SO if you'll remember back to my Thanksgiving post, you know that it was important that my holidays were good this year. So far, they have been almost perfect....with the exception of James having to play out tonight in downtown Houston. But he hung out this afternoon, and I stayed at the house tonight with his family. We ate lots of random tasties, including guacamole and a cheesecake dip stuff that I made today. I got some cool stuff...like a cool knitting kit complete w/ DVD (not just CD-Rom, which is what I have now) and a super super soft blanket for my bed. James won't let me have my presents from him until tomorrow...but I know one is something Vera Bradley because his sister thought he had already given it to me and told me how much she liked the print :). But the best part of tonight was the company and the atmosphere were just right....his nephews (ages 10ish and 2.5) were so fun to watch open presents!

Here in a few morning hours, we are getting up to see Conner (2.5 year old) get the train table from Santa and have breakfast with the family and then we are headed back to my house to have dinner and Christmas with my family.

More later, but I hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas! I love yall :).

James made this. Aren't we cute?

I've been meaning to post some pictures, and I'm just finally getting around to it. The first ones are of James' family and myself. Then there is me and my abfab koozie that his mom got me. Then there are a few of Allison's birthday night, but somehow Allison is not in them...just me, Kim, and William. Anywho, this is what I've been up too...busy busy. I get out of school on Friday and I can't wait. I am ready for a break!

As I sit here about to go to bed after a delightful day, I wanted to look back in my archives to see what I posted about last Thanksgiving. I didn't post last year. And Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love today because it doesn't involve major planning or shopping, presents, or decorations really. It's all about people, the ones we love, getting together and having a big meal because we are thankful. And I have so very much to be thankful for, so many blessings in my life. Not to mention that I *love* turkey and dressing...especially my moms, of course.

You see, last year, my dad was in WY working on Thanksgiving. And Vic was in the hospital until Thanksgiving eve. On Thanksgiving day, Mom, William, Vic, Mandy, and Shelley, and I went to Smith & Wollensky to eat lunch. That night, Mom, William, and I went to Black Eyed Pea. Vic wouldn't go. My dad was calling us because he was out in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard working on an oil rig and he was tired and ready to come home. I was really sad. And really scared about the future. I was tired of fighting for my marriage, trying to make a family with someone who hates the whole concept of family. I was at the breaking point where I had to either save myself or let myself go down with Vic.

So much has happened since then. There were lots more tears. But after the tears, there has been more joy than I could have even wished of a year ago...lots of wonderful changes....

I have started a new program at school, a masters in special education, which I am enjoying and doing well in.

I am teaching little kids, which is phenomenal to me because I would have bet you money that I would never teach and for sure, NO little kids! AND I'm teaching at a school that is great...I have the most awesome co-workers and kids. I get up each morning BEFORE my alarm goes off because I'm actually excited to go to work.

I have two wonderful roommates that brighten my days even if it's just because I know they are here. Two amazing women that without, I would not have made it through the turmoil of the past year!

I am also dating someone that is very very precious to me. James came into the picture last May, but things started getting more serious in the past few months. He treats me with more respect and kindness than I knew was possible. I can just think of him and smile because he is an amazing man. I love him dearly.

My parents are now living here. The last time we lived in the same town we didn't get along so well. We had very different lives. But now, not only do I love them...I *like* them and want to be with them. I am so happy they are close to me.

There are also other neat changes, like William dating what seems to be a really good girl. My Jamey is engaged to marry someone who makes her very happy. Landon is on the dean's list this semester in college. Baby Drew is talking...and crawling!

God is good. He has blessed me in so many ways, I am truly humbled by my life today. Today was a simple day...just Mom, Dad, William and I eating some turkey and playing a little trivial pursuit...but this is probably the best Thanksgiving I've ever had because I have so much to be thankful for AND am wise enough to see it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON!

THINGS THAT SOUND DIRTY ON HALLOWEEN BUT AREN'T:

10. She's a goblin!
9. I'd like to get a little something in the sack tonight.
8. Just get on your hands and knees and bob your head.
7. She's got a couple of nice pumpkins on her porch.
6. If you just lick it, it will last longer.
5. Let me see your big sack.
4. Can I eat your zagnuts?
3. Have your mom check it before you put it in your mouth.
2. You scared me stiff!

And the dirtiest sounding but not-dirty Halloween saying is...

He's got candy spread out on the living room floor!

In the final analysis, it is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.

- Ann Landers

I went to Houston last weekend to see James. And two weeks before that. He's such a sweet sweet boy. But he got me sick, and now I have too much snot in my head. He's not sweet for that.

For the few Hobbs people that read this, I ran into Pam Cox tonight. She lives in Aubrey with her husband and 3 kids and is a realtor. She hangs out with Koko (Kori) Melvin and her husband and 2 kids because they live in Corinth! So weird! I was walking into Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I heard my name...and there she was!

My parents are moved in. They are officially Denton residents. I'm happy they are here, but will be really happy once they are settled.

Ok, I'm off to bed.

Coming from someone who doesn't like Halloween, this is super cool. I especially like the x-ray button.

We started measurement in my class today. I held up a regular ol' 12 inch ruler and ask them if they knew what it was.

Sweet boy #1: "Yes, it's a peter stick."
Me: "A meter stick?"
Sweet boy #1: "NO, a peter stick; my Daddy calls it a peter stick cause it's the same size as his peter."
Sweet boy #2: "Do you have a brother named Peter? A baby?"
Sweet boy #1: "Nope, don't know who peter is..."

I damn near died.

So I missed the actual Banned Book Week last week, but I'm just now getting caught up on my email. I am rather amused at the list of challenged literature. Kinda makes me feel like a rebel because I have read several from the list. Mostly Judy Blume books. I can't believe she would be challenged. She rocks.

SO my school has a new principal as of today. Actually, we were told Friday after school. My stress level is dropping daily...I am just very relieved. And my bruises are healing nicely too. :)

I'm going to go call Misti. I don't remember what her sweet voice sounds like it's been so long...