Out with the Tree, In with the Hearts

The worst part about packing away all the Christmas stuff and hauling the tree out to the curb is that the living room looks so bare now. Boring. Dull. The mantel is empty, uninspiring. The spot that the tree filled is blatantly vacant. It's a little depressing. I mean, why couldn't we have lights strung around the house all year long? It's kind of fun.

But, hey, I guess if I really wanted to, I could start decorating for Valentine's day soon. I got an email today, January 5th, advertising some V-day gifts and treats. It's never too early to start shopping for little pink hearts and boxes of chocolates!

It never ends. I would say some really nasty things about marketers and advertisers right about now, but I am married to one of them. So never mind.

Christmas Chaos

There's been so much to write about, but so little time. Santa needs way, way more helpers. The big day came around way too quickly. We never did that gingerbread house, didn't get around to hanging those outside lights and I'm still mailing out a few Christmas cards. Sorry about that, everybody.

I'm happy to report I got a Kindle for Christmas! Yippee. I couldn't be happier. But my favorite gift of the day was a card from the kiddies that read:

Dear Mom and Dad
Marry Christmas. We are very greatful to be your children.
love, QB and Mopsy. 

How cute is that?

We flew on Christmas day to Los Angeles. (I don't recommend travel on the 25th. It's not a lot of fun. Jarv almost missed his flight. One bag got lost. Had trouble getting a car at the rental place. Two kids who were still awake at 2 am EST had meltdowns.)

So now we're here at the in-laws. Everyone's cranky and tired, and, well, we're at the in-laws, so I anticipate I'll have many amusing, irritating anecdotes over the next week.  Keep you posted.