pandora's aquarium

We did our festivities today. Our holidays have always been an odd mishmash of things. My mom converted to Judaism before I was born. We always celebrated Hanukkah with my Aunt Sarah and Uncle Max up until I was in high school (they weren't married, weren't a couple, nor were they related to us, but they should have been all three). I honestly can't remember when we stopped. My grandmother, she lived with us, was Presbyterian, so we celebrated Christmas with her and Sarah's son, Sam, and his wife, Jenny. We usually did Christmas on Christmas Eve after driving around and looking at lights. I was sure this was done just to torture me. In the end, the gifts aren't what I remember most, it's the fun we all had as a family.

This year was not as grand as last year and the year before were, but to be honest, it didn't need to be. Little Human doesn't require a whole lot of stuff, being 2 and all. We all got stuff we knew were going to be loved.

Little Human got clothes, a ton of DVDs**, bath toys, crayons, finger paints, paper, toy cars, Mr. Potato Head *Bumble Spud*, puppets, rubber duckies ,and an awesome desk from his emergency parents, Matt and Melissa. His Grammy B sent a gorgeous new quilt for him, and he already loves it. If I can get my camera to cooperate, I will try to get pics!

Mom received a multi-station bird feeder she has been lusting after since summer, Dexter season 2 (FTW!!!), new slippers, and a coupla fancy chocolate bars (another part of the tradition). Usually she gets Godiva, but when money is a little tight, I find spiffy chocolate that isn't as expensive.

Jonathan got a book, Breaking Bad season 1, The *Awesomest* Transformer's Pajamas EVAR!!!, pocky- also a tradition, and a double Stargate dvd that he wanted. His birthday is the 27th, and I just found an awesome gift for him, but he will be getting it late.


I got good stuff!!! New stereo headphones, since I killed my last pair finally, the Tori Midwinter Graces CD, and I finally have a cast iron enameled dutch oven. *drool* *pant* I promise not to wet myself in excitement.

I have been wanting one for years. Now I get to experiment with it, and see what I can come up with. Most of the experimentation will prolly get posted to ducks_asylum.

Mom is currently making us some Cornish game hens, which she does so well. I'll be making drop biscuits, green bean casserole, and corn pudding. Yummy food. Now if only I could get to feeling a little better!


**We don't just sit him in front of the TV and use it as a baby sitter, but it's nice to cuddle with him to watch Elmo, Snook, or some random movie we have. Half the time he pays no attention to what is on, anyway, unless it's Elmo.

Or whatever holiday you celebrate. I got your card, Deb. THANK YOU!!!!
I love you all a ton.