My voice has left the building. My daughter told me I sound like my husband's sister - which is hilarious because I sort of do - except her husky voice is from smoking.
Gotta love that one.
We're enjoying just another oddly warm and wet day here with sugar cookies, banana bread, and chicken soup, all of which we made yesterday amidst chipping away at the gaggles of presents already under our tree.
Dear in-laws, Thanks so much for listening to us when we said please don't buy that much this year.
We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of the huz and Santa tonight, at which point massive toy construction and editing (since my children have enough stuff to clothe and entertain an entire village of children) will commence.
Wish me luck parenting these three kiddos alone with no voice.
At least it gets me out of calling the in-laws today, right?
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas (eve) to you!
This year I made a registry for my son's bday/Christmas (4 days apart). What do my dad and stepmom get him? A stuffed rat, and a grateful dead teddy bear. Needless to say neither of those were on his registry, but the dog did get a chew toy out of the deal.
Posted by: Lu | December 26, 2008 at 12:28 PM
If grandparents didn't want us to selectively remove certain toys from the junk flow, they wouldn't give so many piles and piles of gifts each year.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: LiteralDan | December 26, 2008 at 04:19 AM
I agree on the editing. I even edit new toys that I don't like. Up high away they go! Doesn't anyone read the package? Like for instance giving an Easy Bake Oven to a 4 year old is a no-no where the package says for 8 YEAR OLDS? Sigh.
Hope your voice returns. Take some Claritin. Sometimes it helps, surprisingly.
Posted by: Red Cup Mom | December 26, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Merry Christmas!
I totally hear you on the Cavalcade of Crap that comes from the IL side of life.
Hope it is truly merry.
Posted by: Karen (Submommy) | December 26, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Merry Christmas to you!
Posted by: much more than a mom | December 25, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I always think I sound like Marge Simpson when I lose my voice. I spend most of the time amusing myself by saying "Homer!"
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Heather | December 25, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Merry Merry Christmas.
Sorry to hear about your voice.
I do understand what you mean about the toy thing. Our house looks like Geoffrey the Giraffe walked in and threw up. Too much and they can't possibily play with it all. We are working on the purge too.
Try some tea with honey and lemon, because even if it doesn't work, at least it tastes good.
Posted by: Sheri | December 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Yes, Merry Xmas Eve! :)
Posted by: Asianmommy | December 25, 2008 at 05:44 PM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Jaime | December 25, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Merry Christmas, Kristen!
We're doing the "editing" here, too. Actually, we received a few toys that we already have, so they're quickly being put into bags and given away tomorrow. Everything else that stays will have to take the place of an older toy to earn it's place in the house.
Posted by: Christina | December 25, 2008 at 04:57 PM
We have sickness is our house today as well. So Christmas is postponed. So was Thanksgiving this year. Weird.
Hope your voice returns soon! I was voiceless a few weeks ago, right before I had to sing in a concert. No fun.
Enjoy your Christmas and get well soon!
Posted by: The Other Sister-in-Law | December 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Clapping and banging on tables. And not so effectively, I might add.
Sigh.
I need a whistle.
Posted by: Motherhood Uncensored | December 25, 2008 at 02:10 PM
On the bright side, you may find that one magical thing that grabs your kids' attention without yelling. If you do... PLEASE tell me what it is!
Merry Day-Before-Christmas!
Posted by: Angela | December 25, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Harvey Fierstein, baby. That's hot.
Posted by: mothergoosemouse | December 25, 2008 at 01:16 PM
"Editing." I like that. I've been calling it a purge, which is what it's going to feel like I'm sure. Luckily I found a resale shop run by a local church that sells toys or donates them to needy families in the area.
Hope you got your voice back!!
Posted by: Jill | December 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Too bad about your voice. With three kids by yourself, it would probably be more fun if you lost your hearing instead... :(
Merry Christmas/Christmas Eve!
Posted by: Bill | December 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
happy christmas!
Posted by: cindy | December 25, 2008 at 11:19 AM
merry christmas :-)
er, christmas eve to you?
Posted by: April | December 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM