What a Turkey!

Well, I can say with certainty that this is the first year EVER that I have completed all my seasonal shopping well before the month of December. Heck, a typical year involves a mad dash the week before Christmas and shipping delays be darned. But this year I've bested my previous best by what seems like a millennium.

So, tomorrow is going to be a quiet at home reflection of those things for which we're most Thankful. Lilah is at the top of my list, my parents on both sides, crazy Aunt Patti, our dog Calla, our friends, having a house to live in, our health and the health of those we love. We're also lucky to announce that it looks like the Lummus family will be making the trek up here to the great Northwest at Christmas. Aunt Charlene will be happy to hear, I'm sure, and I'll be happy because I get to go to Oregon and visit the Tuttles whom I haven't seen in way too long.

With our house being in some state of disassemble, it looks like next year will be our year for travel. As always, it's awkward in trying to balance one trip between two families. If things are going well in construction, we'll make two trips--one trip over Thanksgiving and one over Christmas. We'd love to hear everyone's opinion on how to break this up: one family per trip, or 50-50 time split at each family over each trip (and of course all the bonus turkey we can eat!). Or maybe we can have combined family gatherings... everyone does Thanksgiving in one state and Christmas in the other. Of course there would be hotel considerations with this last alternative, but that would be an enjoyable option as well. Anyway, we all have time to figure it out, but it's probably best to start the discussion now. I can't imagine how complicated this will get once we have a brood of youngsters with us.

In other news, I do have a quick trip to San Diego again next week. Just a jaunt to look at some equipment without going to sea, and I'll be back the first week of December. These short trips are really nice because I get to come home to Lilah before I ever get homesick. Yeah! I invited her to come with me for the weekend, but then they extended my trip to a full week, so it looks like I'll be going solo.

Some other updates: JC Penney's caved and gave me the lower interest rate on my card. I forgot that I hadn't updated everyone on this important turn of events (tongue-in-cheek) until my mom and I were discussing Christmas presents. Just goes to show that you should call your credit card companies and demand better service. The worst they can tell you is no.

Also, Lilah and I will start with the 4th grade boys Sunday School in January at our church. This is very good news as when we were originally looking into this the class we wanted got snatched up before we could submit our names.

The house plans are coming along. Not fast enough and there is always a dozen chores around the house that need attention instead of working on the computer. But things are coming along and I think we're looking very good for an April ground breaking.

And finally, for those of you keeping track, Lilah and I were just discussing yesterday the baby plans. April or May of 07 should have our bundle(s) of joy in hand. --The "(s)" is because I'm still hoping for twins or triplets. No, it doesn't run in either of our families, and yes everyone tells us I'm carzy, but that won't keep me from hoping!

Well, that's about all for now. I'm back to working on my house design. :j