No new Monday thread? I'll start one before I run. Is everybody running crazy with holiday errands? RosAnne BLEW OFF our lunch date, claiming sick kids and holiday stress. How's everybody else doing?

Wow CB, you are tough, where's the California love? I am sitting here wiping Rajan's nose and just had to answer the door in my gnome jammies and hair looking like Don King, how much more stressed can I be??? I am eyeing this bottle of wine I bought for a good cause, it called Dog House wine (www.doghousewine.com) Proceeds go to fund service dog training. I don't know if the wine is any good but what the heck, I'll try it.
Barbara, I am bummed I had to cancel, Sorry! :>)

I've had doghouse wine RosAnne, it's not bad. Knome jammies? Sick kids? Ick! Hugs to ya my friend!

Yeah, things could be worse. We have to keep a close eye on Rajan, when we were in BH over Thanksgiving the kids and Ravi were exposed to Listeria at Jamba juice.The symptoms of bacteria poisoning mimic those of the flu so if he gets really sick with stomach pains and stiff neck we have to bring him in to get tested. A simple blood test doesn't always do the trick, I guess in some cases they have to do a spinal tap. So I am watching him closely and hoping for the best. They have not had a single person test positive yet but the info I rec'd said it could show up any where from 24 hrs - 2 months. Jamba Juice has been very good in communicating and setting up a system to pay for any costs etc. If treated quickly the outcome is good. It usually strikes those with compromised immune systems so I know my kids are strong and healthy but hopefully we won't encounter any problems. I know this is a run-on, i just had to vent.

RosAnne...YIKES!

RosAnne, I'm just TEASS'N ya! Hope that little boy is ok. I don't think I'm brave enough to be a parent! I'll look forward to getting together when things are better.
I myself am getting yanked out of town on Wednesday for maybe a week to attend to family business, so all holiday celibrations are on hold til the new year for me. My friends want me to leave the decorations up til our rescheduled get together so we can do the whole thing then, but I think Eric will have suffered through enough seasonal cheer by then.
Cynde, did Tuffy's holiday outfit make it through the storm? Eric has had "our" cold for a week now and has really had enough.
Hoo boy, the holidays are upon us! I'm just home to get all the toys in the car and drive them north for drop off. I think I'll take a picture of the loaded car...it's impressive this year!

CB, Tuffy stood the storm...lol! We will be in the parade again Friday night with a "full crew" this week so it should be fun.

Hope Eric gets better!

Monday's are tough! Or Tuff. y lol

I'm glad mine's out of the way. First thing on Mondays, up until lunch, I have to conduct a class then work individually with some after. That day is out of the way now, thank goodness.

Taking my christmas cards in tomorrow to mail...finally! I'm going to get that done, and there's another party friday I have to finish planning out, at work. That's one partying bunch I work with!

I finally got my Christmas cards out yesterday :-) X-Mas post cards actually ... We are really enjoying the BT cards that have started coming in !

We are passing around the flu at our house. So far the kids haven't got it just us adults. It's a bad time of the year to get sick cause I have way to much to do to get ready for Christmas. I hope to get it all done this week and then just sail through until Christmas. Hope everyone has a good Tuesday.

Rosanne, I am going to check out that wine. I have never heard of it. I hope Rajan is feeling better.

Wow, Roseanne. That's scary. Hope no one comes down with the Listeria poisoning!

Remember when Christmas wasn't stressful and you actual wanted it to hurry and come?! Now I know why the adults all seemed a little frazzled! It's our turn. Whee.

My brother-in-law died Saturday night after a long, painful illness and the funeral is Thursday. It's good that he's out of pain, but still sad. The good news is all the family will be coming in so we'll be able to compensate for some of the grief. The bad news is that we're all struggling to get gifts done/bought and wrapped so everyone can take them back home. I may not worry about the wrapping.... ;-)

Christine - so sorry for your loss. I understand about the mixed emotions. I prayed for God to take my father to end his suffering too but then of course was sad when he was gone. Many hugs to you and your family.

Christine, sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like he is in a much better place now that the suffering has ended. Enjoy your family, it will help ease the pain of the loss.

Rajan seems to be doing better and I am trying not to dwell on it and over-react because by my nature, thats what I do!

Wow, this seems to be a tough season for so many of us! Best wishes to all.
I myself will be AWOL for a week or so because my sister is having a major surgery which none of us saw coming, so I guess I fit right in with the general mood. I'm reminding myself that taking care of my loved ones is a lot more important than buying gifts and running to parties, much closer to the spirit of the season.
RosAnne, I'm glad Rajan is doing ok. I'd be psycho with worry.

Barbara, Sorry, huge positive vibes being sent to you and your family. I hope all goes well with your sister. Please be sure to take care of yourself and get enough rest, this will take it's toll on you if you don't. Hugs, RosAnne

Barbara - also sending healing vibes to you and your sister. And yes - much more important to be with our family than out shopping for our family.

Many hugs to you.

Christine - sorry about your loss and for the family as well. It's never "the" right time no matter what. Glad that you'll be getting the family together - it helps somewhat to ease the pain.
Rosanne - glad to hear that Rajan is getting better. Please keep us updated.
Barbara - good thoughts & vibes for your sister. The gifts you can get anytime.
Lisa - the flu - no fun! Get better
Hugs to All

Thanks for the "hugs"! I really appreciate the thoughts. Hope you have a good weekend and everyone stays healthy and all surgery goes well!

Christine - Barbara "CB", big hugs to the both of you.

Christine, sorry to hear about your loss. Don't stress out over the gifts and wrapping. Just do what you can and everyone will understand.

Barbara, positive thoughts and hugs going out to your sister and your family.

Boom, we will have to try Zicam cause I think our son is getting it now. We seem to just be passing it around.

Lisa we used the nasal swabs - some people swear by it, others say No....
I hope you find what works best for you and your family. That sure is a nasty bug, especially this time of year.
Give the swabs a try