Randomness

Happy 2009..So far so good right? We're 6 days in~ what could I possible have to complain about?! (Give me a minute or 2, I'll come up with something )

I really don't have much to write about so I thought a randomness post was in order. But is it really randomness if I stick to an "update" theme ?

Christmas~ We survived! Bonus! The kids had a fantastic Christmas. Of course they did. What's not to love about getting presents from every adult you know? And if I didn't thank you before (and I'm sure I did because I'm a stickler for thank you's...From the bottom of my heart- thank you. Even to Uncle Scott and Aunt Mair for the Kevin Levin remote control car that is ramming my ankle as I type). Happy Birthday to Aunt Mair today too by the way!!

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year, but it has lost something since we moved to NC...For those that don't know (and if you already do,- read on and enjoy this trip down memory lane~ We used to go to my Grandma's house every Christmas Eve since I can remember. No matter else was going on in the family we all made the effort to be there. There was always lots of food, presents to be exchanged, a visit from Santa and who will ever forget Jenn and the Lego's? Note to others: Jenn + 3 tubs of Lego's numbering probably in the thousands = NOT PRETTY....but oh so funny.
Since moving to NC in 2004 we haven't had a "Shangle family" Christmas Eve and I miss them dearly.

We did go to Rob's uncles,which is wonderful, but it just isn't the same. I also called a halt to Christmas Day dinner and will be taking it BACK next year. We were so stressed with the house sale/not for sale issue that we took off and let Rob's aunt do all the cooking...while it was good (his aunt is an awesome cook so I'm really not complaining, I swear!), I missed having the house open to everyone and not having to drive home- even if it was only 1 mile.

The house issue...Ah the house. The freaking house...that I do love...don't misunderstand...I love my house. I hate our school system~middle and high specifically. And that was the reason for wanting to move. HOWEVER, as I'm sure most of you noticed the housing market took a serious hit this year and we paid for it. We didn't sell. Our contract was up Nov 30 and we decided not to re-list with that Realtor. We did however interview several others....There was Dan who complimented my Avon fiber optic village, but then said Avon was too expensive for his taste...ooookkkkay, not sure how to respond to that one Dan.
Then there was Slick Buddy. Think about it, In all honesty have you EVER met a man named Buddy that doesn't remind you of a used car salesman? I bet you can't. Some of you are probably sitting there about to argue you have until you thought about it a little and had a light bulb moment. You did, didn't you?
And then along came Lorraine, who reminded Rob of Mrs. Butterworth. After some thinking, Rob and I decided to take the house of the market until Kelsey is at the end of 4Th grade or in 5Th,(Translation: Look out Rob, Shell has some PROJECTS lined up!) Lorraine agreed with us it is a bad time to sell...Whoa... she wasn't looking out for her bottom line but had a genuine concern for US. Guess who is getting our business when we do sell. Yes, Mrs. Butterworth...I have to remember not to call her that to her face.

And that pretty much sums it up...boy for a girl who has nothing to say....I sure say it with a lot of words don't I?