Wishing everyone a happy 2010!

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.  ~Bill Vaughan

Dale and I received a surprise on our doorstep…

…late this afternoon.  A box of apples, oranges and pears, plus a few cookies from Door to Door Organics. 

It was sent to us by our friend Sara Pacheco and her boyfriend Matt Henkel.  It was a wonderful surprise that brightened our day.  We loved it.  After a week of cookies, cakes and other treats, fruit was the perfect gift. 

Our thanks to Sara and Matt for the truly delicious gift. 

I love when I stumble across old photos like this one

This one is from December 30, 2003, so 6 years ago today and was taken in Vail, CO.  This is Zoe and me (I’m on the right).  It is hard to believe Zoe was so small I carried her inside my jacket to keep her warm. We had only had Zoe a few weeks when this photo was taken.  Ah, memories.

Two of my favorite people are coming to visit

Yes, my friend’s Rob Sansom and Scott Ashley are headed to Denver in mid-January for a long weekend.  I am very excited as they are two of my absolute favorite people in the whole world.  Dale and I love them dearly and are so excited to have them come visit.  I have included a photo collage of Rob and Scott, so you can all see who I am talking about.  In the largest photo below, Scott is on the left and Rob is on the right.  This is my favorite photo of Rob and Scott (even though I know Rob hates it).  I love it because it makes me smile every time I see it.

View Full Album

In 60 days, Dale and I will be headed on vacation to…

…the warmth of Hawaii.  We are very excited.  It will be to celebrate Dale kicking cancer’s ass!  We are headed to O’ahu for 10 days of relaxing on the beach.

Had a busy day. Don’t believe me? Here is the proof:

Woke up.
Fed dogs.
Let dogs out.
Let dogs in.
Went back to sleep.
Woke up (again).
Made the bed.
Wrote Christmas thank you cards.
Forgot to eat breakfast.
Showered.
Dressed.
Mailed Christmas thank you cards.
Took Millie to the Vet with Dale.
Drove home.
Ate lunch.
Took down Christmas lights off fence in back & side yards.
Took down inflatable Santa Claus.
Watched TV.
Went to Mall with Dale.
Shopped at Helly Hansen, but bought nothing.
Shopped at Eddie Bauer and bought a sweater.
Dale bought a sweater too.
Returned slippers to Old Navy that did not fit Dale.
Dale bought a sweatshirt and sweater.
Went to William Sanoma for a cake plate.
They were sold out until February.
Found same cake plate at Macy’s.
Bought it.
Went to Starbucks.
Used gift card from Anjanette & Sam.
Thanks Anjanette & Sam.
Drove home.
Hooked up Dale to IV fluids.
Typed this list.
Watching Golden Girls on TV.
Thinking about a nap.
It is 3:00 PM after all.

This is pretty funny – a compilation of the best viral videos of all time.

Viral Video Legends Compilation - Watch more Funny Videos

The De-Christmasification process has begun

Yes, today we started taking down the Christmas decorations.  All that remains inside now is the Christmas tree and Department 51 houses on the mantle.  The house looks so simple and quiet now.

Everything in the family room, kitchen, guest bathroom, living room and dining room that was coated in the red, green, silver and gold of Christmas is safely stored back in the basement for an 11-month slumber.  It is sad to see everything come down.  As much as I like to see the house return to normal, I do love the joy that all the Christmas decorations bring to the house for their 30-day explosion. 

As for the outside Christmas lights, those will have to wait for a day in the mid forties temperature wise and then I will venture out to take them down too.  I like to keep the house lit up through New Year’s Eve anyhow. 

As for the Christmas tree inside, I tried to convince Dale to decorate it all red hearts and call it a Valentine’s Day tree, but he said no.  I figured it could look something like this:

 

Oh well, I tried.  I guess that will have to come down too later this week.  I always find how putting out the Christmas decorations can bring such excitement and joy, yet putting them away is such a chore.

A story about the true meaning of Christmas

Over the past few weeks I turned to my on-line community for help to make the lives of a few families a bit brighter this Christmas.  There were several people under-going treatment at Denver’s Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, who were struggling with medical bills due to no or poor insurance.  Their mound of debt was forcing these parents and care-givers to have to choose between providing their children a Christmas or pay for medications and their medical bills.
I asked and in two weeks was able to raise $1,115 for these families through the kind donations of 26 individuals and families.  Dale and I had originally planned to try to raise $250 and help two families with food and gift for Christmas.  However, with all the generosity, we were able to help four families have a very merry Christmas. Donations ranged from $5 to $100, but no matter what, these people sent what they could afford and sent their love.

So for all of you who felt the love and joy of watching their own children, families and loved ones open gifts yesterday on Christmas morning, these wonderful 26 individuals and families helped bring that spirit not only to their own families, but four other families.  Their donations truly made a huge difference in the lives of four families who needed a hand up this Christmas. I extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the families, The Denver Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and not to mention Dale and I to you all for your love, kindness and willingness to give during a tough year, where we are all struggling to make ends meet.  Thank you!

• Scott Ashley & Rob Sansom
• Doris Boardman & Family
• Brian Bolton & Family
• Kath Brandon
• Dan Connolly & Family
• Kathy & Scott Davis
• Becki & Brent Dilworth
• Brent Dilworth's Mom
• Robin Doerr
• Dale Gloude and Tom Whittaker
• Colleen Gidley & Family
• Nancy Geiger Wooten
• Laurie Halvorsen
• Nell Herman & Family
• Tim Higgins & Family
• Abi Hooks & Family
• Nicole & Toby Krout
• Keri McCauley & Family
• Jason & Brenda Messingham
• Cathy Navarro & Family
• Mike Minton & Erin Quinn
• Barb Pemble
• Anjanette & Sam
• Shannon & Tim Spencer
• Pat TenEyck & Amy Gibson
• Eddie Trojanowski & Family

You are all wonderful.  Best wishes for a blessed New Year, where I hope your generosity comes back to you and your families two fold.

Look what we got from the Krout kids for Christmas

Isn't this the cutest thing ever?  Our neighbors, the Krouts made Dale and I this plate for Christmas.  The kids painted it themselves and each reindeer is made from one of their thumbprints.  Isn’t it great?  I love gifts like this as it comes from the heart.  Thanks Ford, Sophia and Kate, not to mention their cousin Braydon who helped to paint the Santa for them.  We love it. 

Was it all worth it?

I was thinking a lot about Christmas this morning as I was lying in bed eating my breakfast.  It is sad to see the glorious holiday come to an end.  I had a wonderful Christmas this year.  I was reading status updates on Facebook and people were already taking down their Christmas tree and decorations.  It got me thinking about how much preparation goes into this holiday.  People across the world, who do not celebrate the holiday, must look at us and think we are absolutely crazy for the time and energy we put into December 25th.  If I look at it from mine and Dale’s perspective it even seems a bit crazy:

• We spent several afternoons and evenings decorating the inside of the house for Christmas.
• We spent at least one afternoon decorating the outside of the house for Christmas.
• We made at least seven trips to the Mall or our favorite Target shopping for Christmas.
• We spent countless hours writing Christmas cards.
• We spent several afternoons baking Christmas cookies.

Those are just the things I can think of off the top of my head.  If I had to add it all up there was probably at least 70 hours put into Christmas preparation this year and all for a holiday that lasts a mere 24 hours.  Can you think of any other holiday where the preparations take three times longer than the actual holiday?  And I bet people spent a lot more time than Dale and I did this year.  I think of my friend Julie in Michigan, who makes the majority of her gifts.  She must have spent at least double of what we spent preparing.

So is it all worth it?  I would have to say yes! If I just base it on Facebook, it seems like everyone was updating yesterday about the joy watching their kids on Christmas morning, or the excitement of seeing their Mom this Christmas or the simple joys of watching a Christmas Story on TV for the 100th time.  Everyone seemed to be full of love yesterday, so I guess all the work was truly worth it for everyone.

I know for Dale and I it truly was worth it.  We had a very challenging year and it was nice to have a day that was not about cancer or treatments, but was about friends, family, giving and a celebration of all things love.  So now we wait another year until we do it all over again.  Merry Day After Christmas everyone.  I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday and I hope all the work (and often stress) in December provided worthwhile.  Was it all worth it?

I have the best husband ever. Look what I woke up to this morning.

Yes, breakfast in bed.  I was exhausted this morning.  I guess the merriment of Christmas finally caught up with me.  Dale was so kind and got up with the dogs at 6:00 AM this morning and feed them.  I was just too tired and went back to sleep.  I woke up at 9:00 AM, which is the latest I have slept in ages to a silver tray with a glass of orange juice, banana and apple muffin sliced in halves.  It was a wonderful surprise and so very kind. I have the best husband ever.  I have also decided that this will be a new Day After Christmas tradition and I will sleep in ever December 26th and wake to a wonderful breakfast in bed.

A wonderful Christmas dinner with the Krouts

This afternoon we once again went to our neighbors, the Krouts for Christmas dinner.  They are always so kind to include Dale and I in their family dinner, which this year included not only us, but about about 20 kids and adults. 

As always, Nicole out did herself and prepared the most delicious meal.  Nicole and Toby’s families are always so wonderful to see and go above and beyond to make sure Dale and I feel at home.  We are so blessed to have such dear neighbors who are willing to open their home and hearts to us.   Merry Christmas to the Krout Family and thank you for the wonderful day.

Check us out in our new red pajamas

View Full Album

As I posted earlier, my sister Rachel and her family sent Dale and I the coolest gift this year for Christmas.  They sent new pajama tops, bottoms, slippers and sweatshirts and as you can see, we look great decked out in our new red duds.

Dale and I love, love, love the new pajamas and came home from dinner and put them on immediately.  It is only 5:30 PM but we are already all snuggled up on the couch and are continuing our holiday movie marathon with The Santa Clause 2.  This is one of my favorite part of Christmas day.  It is the peaceful part where you are all full of candy, sweets and dinner and just want to vegetate.  So here we lie in our gay apparel beside the glow of the Christmas tree loving life.  Merry Christmas all and to all a good night.  Thanks to the Hanleys for the wonderful gift. 

Oh and the best part of the pajamas, in my opinion, is that they are versatile and can be used for Valentine’s Day, especially because they say naughty all over them.

We received one of the best gifts ever today

My sister Rachel and her family sent Dale and I one of the best gifts ever for Christmas. We received the gift in the mail a few days ago and it said do not open until 12/24.  We had thought it said do not open until 12/25, so we did not open until today.  We were very happy to find matching pajamas, sweatshirts and slippers, which should have been for Christmas Eve (oops, we really need to read more carefully).  New Christmas pajamas were always a big tradition for my family growing up and it was so kind of my sister to continue the tradition for Dale and I and best of all give me a great reminder of my Mom.

Anyhow, Dale and I plan to put on our new pajamas after we get home from Christmas dinner at the Krouts and snuggle up on the couch in front of the fire to watch some more holiday movies.

Again, my thanks to the Hanleys for a wonderful Christmas gift that brought a huge smile to both our faces.  I will share of snapshot later of Dale and I in our new gear.  For now, here is photos of us opening the gift.

View Full Album

Santa heard my pleas and I got my new belt

I guess he did not notice I was naughty more than a few times this year because he brought me a lot of other wonderful items too. I got two new jackets, some sweaters, some shirts, some goodies from l'occitane, a ton of DVDs...including the 80's classic Mr. Mom and all the seasons of The Office. The best gift though was the sweetest card from Dale. It has the most beautiful message and warmed my Grinch heart. Thank you Dale for making my Christmas full of love and joy!

View Full Album

Dale bought me a puppy for Christmas!!!

Check out our new addition.  Isn’t he adorable?  I have already hung him from the tree with pride and joy. 

Santa was very good to Dale this year

But I would expect nothing else because Dale was been very nice all year.  As a matter of fact, Dale has been one the strongest, bravest and kindest people I have ever seen this year.  Dale got new jeans, some sweaters, some shirts, a DVD of Night at the Museum II, some cookbooks, crocus bulbs, and beautiful cuff links made from 1800 Indian head coins.  I think he was very happy with his holiday treats and I hope he got everything he asked for and more.  Merry Christmas, Dale.  I love you.

View Full Album

Dale’s 7-Up Cake Recipe

I posted the other day that Dale made one of my favorites, 7-Up Cake.  It is delicious.

Several of you asked for the recipe, so here you go.  Enjoy.  I included the recipe for the lemon glaze too, which Dale did not make this time, but is also very enjoyable.

Happy baking.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon extract
• 3/4 cup carbonated 7-Up soda
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

• Cream butter and sugar together for 20 minutes.
• Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.
• Add flour and lemon extract.
• Fold in 7-Up.
• Pour into well-greased 12-cup Bundt pan or tube pan.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
• Make Lemon Glaze - mix powdered sugar and lemon juice together.
• When cake is cooled, dribble with Lemon Glaze.
• Slice and eat.

Merry Christmas from Tom and Dale

We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas filled with lots of joy. 

Countdown to Christmas: Merry Christmas!

Holiday Survival Tip:  So you made it.  It is now Christmas. Can you believe it?  It seems like only yesterday you were Christmas shopping.  Warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas filled with love.  So get out there and spread some holiday cheer.  Go put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and drink some egg nog.  You deserve it!

View Full Album

I’ve said it before, but we really do have the best neighbors

Our neighbor Kathy Davis brought Dale and I a wonderful ham dinner for Christmas Eve. It includes ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, asparagus and rolls.  It is a feast deserving of kings.  Kathy and her husband Scott have been so wonderful helping to take care of us as Dale has done through treatment.  Like I have said, we truly have amazing neighbors and the Davis Family are among the best.  Thanks Kathy for the delicious food.  Thank you for making our Christmas Eve even more special.  Merry Christmas! 

So now I must say goodbye as the ham is calling my name.  Yum!

I just experienced one of the most un-Christmas like displays of rudeness…

and on Christmas Eve Day of all days.  It happened at Barnes & Noble in Westminster.  I went there to purchase the Wendy Smith book, Give a Little: How Your Small Donations Can Transform Our World.  The book was recommended to me by my friend & co-worker, Tom McGourty and was purchased with a gift card from my friend & co-worker, Brandon Hess.  I had gone on-line before I left the house to verify the Westminster location had the book in stock and requested it be placed on hold.

When I got to the counter at Barnes & Noble, there was a woman in front of me in line, who asked the young woman behind the counter to look up a book for her. This was their exchange once the Sales Clerk found that the book was not in stock.

Sales Clerk: “I am sorry, Ma’am, but we do not have that book in stock.  It actually looks like it is a special order item and not something we normally carry in the store.”

Woman: “Well, great.  What am I supposed to do now?  My daughter asked for it like two months ago.”

Sales Clerk: “It looks like our Littleton locations actually has one in stock oddly enough.  Would you like me to call and see if they can hold it for you?”

Woman: “Can someone from the store bring it up here?”

Sales Clerk: “Yes. We can have it transferred to our location.”

Woman: “Today?”

Sales Clerk: “Oh, no ma’am.  It would have to be transferred and our next delivery would not be until Monday.”

Woman: “That really does not help me with Christmas tomorrow does it?”

Sales Clerk: “No, ma’am.  As I said, I could call the Littleton store, have them verify the book is actually in stock and ask them to hold it for you and you could pick it up.”

Woman: “I thought you said they had it in stock.”

Sales Clerk: “My computer shows they have one in their inventory, but I will call for you so they can make sure it is on the shelf before you drive down.”

Woman: “I can’t drive there. I have a party at three o’clock and can’t make it there and back.”

Sales Clerk: “If it helps, we could get the book transferred and held here for your daughter and you could purchase a gift card for her for the exact amount today to give her.  She could then pick up the book on Monday herself.”

Woman: “Yeah, a gift card will be real exciting for her to open on Christmas morning.”

Sales Clerk: “I am sorry ma’am. I am just trying to help.”

Woman: “I do not know how you can be so big and not carry this book.”

Sales Clerk: “Unfortunately, we cannot stock all books and we typically special order books like this for customers or have them order on-line.”

Woman: “Thanks for nothing!”

The woman then stormed off to the front door.  Now, in this entire exchange, my favorite part was when the woman said, “My daughter asked for it like two months ago.”  I wanted to ask the woman, “What the hell have you been doing for two months then and why is this the clerk’s problem?”  I love how unreasonable people can be this time of year and how their procrastination is everyone else’s problem, except their own.  She honestly seemed disgusted that Barnes & Noble:

1. does not carry every book ever written in stock in every store;
2. did not offer to have an employee at the Littleton store hop in his/her car on Christmas Eve and rush a book that probably sells for $15 to her 40 miles away;
3. expected her to give her daughter a gift card.

It was truly sad.  She treated the sales clerk for poorly and here the poor girl kept trying to give her options, so she could get her daughter the book.  So here I am next in line – all friendly, happy, merry Christmas this and happy New Year that and buying a book on how small donations and helping people can change the world.  I told the sales clerk, I was sorry that the woman was so horrible to her.  The sales clerk responded that it was not just that woman today.  She said it had been a rough day and she was counting the minutes until they closed at 6:00 PM. 

It is bad enough to have to work on Christmas Eve, but even worse to have people treat you so poorly.  It just makes me appreciate my Christmas even more and rush home to Dale, where it is safe, quiet and all about love and joy, not to mention a freshly baked 7-Up cake.  What impressed me most of all was the sales clerk’s ability to remain professional and just totally blow off the situation and move onto me with a smile.  Hopefully there are lots of gifts under her tree tomorrow and Santa is rewarding her good karma.  For the woman, I see a lot of coal in her future and a disappointed daughter with a bitch for a Mom.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone and for those of you in a bah humbug mood like today’s woman.  Get over yourself and try to find the real meaning of Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 1 more day

Holiday Survival Tip: If you have not started Christmas shopping at this point, you are screwed.  Sorry, but what the hell have you been doing.  Did you not notice all the Christmas lights everyone and holiday songs on the radio?  Really?!? 

However, Tom does have advice for you.  Walgreens or your local pharmacy is usually open on Christmas Eve and you can get gifts, wrapping paper and cards all in once place. Now they will not be the best gifts, but remember everyone loves lip balm and cough syrup is very practical this year.

Many of you have asked how Dale and I will be spending Christmas

Why we will be sneaking into the neighbors’ houses and stealing all the Who Hash and the Roast Beast, not to mention their Christmas trees.  Just kidding.  Who wants those things?  We are taking all the gifts.  Now, how do I attach these antlers onto Dale’s head, so he can pull my sled?

Seriously though, Dale and I have a very nice, though quiet, Christmas planned this year.  With Dale’s counts so low, we are restricted from traveling or seeing a lot of people, so here is the plan:

Christmas Eve – we are staying home and watching movies.  I have been recording Christmas movies on TiVo all month, so I have about 20 hours of holiday specials, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman and holiday movies like Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, the Santa Clause (1, 2 & 3), White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life to watch.  Our neighbor Kathy Davis has kindly offer to prepare us some plates of dinner from her Christmas Eve celebration.  Overall, it will be a nice evening of Christmas movies on the couch in front of the fire. 

Christmas Day –  the day starts out with me running downstairs in my feetie pajamas to make sure Santa came. After that, we have a nice breakfast and then Dale and I open our gifts.  It is always a wonderful time.  Mid-morning we plan to head to our neighbors, the Krouts or they will come to us and we exchange gifts.  They have also invited us to their family Christmas dinner, which we have attended the past few years and love, as their family is wonderful and Nicole is an amazing cook.  If Dale is feeling okay, we will go for dinner and if not, I will fix a few plates to bring home.  Thankfully, Toby and Nicole understand we may not be able to attend depending on how Dale is feeling.  Again, the bulk of the day will be filled with more Christmas movies and relaxing in front of the fire.

So there you have it.  A nice quiet Christmas rounded out with kindness from our neighbors.  I am looking forward to it.  I hope everyone else has a wonderful holiday planned too.

I am a solid B+

I think it is important to know if Santa has put you on the Naughty List or the Nice List.  I went back and reviewed my blog.  So far there have been 355 days in 2009 and from my estimates I was nice 208 days and naughty 47 days.  That means I was nice 87% of the time and in my book that is a solid B+. 

Based on this, I am confident Santa will be bringing me lots of gifts and not coal.  Yeah, me!  Bring it on Santa.  I want my new belt.  I prefer leather and reversible between black and brown.  Thank you!

Countdown to Christmas: Only 2 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: We all know Christmas with the family can be very stressful. No matter how high the expectations, there is usually the family fight about something totally pointless like where Aunt Muriel left her teeth or what sister slept with whose husband.



My only advice is to load up on the egg nog and if that does not work, I recommend hunkering down and moving straight the hard stuff.

With $1,085 raised we are now able to help 4 families have a merrier Christmas!

I am very excited.  Since everyone has been so generous, we are now able to help two additional families with food and toys for their children this Christmas.  Thanks everyone!  Your kindness means that four families, whose primary care-giver is undergoing treatment for cancer at Denver’s Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and are struggling with medical bills due to no or poor insurance will now have a much merrier Christmas.  This is such wonderful news and truly shows the spirit of Christmas and people’s ability to come together to help each other.  Dale and I are so appreciative, as our the families who have received your donations. Thank you to all who contributed:

• Scott Ashley & Rob Sansom
• Doris Boardman & Family
• Brian Bolton & Family
• Kath Brandon
• Dan Connolly & Family
• Kathy & Scott Davis
• Becki & Brent Dilworth
• Brent Dilworth's Mom
• Robin Doerr
• Dale Gloude
• Colleen Gidley & Family
• Nancy Geiger Wooten
• Laurie Halvorsen
• Tim Higgins & Family
• Abi Hooks
• Nicole & Toby Krout
• Keri McCauley & Family
• Brenda & Jason Messingham
• Mike Minton & Erin Quinn
• Barb Pemble
• Anjanette & Sam
• Shannon & Tim Spencer
• Pat TenEyck & Amy Gibson
• Eddie Trojanowski & Family

You are all wonderful.  Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and wonderful, blessed New Year.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 3 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, like me, get out and enjoy the winter season.  Something fun to do is to make a snowman and remember it does not have to be a traditional snowman.  You can be as creative as possible.

View Full Album

View Full Album

View Full Album

View Full Album

Check out these photos of Christmas Past

View Full Album

Wasn’t I the cutest damn kid?  What the hell happened, huh? 

My parents always went overboard at Christmas and I have the best memories of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from my childhood.  It was always so joyful and magical.  Looking back now, I realize my parents sacrificed so much to ensure my sister and I always had a very blessed Christmas.

Also, if you are wondering why my sister’s pants are so high, I guess it was the style.  I bet she is jealous how sharp I look in in baby blue pants.

Am I the only one enjoying the week up to Christmas?

It is funny, but this is one of the most relaxed weeks before Christmas I have ever had. You would think with all the additional stress in our lives with Dale's treatment things would be choatic with the holidays, but they are not. I think it is because I am focused on the big picture this Christmas, which is spreading love and joy.  All the rest of the stuff does not matter. 

I am seeing a lot of people updating on Twitter and Facebook this weekend and today on how horrible things are whether it be the stress of baking cookies, wrapping gifts, shopping or traveling.  Here is my advice:  If you do not enjoy those things, you may want to evaluate doing those things each year.

If baking is a terrible chore and you do not find joy in giving cookies to others, stop. 

If you hate wrapping gifts, I am sure someone will love the gift just as much in a plain box with a box than your rushed attempt to wrap. 

If you hate shopping, then make a donation in someone's name.  It is easier and you are helping two people. If traveling over Christmas stresses you out, stay home and watch TV.

We all have choices in our lives and we can choose to be a part of the stress of Christmas or we can choose to eliminate the items that cause us stress. I just think we all need to take a step back this Christmas.  Slow down.  Count your blessings when you fall asleep rather than stressing and counting sheep.  You will be amazed on how fortunate you truly are this year.  Let those blessings carry you with joy through the next through days.

And if that does not work...all I can suggest as an alternative is lots of alcohol and perhaps a Christmas themed stress ball like above.  Merry Christmas!

Countdown to Christmas: Only 4 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: It is important you expose yourself to the joys of the holiday season.  Take a minute here or there to appreciate this festive and magical time of the year. You will be happier for it!

$740 has been raised so far to help two families struggling this Christmas

As of today, I am very excited to announce that $740 in gift cards has been raised to help the two families struggling this Christmas & whose primary head of the household is under-going treatment for cancer at the Denver Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. Both these families have huge debt from medical expenses that are preventing them from celebrating Christmas and often forcing them to choose between feeding their children and purchasing the needed medicine for  treatment.  It is very rewarding to know that these two families, will have a much merrier Christmas due to the kindness and compassion of so many of my friends. 
My thanks to everyone who has donated so far:

• Doris Boardman & Family
• Kath Brandon
• Dan Connolly & Family
• Kathy & Scott Davis
• Robin Doerr
• Dale Gloude
• Colleen Gidley & Family
• Laurie Halvorsen
• Nicole & Toby Krout
• Brenda & Jason Messingham
• Nancy Geiger Wooten
• Barb Pemble
• Anjanette & Sam
• Shannon & Tim Spencer
• Pat TenEyck & Amy Gibson
• Eddie Trojanowski & Family

You should all be very proud to know you helped make a huge difference in the lives of others this holiday season.  Thank you!!!  I know there are a few more donations rolling in, so I think by Tuesday, when I deliver the final donations (I already delivered $500), the total will likely be $900.  This is absolutely amazing since my original goal was to just raise $250.  I am blessed to know the most incredible people, who are so willing to help when asked.  Dale and I cannot thank you enough.
There is still time if you want to contribute, just message me and we can work something out.  Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas this year and blessed New Year.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 5 more days

Holiday Survival Tip:  Remember, sometimes being a little naughty this time of year is really nice.  Santa won’t mind.

View Full Album

And remember not everyone has the same tastes in what is naughty or hot for that matter. Enjoy!

View Full Album

Tonight was one of my favorite holiday traditions...

...where Dale and I leave a small gift on the porch of a few of the neighborhood kids from Santa and Rudolph. It is nothing big, but usually just a small family game or stuffed animal with a card that reads:

Dear X Family,

I was flying overhead tonight with Rudolph planning our route for next week and re-checking the Elf's Naughty & Nice List, when I noticed you have all been extra good this year. I decided to reward your niceness with an early Christmas gift.

Ho, ho, ho!

Santa (and Rudolph too)

Hopefully, the kids find the gifts tomorrow morning and it brings a few holiday smiles. We have been doing this for 4 or 5 years now and was Dale's idea originally. I like it and hopefully it keeps the spirit of Santa alive in a kid's heart a few extra years.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 6 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: If you have waited to the final weekend before Christmas to bake holiday cookies, you will need to lower your expectations.  You cannot expect to make cookies like this:



Instead you’d better just settle for something like these:

View Full Album

Besides, nobody will remember how they looked, but they will always remember how they tasted.  Also, does anyone ever wonder what the person who made those delicious almond-fudge truffles was wearing when they were baked?  I try not to think about it too much.

Great news about our dog, Millie

I have update on our dog, Millie. We took her back to the Veterinarian today for additional fluids & blood work.  Great news!  The levels in her blood work are back to normal today, with the exception of her protein levels.  This means that her vomiting and blood in her stomach are most likely being caused by an extremely irritated bowel.

Millie will need to stay on her new medications & a special diet until the inflammation is gone, but overall this is amazing news since it could have been as severe as cancer.  We are very happy and feel so blessed that she is going to be okay.  We will also have to go back over the next few weeks to ensure her protein levels return to normal.

Thanks everyone for al l your positive thoughts.  They obviously paid off.

Our dog Millie is doing a bit better today, but...

... I do not think we are out of the woods yet. Millie slept fairly well last night & did not bother with her IV line, which was good to see. She ate her special fiod this morning and took all 6 pills with no problem (such a good girl). She is much better from an energy level than yesterday and even gave us a tail wag. We are heading back to the Vet after Dale finishes chemo this morning. We think they will do fluids again today and since she is holding down food, will wait a week or so to rerun her blood work as yesterday's numbers were so whacky they are not pointing to a specific cause for the blood in her vomit and stool. Hopefully it is just a severe irritable bowel and can be treated with diet and medications. She is down from 20 pounds to 15 pounds. A 5 pound weight loss is severe on a 20 pound dog. A 20% weight loss is scary for anyone or anything. More news later today.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 7 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: The dreaded office Christmas party can be fun, but remember these are your co-workers.  Do more not get too out of hand, as you will have to see them and the boss again in January.

View Full Album

An update on our dog, Millie

Dale and I are back from the Veterinarian with Millie. There are no definitive answers as to what is wrong with her, but we rather stay up all night monitoring her ourselves than leave her at the Veterinarian overnight. She needs to be home with her family. The Veterinarian sent us home with 6 medications and Millie has to go back tomorrow after Dale's chemo treatment around 11 AM for more fluids and even more tests.

In terms of diagnosis, it could be an extreme irritable bowel that has been developing for months and is causing severe vomiting.  The irritation & inflammation is so bad, blood has formed in her stomach & intestines.  Or it could possibly be as serious as cancer, in particular lymphoma.  Yes, Millie may have the same cancer as Dale (irony).  We will know more as test results come back.  They put her on fluids while there so that helped as the vomiting caused dehydration. Millie even ate a little at the Vet's office and back here at home, which is a good sign. 

Dale and I plan to remain optimistic and positive that this is a irritable bowel that can be fixed with diet and medication and Millie will be back to her old self in a few weeks.  More news to come tomorrow.  Thanks for the good wishes everyone.  Please keep the positive thoughts going for our little girl.

Our dog, Millie had to be rushed to the Vet this afternoon...

...since she was vomiting blood. She is still there getting tests as they do not know what is wrong. Dale and I are very worried as you'd expect. More news to follow as we learn more, but please send positive thoughts for now.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 8 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: If you have not hung your Christmas lights yet, there is still some time left.  Remember, it does not have to look like Clark Griswold’s house.  Even a single strand of lights adds a little Christmas cheer.

The 30 second version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

I know these are busy times, so please enjoy 30 seconds of holiday cheer!

In case you want some more fun, check out A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation too.

So far this holiday season Dale has baked…

…506 Christmas cookies (I counted).

• 84 multi-colored, frosted sugar cookies
• 182 red & white pizzelle cookies
• 240 green tree-shaped butter cookies

View Full Album

If I can keep him working at this pace, I can start an online business where Dale bakes Christmas cookies and you pass them off as your own.  I plan to call it Momma Dale’s Homemade Christmas Cookie Emporium.  Anyone interested in ordering for next year?

I have a question on Christmas cards

If you receive a Christmas card from someone you did not send a Christmas card to, do you:

1. Send one back right away.
2. Say oh well, maybe next year.
3. Get annoyed.
4. Call them and apologize for not valuing their love.

Countdown to Christmas: Only 9 more days

Holiday Survival Tip: Remember, Christmas is not all about Santa and gifts.  This is a religious holiday, so try to put some religion back into your holiday.  For example, we have a Nativity display in our house.

If you have never heard Joni Mitchell’s song River…

…go listen to it now.  Here I will help by posting you a live YouTube version to play.  It is a sad and haunting Christmas song, but one of my absolute favorites.

I can’t wait until the next time Dale falls asleep…

…with his toes sticking out.  I am going to do this.  This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had bread and butter, this little piggy had none and this little piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way home.

Beaker rocks!

Countdown to Christmas: Only 10 more days

Holiday Survival Tip:  In case you are thinking of dressing up your pet this Christmas and wondering if it is a good idea - yes, it is!  Look how happy these pets are from being dressed for the holidays.  Please takes pictures of your pets too or better yet...matching outfits for you and your pets.  You will not be sorry.  I will even post the photos on this blog.

View Full Album

Dale is the King of Christmas Cookies

Dale came home today after receiving chemotherapy at the clinic and while still hooked to two chemo pumps, made several hundred more Christmas cookies using his Mom’s cookie press.  The man is amazing.  He should be lying down and complaining, but instead he is baking cookies to bring others a holiday smile.  This is why I love the man so damn much!  Don’t they look delicious?