Just a few things ...

... going on the past few days. The kids were with their dad this past weekend and Rich and I were trying to get some more stuff done around here. With 4 furry animals, 5 birds and 2 teens ... cleaning is a constant battle. I used to be meticulously clean and even vacuumed daily. Let's just say with all the stress of the past few years I kinda lost the gumption to keep the house spotless. My parents were over again to help us steam clean the carpets. I answered the door and my dad had a handmade sign on his chest saying "maid service". I died laughing. They have been so much help to me. Later while my mom was bent over cleaning in the laundry room he taped it to her butt. I ran and got the camera. I just love Kodak moments! *laughs*

After they left Rich and I put more mulch down in the front flower beds ...(thanks mom and dad!) Then finally put the lighted reindeer and spiral tree out front. It looks so good with the white icicle lights on the roof, green in the low bushes that border the walkway and front flowerbed, and multi color wrapping the two palms in front of the window. It love it! So festive.

The bad news is when I was coming down from the attic I was facing forward and missed the last step or two and came down hard on my ankle. It was late afternoon Sunday and I didn't want to waste my money on the emergency room... so we elevated it and kept it packed in ice. It seemed to feel much better today so I sat at the computer to work. My foot felt like it was throbbing and cold like it was sitting in ice, but I kept ignoring it. By the time I paid attention it looked as if a golf ball was under my skin. Rich came home from work and brought me to the urgent care center to be x-rayed. Luckily it's not broken. I had to get a shot and they gave me pain pills. I was supposed to go buy a boot they wrote a prescription for but my insurance was gonna make me go all the way down to Hibiscus. I decided not to waste my time or money. I'll just stay off my feet for the next few days. Which will be tough for me.

I am really wanting a laptop right now too! I so need to get more done on my site. I have to finish meta tags on each item and I have been researching better ways (and free ways) to promote my site. I had 3 decent sales over the weekend and that got me majorly pumped to get more. The money I made has to stay in the paypal account because in January I have my site renewals and it will take pretty much all of it. I probably won't see a dime for a while because I need to reinvest to make more. But I am really feeling like my dream will be coming true in the very near future.

I can't wait. I want to give my babies the life they deserve. They have put up with so much in their lives and are the most wonderful loving kids I have ever met. We have always been so close and I have always treated them with the utmost respect. I never hide anything from them and have always explained everything going on in our lives. I was taught this from experts when I was diagnosed with cancer. They said it was so much better to be upfront then to leave them wondering and thinking things are worse. I really believe that is why they handled this divorce with such ease. So many kids are left in the dark about situations in their lives because a terribly misinformed parent thinks it's best to hide the truth from them. Then they are left thinking things are their fault and end up emotionally scarred. I find that very sad. My kids are well informed and able to make their own choices. Other than me and my husband having our own issues with each other and a few battles have broken out, things have gone very well. The kids love their dad very much and accept that there will be times we don't get along.

Anyway, I am very much looking forward to Christmas even though I am poorer than I have ever been in my life. I found ways to get the kids the things they want. (one way was to use money I got as a gift) I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd rather be a bit behind in bills then to disappoint the two most precious things in the world to me. Rich and I decided not to exchange presents because of lack of funds. But I will definitely find a way to have a little something under the tree for him. I had to tell friends I couldn't exchange this year and they were all understanding... as was my huge family who are all coming in on the 27th. It will be a blast having everyone together. My mom said when everyone is together we are going to discuss going on a cruise next Christmas as our gift. :) Sounds good to me!