Well, I opened my present from AJ. I wondered what it could be, since he said it was also partly for Mom and Neaksis.

He got us a slim jim set, bwaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

He said he was going to get Neaksis her own set, but one,he didn't have enough cash on him, and two, she would probably lock it in her trunk.

("I don't have a trunk," Neaksis retorts indignantly, conveniently not mentioning that if the slim jim set is anywhere in the car when the keys are locked inside, it is equally useless.)

Last night I told the Dervish he had a special present to open before bedtime. He eagerly tore into it, revealing soft, fuzzy flannel BUZZ LIGHTYEAR PAJAMAS!!!!!!!! His expression of joy melted to dismay, and he tried manfully to pull it back into a smile, but it kept falling down. It looked like he was trying to chew dried taffy.

Finally he choked out, "Tank you, Mommy." Chew, chew, chew. "Dese are really nice."

"Why, Dervish, what's wrong? Don't you like your new pajamas?"

Chew, chew. "But it's not a toy!!!"

"Dervish, dear, not every present can be a toy. Some are just things you need. And since all your pajamas are too small now, since you have been growing to be such a big boy, I got you a new pair that fit. Why don't you go put them on?"

Tremulous smile. "Otay."

And then today he got 2 toys, so he was happy. (As messy as he is, he's lucky he got any. One of them is educational, too, but don't tell him that.)

I suppose the lesson of "You don't just get toys for Christmas" is a small step towards learning the true meaning of Christmas: unselfishness and giving to others.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> *shaking head*

Good for you, Neak. I think it is a mistake to give kids too much, too soon.

My boys always got very utilitarian things for Christmas, not because I didn't want to give them more, but because I couldn't. So gifts were usually underwear, socks, pants, shirts, etc.

They grew up to be good men who appreciate what they have.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Character building is never easy, is it?

He really impressed, me, too. Standard Dervish behavior would have been to throw a fit because things didn't go his way (whereupon I would have taken away the presents he still had left, until I felt he would appreciate them), start screaming and yelling, and probably get sent to bed before it was all done.

Instead, even though he was disappointed at first, he tried SO HARD to be good about it. Who was that kid, and what did he do with my Dervish?

*snif* My little boy is growing up.

Thanks for the encouragement, too. It's always good to hear from those who have gone before, and succeeded.

There is hope!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

(Besides, if SS turned out ok, there's a chance for anybody, lol.)

Aussies mum signing on.

Good morning to all and I do hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas. AW told me I hadn’t posted for ages and I have to admit it has been awhile. Unfortunately the mundane needs of life – working - and my grand kids have been keeping me far too busy over the last few months. My son’s separation from his wife has been very difficult for their children so I have been spending a lot of time with them.

The only time I spend with AW lately has been when she picks me up from work each day and then ‘forgets’ to tell me anything about how she is going. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
However mums are used to not being told a lot so I’ll let that one go through to the keeper – well until the New Year anyway. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Neak your Dervish is a little tiger, a boy for all seasons lol <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, however yes he is growing and you will find him putting a brave face on things every now & then for his mum. Its a joyful and a little bit sad because he’s growing up. I accepted the girls growing up with far more grace. Dad’s don’t though, for them its the other way around I believe. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

And of course it happens to all the kids. Worse luck.
You may now Bawwwwwwwwwwww or sniffle as the situation allows <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

AW is out checking on families with no dad home for Christmas after doing a ring around this morning. Aussie is preoccupied and distant and peeved off that cricket was rained out today. WHAT? I'm not saying anything.

Mikey is asleep in a pile of wrapping paper, my GD is in seventh heaven learning her fiancé is safe and well, however she is Sooooooo annoyed at her dad for stopping her going on the ‘Tour de Force’ to Iraq and Afghanistan but I feel it was a sensible decision in the circumstances – I can always tell that because dad becomes ‘Father’ <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> – I told her to think how worried Jonnie would be if she went over there so I feel we won that one. My GS is a giant. What are they feeding him? growth hormones? He looks like a bigger version of his dad.

Neak I just had to laugh about the candle, romantic setting and Mr C’s vomit. A classic. Have you noticed that children seem to actually wait until you are not ready for these day to day little episodes before exploring them further? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well I smiled anyway! I suppose the candle is still in shock <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I wonder, is there a children’s book titled ‘How to kill your parents love life?’ It seems to be well read all over the world. hahaha <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, a merry Christmas, Gods blessing to all and I need to get back to feeling bloated and overfed .... AW’s turkey was just delish. I did teach her well <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Aussiesmom - It is so good to hear from you again. I've missed you so much. You always have a way of making me feel so good.

Hello Believer

thankyou very much, its nice to know that I can make someone feel good every now & then. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Sometimes it can feel that you are swimming against a tide of indifference - well with some male persons. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I do so hope you had a good Christmas though. The new year I hope is going to be so much better for all of us.

MUM!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was so good to hear your voice again!!!!!!!! With you and Mom on hiatus, it has been hard work to hold down the fort around here. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Grandpa has been having trouble connecting to reality lately. The other morning he got up early, and came to ask me if everything was ok. "Oh, good. I just had this feeling there was something wrong, and I'm so glad to find out that it isn't." And then yesterday he woke AJ & me up at 3am!!!!!! to see if he was still in California, and not Hawaii. AJ vaguely remembered him also asking if they weren't just about to vote it in as a state.

On a more hilarious note, Neakbro made the mistake of sharing his woes with AJ last night, so now I can share them with the world! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In case I didn't say yet, he got sick yesterday, having been exposed to The Plague while he was here for Christmas.

Had he asked me, I would have told him that proper procedure was to sit on the toilet and hold a bucket, in case both ends decided to go off simultaneously. He decided to bow and kneel.

Between howls, AJ described to me Neakbro's pathetic attempts to cram toilet paper between his cheeks and pinch them shut, all the while hurling his Christmas dinner into the porcelain shrine.

Vegetarian holiday loaf: $9.95
Large bag of greens: $5.97
Three kinds of gravy: $14.56 and about 3 hours
Time spent with diseased family and friends: Priceless

Hello Neak

well your mum needs love and attention, and 3 boxes of Lindt Chocolates <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> no I swear its true young lady - ask your mum! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

do you realise its 4.20am and I was awakened by those two little monsters, sorry, beloved grandchildren, who decided it was fun to have a pillow fight at this time of the night or morning or whatever this unearthly time is called. OH - dawn - how silly of me <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

School holidays - what a short sighted and stupid idea.

Not amused.

My God, how can anyone sleep in this house, his lordship snoring at one end, my own clam at the other and I dont know what that other big oaf is doing out there but he is not supposed to sleep on the new lounge and thats not snoring, its a chainsaw! I had better warn him to not be there when his mother wakes. She doesn't do mornings very well.

However my angel Michael is sound asleep as is his lovely big sister. Perhaps I should suggest they have their hearing checked. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

This old grandmother is back off to bed, resting & sleep may be optional, anything other is - well forget that <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Just found out we spread The Plague to one of the local churches here. I have this bad feeling that Escalon didn't fare too well, either, but won't find out till tomorrow.

Morning Neak

sorry to hear you still have the 'Plague', however I'm sure sharing it means that you are on the mend <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Of course as long as no one can trace it to you then no problems <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Neaksis did not say a WORD!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ot - Neak - could you join me in a prayer for floydray? He is a minister with a wife having an affair.

Sure, dear B. Is he on here? It must be so hard to be in that position. Bad enough with your own kids to care for, but with a whole flock to shepherd, it's gotta be unbelievable.

I hope you all had a most wonderful Christmas.

I just have a cold Neak, and now I'm glad that's all it is.
Sooooooo glad.


Was Flard visiting too, or just neakbro?

SS

What those guys had. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> And even though I got to keep my Christmas dinner, it still cost me a whole lot of eletrolytes and about $1000 in overtime. And some really sore vomiting muscles. Blech.

Neak, you'd better hope your brother doesn't ever read what you wrote about him, or he is so never speaking to you again as long as he lives! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> It's no wonder that Neaksis won't admit to any bodily functions at all. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I guess he should be glad you didn't try to post photos, too...<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Evening TL

I suppose the good news is that it wasn't influenza ..just something deadly. Eletrolytes & chalk, what a Christmas dish. I would have told them the different coloured chalk were different flavours, I suspect their taste buds were dead by then so it would have worked <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And overtime is always handy. I just spent big on the windows for the enclosed patio, I wonder if I should say something to Aussie now or wait until hes back at the barracks unable to leave for a while? They were SLIGHTLY more expensive than I thought .. but I SAVED on the installation! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Oh well the windows are installed, I've got the second roller door to install & then the concertina doors into the bay window. Oh and the electrics of course. I'd use my tax refund chq but $5.42 doesn't go far <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />



you mean you haven't seen the latest photos on your online album yet? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

AW, I see you are right on top of it - I probably shouldn't add to it now, I'd just mess it up.

Good job with the windows, and the roller door.

I managed to take down the Christmas lights today.

So sad, but she requested it, and I followed through.

One of the really bad things about being sick, is that even though you get to stay home, you don't feel like doing anything. That's sad too.

We should find things to be happy about instead.

Hey - no one died during that last round.

SS

Hope you feel better, SS.

Flard had the good sense to stay in AZ.

I don't have any photos of Neaksis' functions, or I would post them.

And doesn't she know it, too! Why do you think she keeps that viscious guard dog between her and any stray cameras? Actually, she IS the stray camera, but that helps keep things under control for her, too, doesn't it?

I'm going to bed now. Too much up today for the first time and I've run out of steam...such as it was to start out with...<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l