Merry Merry.

I have lots to blog about andzero time to do it. We had a break in. Thanks lovely grinch. So that pretty tree with all the presents... yep... we were on a mad dash to replace everything. So, I'll blog about that later. And all of the baking. And my son trying to take cash out of the offering basket at mass. And all of the Christmas merriment going on. For now though, I'm enjoying time with the family.

Happy Christmas!

Things heard around my house.

"You don't hit people in the face with a bowling pin."

Then what sounded like a baby version of "bullshit."

And another round of hit daddy in the face with a bowling pin.

Eighteen.

Today, my baby sister is eighteen.

It is weird and I am old.

She is beautiful.
And amazingly intelligent.
And lovely.
And so very kind to her nephew.

She is an individual.
And goofy and hilarious.
She is who she is.
Which is rare at only eighteen.

My Sweet Elise Noel,

I fully admit that when I was an angst filled fifteen year old, I didn't want you to come, but now I can't imagine life without you. Your laughter fills our family with happiness and endless hours of amusement, even your nephew loves it. You have grown into such an amazing woman and I hope that the next eighteen years of your life bring as much personal growth and love and wonder as the last eighteen have. And even though you do dumb things sometimes, I wouldn't trade even a minute of being your sister for anything.

Love,
Your most favorite (and most beautiful) sister






I'm also including this pic from last year for three reasons. One, you're not scowling at me or the camera. And two, and more importantly, Midge was in this pic. Three, we totally missed the singing and cake tonight. We'll just pretend the good one was there tonight and that you are still 17.

Santa.

Nothing but love for the fat man.

After he climbed off of Santa's lap and got a candy cane, Santa became his best bud and he didn't want to leave.