Christmas Countdown Beginning

I spent the weekend in Arizona and it was a nice change from the rain and clouds that are normal for home at this time of year. I was in AZ for my work's annual Disaster Recovery test. Everything went well and the boss was pleased. I had a lively dinner on Friday evening with my "Band of Brothers". I had a great time and haven't laughed so much in months. I spent the remainder of the weekend with my good friend Jim and his family catching up on what's been going on with each other and just enjoying the company. I look forward to these trips and the only thing that could have made it better would have been if Leslie had been able to come along for the visit.

I'm now down to the last couple of days before Leslie travels to California for her family Christmas party. I will have all the kids by myself from Thursday afternoon until midday Monday. I hope that I can keep the schedule straight and still manage to get to work! It will be interesting since Rebekah is being so clingy lately. She has come to the door repeatedly tonight while I am trying to write and begged to come in and talk to Mommy. The transition of Leslie being in school has been the toughest on Rebekah. She was used to being at the center of mommy's attention and now has had to contend with pre-school and day care. She likes school, but she seems to need mommy more now. I'm hoping that she won't be too upset while Leslie is away.

I'm struggling to put something together to send out with Christmas cards this year. Last year we were just so overwhelmed that we never managed to send out many cards. I'm hoping to get the letter done and the outside Christmas lights up before Leslie's return. Wish me luck.