christmas decorations and now my house looks empty and sad. At least it was warm (really, really warm) in the attic.

The good news of the day? I've logged six miles on the treadmill. I may look like a leper, but at least I'm burning calories!

Wonderful Christmastime

Some pics from this week:

Chance



Hope got lots of makeup



Taylor and me on Christmas Eve



Dad, Taylor, Hope, Brad, Chance and me



Mason and Isaac on Christmas morning



Jen and me on Christmas day



Taylor, Brad and me



Peyton taking his Christmas nap

Leftovers

I have leftovers from dinner last night. I have leftovers from lunch today. I have food on all possible kitchen surfaces. So much for the diet!

The work party went pretty well. I made baked brie, guacamole, monterey jack salsa, and bleu cheese dip for appetizers; chicken tortilla and tomato/basil soup; and chocolate covered pretzels, peppermint bark, peanut butter kiss cookies and brownies for dessert. And leftover cheesecake from last night. I threw away the extra guac, but I still have some of everything else.

This morning, while chopping cilantro, I had a little medical incident when I gave myself a manicure with a sharp knife. I managed to not bleed on any of the food, but I have a kitchen towel that will never be the same. One of my coworkers thought it would be hilarious to bring me a first aid kit this afternoon.

We played dirty Santa with white elephant gifts and I ended up with some lovely Christmas lights. I've also discovered several "gifts" dispersed throughout my house, like the fabulous pine-smelling air freshener that LiLar was supposed to take home.

Now I'm watching the last game at Texas Stadium. The Cowboys look terrible, but hopefully they'll figure out a way to win in the next four minutes.

Christmas countdown

Holidayitis: the state of being physically present in your office while your mind is already on Christmas vacation. I'm suffering from a serious case of it.

These last three days are going to be painful.

I was gone to lunch for nearly two hours today, but considering I had to make a deposit at the bank, go to Wal-Mart, put up my groceries at my house and make my bed in addition to grabbing a bite, that wasn't too bad. I admit that I don't miss the traffic in Conway or Fort Smith during this time of year.

I've started cooking for my two parties this weekend. Last night I made chicken tortilla and tomato and basil soup. The tomato one is especially yummy. Tonight I have to make sauce for chicken rigatoni for tomorrow night (sorry, Lon!) and start thawing out the cheesecake that I did not make.

The exciting news is that the cleaning lady came this afternoon, so my house will be spotless when I get home. I had to buy a mop for her because I haven't used one since I've lived in Siloam; I usually just sweep and vacuum the tile. She's also going to clean all the baseboards, something else that's never been done.

Still no word on whether LB will show up tomorrow night or not, but either way, he'll be at the party tomorrow afternoon I have to attend. Bah humbug. The more I think about it, the madder I get. At least there's cheesecake in my future, whether or not he shows up.

I only have four presents bought... I'm starting to freak out a bit.

The Christmas Pageant

My pal Alisa sent this to me, and it was too cute not to share. Whether you have kids of your own or just kids in your life, you can surely appreciate this. We serve an awesome God; One who has a sense of humor, I'm sure.

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The Christmas Pageant

My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby.

I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.

God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.

The next year God blessed us with another son.

The following year, He blessed us with yet another son.

The year after that, we were blessed with a daughter.

My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old.

I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs.

I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.

I tried to be understanding... when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.

Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."

My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant.

My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.

My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes."

But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."

My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."

A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama..."

Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.

My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.

"I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.

"For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."

"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

Merry Christmas to me

Yesterday I bought myself a shiny new fridge. It's my holiday present to myself. Isn't it beautiful?

It took the guys two hours to put the new one in and the old one in the garage. That's okay; I was really tired of being at work. Turns out 10 days of vacation isn't enough.

Oh, Christmas tree

The halls are all decked. The house is all clean. Even my garage is clean, as are all of my closets. It's been a productive if not restful first day of vacation.

I did a new color scheme on the tree this year, red and gold. It's been gold and silver for three or four years and I was ready for a change. Please ignore that I need window treatments. I mounted my iPod kitchen station this morning, so I suppose I'm officially staying. It's been in the box for 10 months.

In 15 hours, I'll be headed south to Texas.

It starts with me

I've always suspected that I'm a lucky little brat. The past couple of weeks have only confirmed that.

As reported earlier, I'm participating in a leadership group for Benton County. Our meeting this month focused on health and human services, and it was an eye-opening, humbling experience. See, I live in a county of the haves and the have nots. Not only do we have the highest average income per capita of any in the state (save one, according to some), we have the most people below poverty level.

I learned that my picturesque, Mayberry-like town has people living in cars. Our shelter has served more than 2,400 homeless and near-homeless so far this year. People are living on less than $600 per month. Children are going all weekend without food. The average family on assistance receives about $12 a day to feed four people.

I cannot begin to tell you the profound impact this experience had on me. I don't have to pack a calculator when I go grocery shopping. I don't worry that I can't feed or clothe my family. I don't have to look into the eyes of precious children who are going hungry.

The point of this rant? This Christmas, I vow to buy only three presents: one each for my two nephews and my niece. I'm no longer going to go in debt to purchase clothes that never get worn or toys that seldom get used. Those of you who would normally get a small token of my affection should be aware that, this holiday season, you'll be getting only a card. Instead, I'll be supporting local charities and international missions. And I encourage all of you to do the same. Imagine how much good we could do if we merely donated half of our Christmas gift budget to help those who need it most.

Luke 12:48 says it best, "To whom much is given, much is expected." There are so many people hurting in the world. It is our responsibility to reach out.

Christmas list recap

Since I have a stat counter on this website, I get some decent info on who's reading my blog (stalkers, take heart... I can't tell individually who you are, just where you're from). Last week I had one person who read 97 entries on my blog. So I decided to look back and see what I've written.

It amused me see what random thoughts I've had in the past year. Then I stumbled across last year's Christmas list. So here's the update:

• Tom Brady in a big, red bow (and nothing else!) - nope on that one, but after reading the interview in this month's Esquire, I'm convinced he's a wank
• Tickets to Super Bowl XLIII, where the Cowboys play the Pats - Pats made it, Cowboys did not
• A private Bon Jovi concert, where Jon sings my favorite song to me, "Bed of Roses" (it has that great line... "tonight I won't be alone, but you know that don't mean I'm not lonely") - so it wasn't private, but he still sang "Bed of Roses" and touched my hand on April 17
• A red Hermes Birkin bag - no Birkin, but two Coaches and a DB zebra bag
• One week with no news from Britney, Lindsey, or Angelina - um, don't think that happened
• A trip to Italy with someone tall, dark and handsome - next May with Joe and Estella! yay!
• Lasik eye surgery - nope
• Liposuction - nope
• A good coach for the Hogs - YES
• A 42" flat screen TV for the living room - yes, a beautiful Philips ambilight in time for the Superbowl
• A facial (never had one!) - not yet, but lots of massages and pedis
• Season 3 of "The Office" on DVD - Jen had to take it back, because I bought it for myself
• Sirius satellite radio - still no
• "Sixteen Candles" on DVD - yes
• Saute pan from Williams Sonoma - YES, with the GC Lon and Jen bought me
• A really amazing new job in 2008 - YES!!!

So here's my list before Christmas '08....
• Winning season for the Hogs
• Facial
• Season 4 of "The Office" on DVD
• Le Creuset stock pot
• A really fantastically great first date with a great guy

Holiday Recap

Today's the first day that I've felt any respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's been crazy since I got here, but I've finally caught my breath and have the opportunity to update you all on the exciting happenings in my life.

On Saturday, I met Ashley for lunch at Rolando's, then I went down to spend the evening in Hartford at Memaw and Pepaw's house. Since the Cowboys game was on NFL network, we went up to Woo and Amanda's to watch. Then we came back to Memaw's where 8 of us spent the night. I slept on the couch.

On Sunday morning, Kathy and I started cooking for the Plunkett fiesta. We made enchiladas, tacos, creamy taco, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese dip. My mom's family came down for lunch, then we had a rousing game of Dirty Santa (I got a mani/pedi set).

Here's Hewey, Dewie and Louie playing football with Chance in the mud.



And this is Taylor and me at the party.



Hope and MaKenzie, my cousin Carrie's little girl, got new purses from Granny Eck.



On Sunday evening, I stayed at my brother's house with the kids, where Chance, Taylor and I enjoyed a wild night of RockBand. Then I slept on the bottom bunk with Hope, who talked incessantly.

On Monday (Christmas Eve), we opened presents at Brad's early that morning, then went to Dad and Vickie's for brunch and more present opening. After that I ventured back to Fort Smith to my grandmother's for a nap prior to attending the candlelight service at church. Then I went to my aunt and uncle's house for German food. And I spent the night on my grandmother's couch.

Chance put the bow from his sister's present on his head.



I got Taylor a Romo jersey.



Hope got care bears from Grandpa and "Mickie."



On Tuesday (Christmas Day), I stopped at Vance and Sorne's to see what the boys got from Santa, then I picked up Taylor, Chance and Hope and we went to Memaw and Pepaw's to eat fish with the Hester brood. After dropping them off and coming back to the Gregory's for a nap, Amanda and I went to the movies.

Today (Wednesday) I slept in 'til after 10 a.m., then Vance cooked breakfast. Sorne and I went for coffee, then I took a nap. Tonight I met John and Tricia at Chili's for dinner.

Tomorrow (Thursday) Ashley and I are headed to Siloam Springs. I'm meeting with a realtor to find a place to live, then I'm having dinner tomorrow night with my dad, stepmom, brother, his GF, and my grandmother. Guess I'll head back to C-way on Friday to start packing.

And for those of you who are curious, my friends and family were generous this year. I got a beautiful bowl for my new office, a fabulous leopard throw, a cute coffee mug, and gift cards to Starbucks, Williams Sonoma, Best Buy, and Ann Taylor. Pretty cool, huh?

Merry Christmas!

Wow... can't believe it's finally Christmas Day. To steal Jen's schtick, it seems like this has been the holiday that never ended. I'm currently sleeping in my fourth bed in as many nights. Correction: this is only the second bed I've slept on; I've been on two couches and the bottom bunk with my niece the other three nights. Tonight I'm on a trundle bed and sleeping alone. And I have Internet service for the first time in four days.

I've decided the nomadic life just doesn't suit me. I'm living out of the back of my car. And when you're constantly packing and unpacking, you're bound to leave a few things at other places. Sunday I left my shampoo at my aunt's house, which wouldn't be a big deal if I were showering at anyone's house except my grandmother's, who hasn't washed her own hair since the 40s. So she had to go next door to a neighbor's apartment in her retirement village to borrow some. And while I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, the commandeered shampoo was meant to make your silver hair shinier, and I spend a lot of time and money to make my silver go away. There was also no conditioner, so imagine how flyaway my hair was for church last night. But at least my gray hair looked better than usual.

Tonight Amanda and I went to see "P.S. I Love You." It lasted about two and a half hours, and I cried for about two hours of that. It was a good flick (Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr and Jeffrey Dean Morgan... yummy x 3), but Hilary Swank just wasn't meant to do romantic comedies. She's a great actress, but it's weird to see her cry. I kept expecting her to shave her head or break out the boxing gloves.

It's been a great holiday and I've really enjoyed catching up with family and friends. More tomorrow (including pics) about Christmas.

BTW, a friend of mine has a son who asked her the other day why we always had to talk about Jesus at Christmastime. And it made me think about how crazy everything gets this time of year, and how often we forget why we celebrate the season. What a blessing God gave us more than 2,000 years ago when He sent His son to be born in a manger. To live a perfect life and to die on a cross so that we might have salvation. May we never forget His perfect gift.

Happy birthday, Jesus. Let us honor you not only this day, but all year through.

xoxo,
Lori

Up on the housetop reindeer paws

While I remain happily child free, Christmas Eve always makes me long for a kid to share the Santa experience with. Luckily I have friends and family who include me in their Santa experience, therefore ruining my Kodak moment and turning it into lost sleep and toy lugging.

My vacation started yesterday, so I spent most of the day laying around like a slug. Then I got ready and headed to Central Arkansas for the evening's festivities. I fought with the traffic in west Little Rock to pick up a few gifts, but after circling the Barnes and Noble parking lot 14 times before finding a parking spot a mile away, I was pretty much void of holiday spirit.

Last night I went to eat at Sonny Williams Steak Room with my friends Brent and Dave. I gotta say, it was the best steak I've ever eaten, but for the $73 tab (just my part), it certainly should have been.

After dinner and a stop at Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn, I headed to Maumelle to assist with Hester Christmas. See, Santa knew that the boys were not going to be home on Christmas morning, so he was kind enough to agree to visit their house four days early.

Before putting the boys to bed, Lonnie read the Christmas passage to them. Peyton calls it the "Baby Jesus" story.



The fun thing about the Christmas story is the great questions it brings. "What's a manger?" "What does census mean?" and, my personal favorite and question that makes me so thankful that I don't have kids, "What's a virgin?" Oops!

Just after 10 p.m. all three boys went to bed in the same room (since Jen kicked Brady out of his bed to give it to me). Sweet Brady not only left Santa cookies and chocolate milk, he straightened up the living room for Santa. Then he spent at least 30 minutes begging his brothers to be quiet so that Santa wouldn't pass their house.

At nearly 11 p.m., Santa's little helpers began their preparations. Carrying presents down from the attic. Putting up a tee-pee (Jen's job). And putting up Fat Heads in the boys' rooms while they were sleeping nearby. There's nothing like watching your cousin smooth out Peyton Manning's head while balancing on a train table with only the faint closet light to guide him.



Brady woke up about 6:30 a.m. (that makes five hours' sleep, for those of you keeping count) to exclaim excitedly that Santa had been there. He was so thrilled that Santa left him a huge Razorback helmet on his bedroom wall. Peyton, on the other hand, saw the monster truck by his stuff and said, "I didn't want that. Somebody tell Santa that I don't want that."



Santa brought Lonnie a new set of golf clubs. Hopefully they'll improve his game quite a bit.



Here's the damage after all the presents were opened.



After opening presents, Jennifer made a yummy breakfast for all of us. The boys were, of course, too excited to eat. And I made a haul, including a Williams Sonoma gift card, which will be used to purchase a new saute pan. Another thing off of my Christmas list! That, and Lonnie gave me last week's Sporting News, which has Tom Brady on the cover.



Happy holidays! I'm leaving tomorrow morning to head "home" for a few days. Then it's back to C-way to start packing to move. Jen has some great pics on her site if you're interested (including some of Lonnie the dork in a wrestling mask).

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

It's one week 'til Christmas, and I'm almost done shopping. Tonight I ate dinner, then proceeded to wrap some gifts. The pink bows are for Hope. The red bows are for Taylor. And the green bows are for Chance, Huey, Dewie and Louie. The red box is for you, Jen (and the wrapping is much more exciting than what's inside, unfortunately). Happy holidays!

Everytime a bell rings....

A world without Tom Brady? Unimaginable! Check out "If athletes were Christmas characters" to see the Brady vs. George Bailey comparison. Oh, and since we're discussing the future league MVP, anniversary wishes go out to him and Giselle, otherwise known as BradyBundch. Or, as I call her, the world's luckiest lady.