Playing catch up

I've gotten so far behind on reading blogs that I'm not even going to try to go back and catch up.  I'll just start at the current post and go from there.  This is what happens when life gets busy!  Between football, going to the lake, going to John's mom's, work...

Hopefully things will slow down for a while.  With football season essentially being over (except for bowl games, but they won't start for a couple more weeks or so), lake season being over (until about March),  and John's mom being in the nursing home (we will still go visit, but we won't necessarily be tied to a particular weekend), I should have more blog time.  But there is still work.  And I still have research papers to grade.  ICK!

From what Connie has said, Billie has settled in fairly well at the nursing home.  Connie said she still says she wants to go home, but it's easy to change the subject with her.  We haven't been up since she's been there, but our family holiday gathering is next weekend, so we'll see her then.

We decided back in the summer to do the family gatherings different this year.  Normally, we have a HUGE traditional meal for Thanksgiving, and then we turn around and have a HUGE meal the Sunday before Christmas.  I don't remember who made the suggestion to combine the two into one celebration this year, but I'm really glad she did.  I know it was a she because I don't know if any of the men honestly care one way or the other.  I know John doesn't.  I did run the idea by him before I gave my input, and he was actually very much in favor of combining the two into one.  For most everyone else, it isn't a big deal because everyone else lives right there in Hartselle.  For us, they always ended up being crazy, busy weekends, and when they were over, we were exhausted, and we didn't get to go home and put our feet up afterwards.  We had a three-hour drive home. 

So this year, we are combining our Thanksgiving/Christmas celebrations into one family dinner next Saturday.  Another thing we are doing that John and I really like is that we are having our dinner at a restaurant, SO that means no having to rush around the morning of to cook and make sure everything is done.  In the past, we (well, the females) have busted our butts getting everything set out...What tray does this need to go on?  Does this need to be heated?  Where are the spoons?...while the men sat around and talked.  Then we eat, and then the women rush around clearing everything...Are you taking this with you?  Toss that because I'm not taking it home!  Where is the Saran Wrap?...while the men sat around and talked.  And then we do the gift exchange, clean up, and head our separate ways.  Very little relaxation, or even visiting--unless you are a man---was done.  I think this year will be better.  If not, we can go back to the old way.

Only two weeks of work until Christmas break.  Where does the time go?  I have so much to get done.  I desperately need a clone!

Guess that's it for now.  Have a GREAT day!