There was about a three year period when my mother went through her “Yearly Christmas Newsletter” phase. I had thought I had blocked that little piece of history from my mind until today, when I was cleaning and came across an old box full of memories….and what is now known as “The Infamous Christmas Newsletter of 2004”.

Sigh.

Little bit of background. I promise, just a little, just enough to keep you up to speed and the nightmares at bay.

I come from a blended family (much better this way). So the “characters” in this little story of mine (which also happens to be my life) are as follows…..although I suppose I should change names to protect the innocent.

Julia~ The Mother
Garret~ The Step Dad
John~ The Stepbrother (who later became my husband, and then my ex husband)
Amy~ The Stepsister
Karen~ My youngest sister
Carol~ The middle sister, and also the perfect one who can do no wrong.

Up to speed?

Soooooo, after reading FIVE pages of The Infamous Christmas Newsletter of 2004″ about my mother and step dad (cruises, trips to NY, some kind of hunting fiasco they have going on in the south, and church functions)it was time to get to the “children” (which at this time, we were all safely in our 20’s)

Jennifer (that’s me)is living in WA State. Rumour has it there is a second grandchild, I have yet to seen pictures.

John is living in VA

Amy is also living somewhere in WA State, she does not talk to us, so we have no idea exactly where in WA State she is.

Karen is living with John in VA.

Carol continues to do an amazing job of raising my grand daughter. I am so proud of her,there is nothing I would not do for her. She has become an exceptional wife and mother, just as I always knew she would.

and there ya have it folks!

I decided on my next therapy session, I am just going to bring The Infamous Christmas Newsletter of 2004″ and my therapist will

1. prescribe me some stronger meds

2. gently explain to me that I am a much harder case than originally anticipated and refer me to someone else

3. give me a refund, as, there is no hope for me.

Day 18 – A picture of you when you were little.

Day 17 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Enough said on this one too.

Day 16 – A picture of the person you do the silliest things with

For those that do not know, this is my sister Carolyn. Even though we have not seen eachother in 5 years, and she has not met Sofia, and I have not met her youngest, we talk many times during the days/week. Even on the phone are antics are that reminiscent of something Lucy and Ethel would pull…or Lavene and Shirley….when you least expect it, we are always up to something!

Day 15 – A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Of course I had to use the cats for this one. This has been quite the journey, both cats not in the best of health,taking them to and from the vet, not knowing how much time Sam is going to last, seeing the family come together to do what needs to be done for the cats.

Day 14 – A picture of someone who inspires you.

My friend Lisa and I are doing the 30 day picture challenge together, and I knew both of us would have the same picture for today. For those that do not know, this is my niece Alyssa. She was 6 yrs old when a car accident left her in a wheelchair. 13 operations, punk kids bullying her at …school, moves across country more times than she cares to admit, she still keeps going, and going, and going. She is an inspiration not only to me, but everyone who has the pleassure of getting to know her. That’s not to say that she does not have her moment…..after all, she is a 17 yr old teenager now, and well….you know how that goes!

Day 13 – A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Write (publish) a book.

Day 12 – A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

My siblings (and just so I do not get in trouble, one sister is missing from this pic) I was pregnant w/ Sofia, so lets see….this was in Dec 2006, five years since we have all been in the same room together….this must change people!!

Day 11 – A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Impossible to narrow it down to just one band or artist, so I am going w/ an oldie but goodie. Skid Row, I was bound and determined to marry Sebastian, and names my favorite stuffed animals after the guys.

Day 10 – A picture of something you love.

Bubble baths! Nothing is better after a long day of running around and dealing with the kids. Now…someone just needs to tell members in this house to leave me alone when I am in the bath!