13 days til Christmas

 Today wasn't bad. I needed to finish up some shopping and actually convinced my son to go to the mall with me. I had to go to Sephora to get a makeup set my daughter wants and was immediately accosted by a saleswoman. I hate shopping when you feel pressured and followed. I like to look at things, test the samples and see what tickles my fancy and I really don't need to feel pressured to here how wonderful a particular product is. I wish that I had the guts to just say, "Hey, I appreciate your interest in helping me, but I am doing well on my own." Sounds good, but I always feel like I will hurt their feelings. I guess I am just too soft.

 Long story short, Sephora didn't have the makeup in stock and I ended up with a much smaller set that I wasn't pleased about. The saleswoman told me that the set I want is sold out everywhere including the website. I naively believed that and then get home to see that TA DA, there it was available online. Now I have to brave the pushy saleswoman again to return the unwanted set. I really hate shopping.

 I really need to get a good camera. Relying on my cell phone to grab a great shot isn't working so well. Tonight there was the most beautiful full moon that I would love to have on the blog, but alas, no camera. Maybe it's not too late to add to my Christmas list.

 Tomorrow is tree picking day. There is a wonderful place called Valley View Farm that has the greatest selection of ornaments and decorations that I have ever seen. Tomorrow the family Talbert will make the drive and we each get to pick our favorite ornament. And get fresh kettle corn. My mouth is watering already. 

 Is it tomorrow yet???

Family Fun?

  Last night Randy and I went to another Caps game. I don't know why I am so into hockey this year, but I am really enjoying it. Josh has been complaining that we are always going and never take the kids, so last night I offered him my ticket. I thought it would be cool for him and Randy to have a guy's night out. Of course he declined and said he was too tired. You can never win.

  I am trying to find something inexpensive for us to do for the holidays. Our NYC trip got postponed until next weekend, and I would love to get a ticket to a Broadway show. I read that they are reducing ticket prices due to low demand, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe we could see the Rockettes. The folks are sending us money to help with the hotel room as a Christmas present, which helps tremendously.

  Yesterday Josh and I went Xmas shopping at Walmart and he found the cutest sweater for Dexter. I have never bought clothes for him, but we couldn't resist this one. He looks adorable. and even seemed to like it. It is too short to cover his back, but I think we would have to custom make weiner dog clothes to fit him properly. Lexi has promised to make him a hoodie, but we have yet to see it.

Still haven't bought Christmas cards, but I haven't gotten any yet either. The plan was to take a family picture and have it made into cards, but since we haven't had a family portrait taken since Josh was born (meaning over 14 years ago), I think I knew that wasn't really going to happen. Maybe next year :).

Easing the Pain

  Today is rough. Last night, after a not so good day for the whole family, my daughter found out that her friend died of an overdose. That alone is devastating. The fact that this is the 2nd friend in 2 years to lose their life to drugs is beyond belief. She is 17 and is overwhelmed with grief.

  As a parent there is little we can do to take the pain away. Plenty of hugs all around, but the task of surviving the pain day by day weighs heavily on her shoulders. This has been a rough 2 years for her. In October of 2006, she lost a very good friend to an overdose. 2 weeks later, her grandmother lost her battle with cancer. Six weeks later, my father died with Alzheimer's. 3 people lost in less than 3 months. That is unbelievable. Now this. Her pain just breaks my heart. 

  Nobody ever said that parenting is easy, but days like this feel impossible. I wouldn't trade being a parent for anything, but it is such a helpless feeling to see your child in agony. Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

  On a lighter note, before all the sadness we were both surprised by the men (or boys) in our lives. My husband brought me flowers just because and her boyfriend brought her a homemade dozen of her favorite cookies. That scored some major points in my book. She is lucky to have him right now. 

  Another light note. Next weekend we are attempting a trip to New York City. Hoping to leave on Friday and return on Sunday. I always look forward to the window displays and shopping at FAO Schwartz. Best toy store ever. Period. I will post pictures and any good restaurants and stores will be reviewed.

  Hopefully a great latte and a couple of Lexi's cookies will help make the day a little brighter.