Christmas Day 2008

OK, so I thought I would try a different venue blogging my diets, exercise, races and other stuff since the website and my typing took decades to work. So far, so good... seems to be typing WAY faster.

Christmas Thoughts: last evening was our annual Christmas Dinner with my family. One brother chose not to come, said it was because he worked that day -- one sister-in-law had to work, a niece was in AK and my Dave was with his dad -- the house seemed odd -- only 29 people as opposed to the normal 38 - 40 (yes, a few other regulars were also missing). It is our last Christmas in this house (more on that later). Today was a lazy day and Jenna left this morning for her dad's. Kyle is on vacation and we have the next 72 hours (almost) without the big kids. We went to a friend's house for a Christmas party tonight and had a good time...until Emma got bit by one of the dogs. She was just loving on him and he had had enough -- turned, snapped and got her nose and upper lip. She is sleeping peacefully now but it added drama to Christmas day that I could have done without. My friend is beside herself about it -- it's totally out of that dog's character to behave like that -- just a freak of nature thing -- I don't blame her or the dog (really) but the situation just is what it is -- Emma is fine, we will just watch and do all we can to prevent the wound from scaring. Just stinks as an end to the day. And adds to how off center this Christmas feels. I am contributing a lot of my off balance to Dave being gone.

More motivation for the year coming ahead: my brother Max has an ulcer on his foot from his diabetes. He has been low end diabetic and was on glucophage (although, not taking it regularly) and then this wound ended up on his foot. After blood work, his glucose levels are in the 200's and his A1C is 9 (yes 9). I have enjoyed the holidays and have endulged a bit much...then I slack off...thank goodness, only resulting in about 3 lbs up.

New Year's resolution: To continue on my new life resolution to get and stay healthy. We are already trying to get as much organic in the house as possible and cut out even more preservatives -- those things are crazy. (Even more why I am excited about the farmhouse and having a garden).Ok, now on the farmhouse: Kyle meets with a gentleman in the morning to finalize and lock in a "deal" for a farmhouse on 2 acres. It is approx. 2500 + square feet, 4 bedrooms, will be 2 bathrooms, 3 car garage....lotsa room for the kids and for a garden (yeah!!). It has been empty for a while (like 3 -4 years) and needs some repairs. The bones are great, though. Kyle will be repairing and updating the house as payment for rent. An answer to prayer, really. I wanted a house that I could raise my kids in that gave them a place to learn, a big yard to play in and safety -- this provides all of that. I have been in the house we live in since May 2000. My starter home -- now can be someone elses. We will be puting it up for rent or God willing, selling it.

All in all: I feel very blessed. My kids are happy and healthy. We are about to move into a home that some might find a nightmare, I find a dream. We are refocusing on goals and getting healthy. I have a husband with the skills to provide a home for us in a not-so-conventional fashion. And it appears I have found a place to blog this craziness I call life in a much more timely fashion.