Since November 19, I have had a sick child at home every day except for three days. And those three days? I worked at school. Seriously. We’ve got the plague here. Son #2 has now missed more than three weeks of school this year. I took him to the pediatrician yesterday and word is he’s got pneumonia. Ummm Hmmm. Pneumonia. Sigh. Then son #1 woke up in the middle of the night last night with fever. I know. Defies belief.

Every year I have the goal of never having to go to the mall during the holiday season. This year I’m finally going to make that a reality since I haven’t been able to leave the house for a month. I’m done shopping and everything is going to be delivered to my doorstep. Woo Hoo! And guess what I asked Steve for this Christmas? I said I didn’t care what I got for Christmas just that he be done by the first week in December. HE is the one who usually forces me into the mall on the 23rd or 24th because he waited until the last minute and can’t find what I want. And much to my shock, HE DID IT! First time in his life! I know. It’s enough to bring tears to your eyes, isn’t it?

I hate the mall during Christmas time. HATE. IT. I hate the pushing, shoving, obnoxious people totally destroying my holiday good will. The long lines, invasion of personal space and frantic shopping put me in the foulest mood. EVER. Before children, I was done Christmas shopping by Halloween. A few years after son #1 came along it slid to Thanksgiving and last year I was running around on the 23rd!

I hope you too are done with your holiday shopping and can relax and enjoy the Christmas season. I leave you with a haiku:

Don’t curse your bad luck
Until you’re sure it’s not good.
A blessing disguised.