Oh Christmas Shoes, Oh Christmas Shoes!!!

(Picture the Cheetah print in black and grey with a silver platform.)

God bless us. Everyone!

Birthday/Christmas Miracle

Some people believe that if you put something out into the universe, it can come back to you. I'm not sure I believe it but something good has happened. And no, I did not hear back from my brother. As a matter of fact, as I wrote him he was emailing another family member making it perfectly clear he wanted nothing to do with me. And I cried. But then...

I had the best talk with my mom and then my dad (separately). They affirmed that it is time for us to move on as a family. My dad actually told me I was a wonderful daughter and he was proud of me. I can count the number of times he has said something like that on one hand. That is not a criticism. My dad just plays things close to the vest. He also said he considers Paul his son.

If my brother chooses to reconnect with us, we will accept him with open hearts and open arms. Until then, we will continue to make memories together. Mom, Dad, Paul, me and the rest of our family.

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and only pray the ice stays away so we can have Christmas together. But if the ice does come my feet will be toasty... Paul arrived home last night with my Chestnut Uggs under his arms.

Christmas miracles do happen!

Snow Boots

Does anyone else think it is completely ridiculous that not all snow boots are waterproof? Seriously, what's the point? OK, so I get the type I pick out are more often worn on the streets of LA than in the snow (I actually have these except they are silver. Yes, I own silver, furry, knee-high "snow" boots. They happen to make me very happy. Except I cant' wear them in front of children. It is tough to explain Love Kills Slowly to a 7 year old.) However, when I look for a pair for Paul to shovel our driveway in, I'm looking for a couple of basic components - that they keep his feet DRY and WARM. What is up with these boot makers???

That ends my Monday morning snow day rant.

Snow Day

We got 20 inches of snow yesterday. Nothing better than being snowed in with your family (that is, the family you like) on the weekend before Christmas. I did all the on-line shopping I could. We decorated the tree. We attempted to get the perfect photo for our Christmas card - and are still trying. The only problem is that the girls won't go potty outside. How long can they possibly hold it???

Happy Birthday to Me.

How come, when you are little, birthdays are all about THE big day? And when you get older, it seems to be more about days gone by? Or is it just me? Today is my 36th birthday - closer to 40 than 30. I'm not sure where the time has gone. It was a great day. Breakfast with a friend, lunch with friends, tons of Facebook wall posts and phone calls. Yet, I found myself at the desk in my home office writing a letter to a family member who hasn't spoken to me in 5 and a 1/2 years.

I remember so many birthdays when the card that meant the most was from him. And I still have Winnie the Pooh he gave me for my first birthday. And the one he gave me for my twenty-first. Two of my most prized possessions - can you believe they aren't shoes?

All I wanted for my birthday were these chestnut Uggs (if you don't own Uggs, go immediately to uggs.com and order a pair!) but I'd actually trade all my shoes for a phone call from my brother. Is my age showing?

Changing Lives

Our office has a rotating gallery space on the first floor where we hang artwork created by residents of member communities. The latest request is for staff to write, in 50 words or less, about a person over the age 65 who changes lives. For me, the selection was simple but the 50 words or less was not.

Grandaddy is nothing short of Santa Claus for me. When I was in kindergarten, he actually visited our class in a Santa suit and I had no idea it was him. Despite the fact that my brother was his elf. What can I say, I was desperate to believe!

Not a day goes by that I don't think of him as a gift. He was quite a devilish charcter in his younger days, I've been told. He still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye. He has done so much for so many, and this is my small tribute to him.

He served his country in the Navy and Washington, DC on the police force. He cared for my Grammie throughout the later years of her life. He gave Joan, his new wife, and she gave him a second chance at love. He supports his parish financially and with his volunteerism - painting, counting donations, delivering communion to those in need, remembering birthdays, and on and on. (Joan helps him do most of that!) He and Joan deliver food to soup kitchens. He would do anything he could for his family and has given all of us more than he will ever know through generosity, laughter and love.