Christmas is almost here!

The Mr. said he wanted to get me something really special. I keep telling him the only thing I really want is a puppy. PREFERABLY a Dalmation but I don't think we can afford one right now. But any puppy would make me happy. I've thought of all the pros and cons - the vet bills, the food bills, how to deal with an inside puppy with an outside almost 8 year-old dog, the kids, the time, going other places, the cats ... I still really REALLY want one. I'm almost desperate for a puppy. I've wanted a dalmation puppy all my life but for some reason this year I want one no matter what.

Do I think I'm getting a puppy for Christmas? Probably not - Christmas time is the absolute WORST time to get a new pet ... but if I don't get one I'll start cruising the shelters looking for one because I really want one that much.

My schedule for the next few days is as follows:
Today (Tuesday) we are cleaning Angel's room because it's getting scary in there and we have a rule that no new stuff will be added until old stuff is either put away or thrown away.
Tonight we are taking Poinsetta and Teddy out for their birthday dinner. I think they have chosen Red Lobster (ouch on the wallet but if that's what they really want it's worth it). The Mr. may take half the kids out to pick something for me for Christmas.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) I will be taking the kids to a babysitter so I can attend EJ's funeral (he died last Sunday morning). I imagine I'll be spending quite a bit of time there afterward.

Thursday is Christmas Eve. Our tradition is to go to The Mr.'s family and have a party. It's mostly food but Santa Claus usually takes time out of his busy schedule to come over and hand out a few presents early for everyone. We spend most of the day cooking to get ready for it.

Friday is Christmas day. This is the second year we don't have to travel to Chicago to see my family (my family has since dispersed to Hawaii, Oregon, etc) so we may spend another day cooking and have our second real Christmas dinner right here at home. Later that evening we will take my two stepkids up to see their biological mother because it happens to be her weekend (unless she cancels - we NEVER can tell if she's going to cancel or not; we just assume we're going until we get that call/IM/email saying she doesn't want them for whatever reason - usually at the last minute so the kids get really mad ... once she called while we were heading out the door!)

Saturday my dad will probably come over for our special miniChristmas.

After that will be Christmas cleanup and/or New Year's Eve planning depending on whether we are celebrating NYE at our house or not.

Happy Holidays everybody!! And please PLEASE be safe. Be safe while driving and make sure if you leave your house all lights and ovens are shut off and all candles are out, and always remember to lock your doors.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!