Whimsy is…

I’m feeling much better. It’s amazing how much it helped to just put it out there and know people are praying for me. Updates are in italics.

1. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything to bring a Christmas atmosphere into our home. Our tree isn’t even decorated yet.
1a - I’ve decided that the Christmas spirit isn’t about decorating. I can be working on that while everything else is going on. I just need to keep my attitude right and focused on the gift we have been given.

2. TwinC has a doctors appointment tomorrow. She fell in November and the MRI shows that she has a contusion in the marrow of her arm. We’ll find out what that means tomorrow.
2a. Good news. Even though her growth plate is injured, she is so close to done growing that we don’t need to anything. We will do bi-weekly xrays to make sure everything is healing like it should. She does have to keep her wrist in the splint for at least 4 more weeks. She’s not crazy about that because some of her favorite clothes don’t fit with it (teenagers!!) it does get her out of washing dishes, and L isn’t crazy about that.

3. I think TwinL is breaking out in hives.
3a. I’m going to try to get a pictures of it next time it happens so I have something to show the doctor.

4. I haven’t sent out any Christmas cards. I have purchased them.
4a. They will just have to wait until next year.

5. I don’t have a single present wrapped. About 70% purchased.
5a. I’m hoping DH and the kids will go tonight while I put in quality hours on the work project.

6. My brother is home for this week before he leaves for Iraq and I want to spend time with him.
6a.I have been getting to see him quite a bit. It’s a funny thing because he doesn’t actually TALK when we’re together. But I like just having him in the same room as me.

7. I have 2 big projects at the shop that only I can complete. I need to devote about 20 hours to them. Before Friday.
7a. God gave me a new answer to one of the projects. One that can wait until after Christmas to really start. It still has to be done before the New Year, but it helps take pressure off of this week. I’m still praying for Grace to surround me on the other project. It’s a mess of my own doing. I should have had much of this done already. I have repented of my laziness in this area.

8. We are going to my nanas tomorrow (Tues) evening and take pictures of all of us to send with my brother. I have no idea what any of my family will wear. I’m sure it will have to be washed, whatever it is.
8a. The twins took care of making sure everyone had clean clothes. We changed to pics to my sisters house which was much quicker. I’ll post some later today if I get the chance.

9. We are having Christmas at Nana’s on Thursday (before brother has to leave) so I have to finish # 5.
9a. Hoping DH will take some of the burden off. The twins are going to stay home tomorrow and get cookies baked up and ready for decorating with the littles.

10. We will also go to my nana’s on Sunday for Christmas Eve, because that’s the tradition.
10a. I’m looking forward to this now. It should be pressure free. I’m hoping my mom will be feeling up to coming out. (for the record, nana is my Dad’s mom, but she very much wants my mom (and her new husband) to be at all family events. This doesn’t really sit well with my dad’s new wife. That makes my nana mad)

11. We will go to Dmil’s on Monday for Christmas (2 hour drive)
11a. This is inconvient, but I have the BEST mil in the world, and if it will make her happy, then I am happy to do it.

12. I don’t have any confirmed money after Wednesday of this week. (there is potential money, but I don’t know if any will be here in time) I take that back. I’m sure it will all work out. I just don’t know the details right now.
12a. Looking like everything is working out just fine! Praise God. I wish I could go into more detail, but it is so amazing how He provides just enough, just in time.

13. I need to get several dozen cookies made for the nieces/nephews to decorate. I am totally cheating and using storebought dough.
13a. Twins are taking over this for me. I am so blessed to have such capable daughters.

14. My mom is recovering from a double mastectomy. We haven’t been really close, but I really want to take care of her right now. I wish I could cook her supper every night.
14a. I still wish I was doing more for her, but she sees my heart and our ties are strengthening because of it.

15. I’m trying not to think about my brother going off to war.
15a. Still trying not to think about it. Prepare yourselves for a big mushy breakdown after he leaves and the Christmas rush is over.

16. DH just “reminded” me that I need to get all 10 hours of the NFR moved off the tivo and onto DVDs. Then I need to make 5 copies of each one.
16a. I told him that I just can’t be in charge of that right now. DH and C are handling it.

17. I’m not looking forward to seeing my “perfect” SIL at Christmas and hear about all the “perfect” gifts they got their “perfect” kids for their “perfect” Christmas.
17a. Still not looking forward to it, but I’m not going to play her game. We are who we are. For the record, DH calls her the “psycho witch” and he doesn’t say things like that lightly. He really does not like her and prefers that we spend as little time with her as possible. She’s done some very hurtful things to DMIL (who I might have mentioned is pretty darn great) DH loves his mama so much that it’s hard for him to forgive anyone who hurts her.

18. My mom’s pathology report should be back this week. Surprisingly, I’m not too worried about it. Her positive attitude is rubbing off on me.
18a. Looking forward to a good report. Still haven’t heard.

19. My dad has asked me to write a letter of recommendation for their adoption doccier (sp). I don’t know how to translate the negative feelings I have into something positive.
19a. This can and will have to wait.

20. My dad and his wife may or may not be able to make time to come to Christmas. You know that we’re having early before my brother goes off to WAR! (does my urge to shake my dad come through?)
20a. Not my problem, and God hasn’t asked me to do anything with it.

21. Unrelated to this week, but I don’t know where my dad and his wife live. None of us kids have ever been invited over. That’s just a bonus.
21a. Can’t deal with it right now.

22. I feel fat and frumpy and wish I didn’t have to have my picture taken.
22a. Pics didn’t go too bad. I’ll post some later.

23. I’m really worried about the twins’ weight. I don’t know how to help them. This is such a hard time of year to have to watch what you eat. It’s all I can do not to hit or at least mouth off at any family members who will take me aside to say something to me about it.
23a. Picture taking was hard on them. They are very self conscious. I think they are beautiful. I would not let them shrink from the camera. I didn’t want to subconsciously reinforce any negative self image issues they have. I will make an appointment with the doc for after the first of the year to discuss the health aspects.