Happy Chanukah!  My family is Jewish by heritage.  I did not grow up with ritual religion but value the history and culture. The kids and I celebrate Chanukah and Christmas as a family time filled with he exchange of presents and love.  Mom always taught me that every time I would hear the word “God” I could substitute the word  “love” ….it works for all religions.  Zach and Brenden shared hysterical short clips of themselves in character.  When I get this on WordPress, I’ll share them .

Meanwhile, 

A real conversation between Hans and me this afternoon. 

Me: I consider myself good at many things but admit there is something I am most decidedly bad at. 

Hans: Not true…you are bad at more than one thing. We are NOT going to list them for either of us.  We know what they are after 15 years  

So back to the “one” thing I’m bad at….

I am very bad at keeping secrets. I always have been, and probably always will be.   

Oh my children know that if they want some thing known they just have to tell Mom. They know this  well, yet they still tell me!  I don’t tell bad news …I just like to spread good news. 

For instance, I got Hans a wonderful gift this year that I’m excited to give him, but couldn’t help but tell him that something special was coming. Why can’t I just be quiet? 

Anyway, I am working on being a better secret keeper, but I won’t tell you too much about it….. cause it’s a secret.. 

Let the holidays begin! Hans and I drove to Tampa international today to pick up Caro and Zach. We all had delicious Thai food together ( Zach treated! )and then they came over to meet Charlie and the kittens.( sounds like a rock band.). It is an early night for all of us and we look forward to spending a lot more time together. They fly back out on Christmas day so it’s a short visit.