I'm dreaming of an analgesic...

We've heard putting aspirin in Christmas tree water

extends the tree's life.

We've found it works here as well:

Mission Accomplished!

Weeeelllll... as it turns out, a letter isn't actually WAITING for you. I know. How rude! We send you on an e-scavenger hunt and this is it?!! Honestly, getting the cards out before the 25th was a Christmas miracle in itself. Please check back soon for our year in review. Until then, enjoy some of our favorite moments:

Click here to see why Lady May isn't getting any Barbies (or scissors) for Christmas this year.

Could this be why Sir William is feeling a teensy bit Grinch-ish this season?

The reason my Christmas list includes a one way ticket to Forks, Washington can be found here.

Proof

Proof Alzheimer's runs in BOTH sides of the family:

The bad news:

It's not the first time the Tooth Fairy forgot to show up.

The good news:

The secret's out at our house and the Tooth Fairy will never again have to break into a piggy bank in the middle of the night to borrow a dollar from the child who lost the tooth in the first place.

More good news:

The cat's out of the bag about the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause too.

Even better news:

It only took Lady May a week to cycle through the 5 stages of grief.

1. denial - There is too a Santa!
2. anger - Stop saying there's no Santa!
3. bargaining - If I believe, Santa will still bring me presents.
4. depression - Why do you always put underwear in our stockings?!
5. acceptance - Guess what small cousin? There's no such thing as Santa.

The best news of all:

Her cousin is positive there IS a Santa, because there's NO WAY parents could afford all the stuff they get!

Sensitive Subject

Is it just me, or does it seem Sir William is a tad sensitive about turning 40 next week?

Sick

The Squire has pneumonia. After days of symptoms, we made a visit to the pediatrician who prescribed breathing treatments and an enormous horse pill I am obliged to grind up and mix in pudding like a deranged New Age cult leader. The poor guy has been very sick. In all, he's missed a week of school, ditched church twice, and has spent the better part of the last 9 days lying on the couch watching TV and playing video games. The patient's favorite foods have been delivered, chores have been suspended, friends have brought care packages AND...

it is driving his sister totally insane.

“He get's everything!” is her latest allegation. If you include an inflammatory condition of the lungs, she's right. Sadly, his illness is her new affliction and I'm certain no amount of pudding will cure it.