Random

Just seems to be one of those weird times. I now know three people who have lost loved ones this Christmas. Lewis and Tammie both lost their mother, and a friend I went through seminary with lost his wife on Christmas Eve. My heart is heavy for these people, even though I'm fairly certain in all cases that their loss is their loved one's gain.

Having the kids around the house is also a little different. Not bad, but different. I mean, we were just starting to get used to the whole empty-nest thing... and now it seems we never quite know who is going to be here when we wake up. Usually the one is just getting home as I'm getting up (sleeps all day and stays out all night), and we're never sure if the other one will be here, or elsewhere, or will be here with extras. This morning I was pretty sure one was in a bedroom, and there were two people in the living room. And I think my toothbrush was in the garbage at some point last night! Oh well, I'm still lounging in the robe and nothin' much matters yet.

I exchanged my Christmas presents last night. My parents bought me gloves (wrong color), Hanes Perfect Tee's (wrong color), and another shirt (wrong color and size). I was unable to exchange the last one because I don't know where it's from and don't have a receipt. Oh well. Jane got me two boxes of chocolate (nice job, dear!).

I had a dream last night that Illinois beat USC in the Rose Bowl 37-7. That would just be way too cool. Go Illini!

Here are some pics from Christmas. Nice lookin' bunch in that bottom photo. :)

Top photo: me and the lovely lady
Bottom photo: Drew, Carrie, Laura & Isaac