How was everyone's Christmas?

So did everyone enjoy their Christmas? We did presents with Greyson's parents and sister in the morning yesterday and then went over to his brothers house for Christmas dinner and more present opening.

I heard that Kalena and Emma tuckered out before they got all their presents open but were very happy with what they received. How did the Porter clan fare?

My house sitters are leaving today and Greyson and I are flying in tomorrow. Then I have to go right back to work the following day. I am not looking forward to that.
-Melanie

Bad pet owners

Well apparently Greyson and I are bad pet owners. We left Ada outside when we left with a bowl full of food and a big plastic bin half full of water. Thankfully Brian went to check on her the day after we left and when he arrived the dog was inside, the front door was unlocked and Ada's water dish was frozen solid. My only guess is that my neighbors put her in the house for some reason. We do have our house key "hidden" under a plant on the front porch for anyone to find (including my parents when they come). So Brian took our baby with him to his house where she will have fresh water.

Everything here in La. is good. It has been warm but raining so I haven't been outside much. I might go hang out with my sister-in-law for a few hours this afternoon so that will be fun and tonight we are going out to dinner with Greyson's parents and brother.

Where's the Key

Melanie didn't call and tell me where she put the key to her house. What to do, what to do? Maybe the Dean's have a key?? Maybe Melanie will e-mail me about the key? Pregnancy must make one absent-minded. . .

Electricity is Wonderful (from Mom)

The storm was very scary and I cowered in the living room until after 10 p.m. Of course there were excursions to hide in the kitchen every once in awhile when the wind really howled. It actually seemed to growl sometimes.

Our power went out at 5 p.m. on Thursday evening and came back on at about 2:00 p.m. this afternoon (Monday). We are fortunate to have hot water and a range and fireplace that work. Had to tote all the refrigerator contents to ice chests. Grandma has our refrigerator freezer contents at her house. I haven't opened the chest freezer but am hopeful all is okay there as the garage was pretty cold throughout this.

I am very glad to have a truly warm and light house this evening. And the garage door works. And Charlie's electronic collar works. And the Christmas lights are on. And the microwave works. And the garbage disposal. And my toothbrush.

We spent one evening at the gym where it was warm and we worked up a sweat. Another day we spent at the mall. Today I went to work where it was nice and warm and the computer worked.

My office painting project is scheduled for December 29 through Jan. 1st so anyone passing by is welcome to help out. I also need a lot of consultation about enlarging old pictures. I have large, very tall walls so I need fairly large pictures to go on them. The pictures I have are not very good resolution so I don't know how I can get them big enough to put up.

Also, I'm actually thinking about retiring at the end of next school year. I would officially retire this coming July but then work another school year and draw my retirement at the same time. So, if the district will agree to hire me back for that extra year, that's the plan. I have a much better attitude about going to work suddenly.

Melanie, if you need someone to help out in late July/early August, I'll be available.

Mom

Wild weather

So how did you all fair with the wind and rain last night. Our power was out most the evening. As we were going to sleep I asked Greyson to make sure the bedroom light switch was off in case the power came back on in the middle of the night, and as he reached for the switch the power came back on. We may lose power at the drop of a hat here but they almost always get it back on before the morning. I saw one big tree down on our property driving in last night. I will have to take a tour later and see what else came down. We are getting some slushy rain right now even though it is fairly warm out.

Greyson and I are going to a holiday luncheon this afternoon and then I have my office holiday get together later in the afternoon. So I don't see much work getting done. Then we have exciting plans of cleaning all weekend to get the house in shape for my house/pet sitters (mom and dad) that I think are coming next Friday. We also have dog washing, dog nail trimming, dog bed washing, and fish tank cleaning. All sorts of fun things we are going to do this weekend. I am hoping my hubby will take on a lions share of this as I am rather wimpy these days.

FYI, we are leaving on Tuesday for Baton Rouge and should return the following Tuesday. You all know how I don't like flying, and now I get to do it with an upset stomach. That should be fun. It should be a relaxing time with Greyson's family so I am looking forward to that. His mother and father moved within a few blocks of his brother so it makes it much easier to spend time with everyone. Hope you all have a great Christmas where ever you are.

two of 'em

picking the town

I pick Camas J  The small gift idea sounds good…and I’d still like to do the white elephant exchange with kids and/or adults. 

Christmas spirit (from Mom)

I'm also a little depleted of Christmas spirit. I have the house decorated and the lights are up on the house. But since none of my children/grand children are planning to visit, it seems kind of superfluous.

It would be more fun if were were all much more poor and could buy each other small items we wouldn't get ourselves otherwise - like fancy soap or an electric can opener.

Just one more week of school and then we are off on vacation until after New Years.

Grandma has a small tree outside her house decorated as well as the porch area peak. Looks pretty cute.

I say we pick a town and all move there. We will all have to get new jobs, except for Greyson who apparently can work from anywhere with Internet connection.

Merry Christmas

No holiday spirit

I think something happened to me when I missed Thanksgiving this year. I just didn't seem to get any holiday spirit. The only decoration at our house is the wreath Greyson made. And I don't have any plans to get any out. And we haven't bought a single present yet.

Speaking of, do you all have any ideas for yourself or others?
I don't really have much on my list. I would like some clothes in tall, especially fitted shirts, long sleeve T's or sweaters. I have a ton of turtlenecks so I would probably prefer some other cut but whatever. I always like jewelry too. Or whatever. I really have everything I need. It sounds like some of you are already done shopping anyway.

Take care and send me some holiday vibes,
Mel

Dean family update

Well guess who was right about her diagnosis a week ago- Kaiser just sent in my antibiotic prescription yesterday (so the little buggers got to multiply for five days!).  So I’ve got two pills in me- and feeling better already.  I haven’t heard anything about the X-ray results- but I don’t think that was the problem.  Haven’t had time to read all the blogging lately- hope everyone is doing well.  I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping- YEAH!  Also- if anyone knows of good deals – like Mervyn’s- please post them.  We are in search of some good prices on electronic products for the boys.  Well I came in early to get work done.  My basketball team is 1 in 2, we lost by 6 points last night.  Gabriel did not lose a match at the last tournament…he’s practicing again today.  Nicholas is growing up- I think he has grown a few inches in just the past month- and his sense of humor is changing.  I enjoy the greater awareness and plays on words.  I bought Emma and Kalena new black dress up shoes- both have been wearing them the last few days- Emma’s have a slight heel- she looks too grown-up in them.  Brian is still fighting off a cold- I haven’t heard much complaining about it lately- so it must be getting better.  He had our Christmas tree lighted up outside when I came home last night.  It was very festive- and nice to see we’ve got at least one holiday decoration started. We bought another live tree this year- we have four planted around the property from previous Christmas’s.  Well I’m procrastinating what really needs to get done- school work.  Take care.  Jenn and family. 

Dean family posting

Everyone is invited to the Dean household to celebrate the New Year- we will provide the site for X-box competitions, nerf and air soft wars, and other food and entertainment.  I hope this works for everyone- and maybe there will be snow on the ground- so put on your chains before you head up the hill.  We will have the wood stove burning and the holiday music playing.  Also- I bought these yarning loops/pegs?? they are supposed to allow one to easily and quickly make scarfs and hats…so if a grandma could show me how to do it- I failed last night on my first attempts.  I want to make red, black, and white scarfs for my bball team for their end of season awards.  Well I’ve got to get some grades submitted and get to practice- we are late practices this week.  Love. Jenn and family.

Almost vacation

It is just 2 weeks until we leave for Louisiana. I am really looking forward to being able to just relax. Yes, I did get quite a break from work while I was in the hospital but that wasn't quite relaxing. My hyperstimulation has calmed down a lot. I still have some fluid in my abdominal cavity but it is staying put and I can finally sleep on my side again and not wake up with horrible backaches (Yeah!). Well it looks like I may follow the trend in this family of "morning" sickness. However mine doesn't seem to care what time of day or night it is. Apparently my diet these days can no longer include Thai food, pizza or Mexican food. And I am only good for about 1/3 of the portion size that I used to eat. You know this whole pregnancy thing kind of sucks right now. Who thought this was a good idea?

I know you don't need to hear all the details for the next 8 months. What else... I am back to work full time but may work from home all week. We still have snow on the ground from last weeks snow. Greyson and I had to go fix the electric dog fence again yesterday as some critter chewed through the wire again. At least they do it more or less in the same spot so I know where to look. When the fence was down Ada figured out she could push the garage door open and helped herself to some of the recycling, spreading it out on the lawn, and had a meal of chicken feed. Greyson is still very busy with his "interactive map" and restaurant website contracts. Other then that we are very happy being snuggled up in our warm house during these cold days.
-Mel

A hello from the windy city

From Aunt Chris/ Sister:

No not that windy city; Simi Valley is Indian for "windy something".. city, valley, who know?

Well, I'm glad to say we all are doing very well here; we're shying away from hospitals, emergency rooms and health clubs.. They can all be dangerous to your health...... ha ha.

We're very busy with our new puppy, but couldn't ask for a better one. He slept through the night since we brought him home; goes outside and loves the grass. Does his business there except when the winds blew leaves and twings around him. Guess he thought a whole play yard was coming just to him. Kind of forgets to do his job and chases everything blowing by. But cannot complain at all. Everything he does is funny and that's more than I say about Phil and me. Can't remember the last time we were funny, especially after 35 yrs of marriage. ( your folks have us beat by 3 years) We're very excited to see our pregnant daughter and son-in-law. They've got temperatures of 13 degrees at their house , so we're glad they are coming here and not us going there.

Melanie, so glad to hear you are better.. You know in medicine they always say "common things happen commonly and rare things happen rarely?". Well you are a rare one. Even thought that complication is known to happen, you sure don't think it will happen to you. So now it's time for you guys to have the "common" thing have happen; hope you have a common pregnancy.

And yes, Jennifer; kidney stones are also "common" but definitely need to be watched. ( what is it with you guys??) Stay well this next year, you hear!!

Grandma is fine, but getting tired of the Simi Valley winds. Her apartment on the third floor and is like a wind tunnel. She asked me about if the wind is always like this; then remembers she's been here almost 4 yrs, so she should know.

Well, I need to go and finish decorating the Christmas tree. The best to everyone.

Love,
Chris