Lots of Snow

We arrived safely in Denver Wednesday afternoon and Mom and Dad picked us up. The evidence of last weeks big blizzard was everywhere.

Thursday another big storm came in so we had to abort our planned trip to Denver for the Nuggets game, the highway was closed at Monument Hill. The kids and Daddy and Shawn got us dug out Friday morning and then another storm blew in last night dumping about 8 more inches.

But we did get out to a nearby theater yesterday afternoon to see Dreamgirls, which was wonderful. The audience kept breaking into applause. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson were both fantastic.

We made it home just ahead of last nights storm and other than a run out to get groceries today we've just holed up watching movies and playing games, and the kids had a big snowball war. I was the first one knocked out of Monopoly--Adam has no mercy, not even for his dear old Mom.

It's gorgeous though, despite the bitter cold, the mountains are covered with snow and my parents have a spectacular view of the whole Pikes Peak range.

Quick Note

We shared a wonderful Christmas with Sam's father and grandmother.

Tomorrow the kids and leave bright and early for the airport on on our way to Colorado Springs to visit my parents and sister. One more load of laundry to get through and then it's time to get packed.

Happy Days

The past few days have been a bit busy but really lovely.

Stephanie and I saw the Holiday last night, a really cute movie. Andrew had a bunch of friends in and they all took turns trying to beat the others scores at Guitar Hero. It's actually a really fun game and I've even managed to get through a few songs somehow.

Earlier in the day Adam came with me and we ran around to deliver small gifts to various people and then we went to pick out gifts for the dog and cat. Adam and I always pick out the pet presents together, it's our own tradition.

Today there was a family potluck down in Santa Monica at the VNU offices. I hadn't seen some of those folks since the summer picnic and there were two new babies to admire. We came home stuffed and decided to be lazy for the rest of the day. Andrew and Sam drove down to rent some movies so we're going to hole up and watch Get Shorty. It's a favorite of Sam's and the boys have never seen it.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Sam and I finished the shopping yesterday and everything is wrapped and under the tree awaiting Christmas morning. Now I just have to get the kids to decide on what they want for Christmas dinner. There is a difference of opinion at the moment between ham and turkey.

The boys finish school on Thursday and on Friday we'll all go down to the VNU offices in Santa Monica for the annual family holiday potluck. Sam volunteered us to bring stuffed Korean dumplings so Thursday night we'll all pitch in and make a big batch. We still need to make our gingerbread house and decorate it, one of my favorite holiday traditions, but slowly but surely everything is coming together.

Updates

After discussing things with Sam's doctors and his employers he has decided to go part-time for a while in the hopes that will make a difference. He's going to work three days a week.

The party Saturday night was lots of fun. Much food and drink was consumed.

Last but not least Stephanie comes home Thursday after her last final.

Toys for Tots

Andrew is playing in a baseball tournament this weekend that is a fundraiser for Toys for Tots.

Now that fall baseball is over he's having withdrawls so this is perfect for him. The first game is tonight and them there are two tomorrow and two Sunday.

The games are being held in different locations so as soon as the boys get home from school this afternoon we will load up his gear and head down to Beverly Hills for the first game. Saturday's games are out in Santa Fe Springs.

Quick Update

It's been crazy busy so just a quick note to say Sam got out of the hospital Sunday. He's doing okay.

In between trying to play catch-up with work and life I've been busy preparing for the holiday party we're hosting this Saturday night for the USS Angeles.

Not the Best of Weeks

It has not been the best of weeks. Sam was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, he was coughing up blood. Up until this past Sunday he seemed to be doing so well but he went downhill very quickly.

After two days of intensive treatment he could breath on his own again but since then his heartbeat has been very irregular so they've been doing cardiac tests. At least he is in a regular room and not ICU so he has a portable monitor and can get up and sit by the window.