December 2004

We just finished decorating our tree and it is loaded with ornaments. It doesn't have a theme, nor is it tastefully done in silver and white, or rustic with robins and pine cones like the ones you see in the decorating magazines I read at the check out counter at the market. No, this one is decked out in colorful splendor with a "more is more" attitude. This is the first year I let the kids take out my fragile ornaments. The ones I collected in the years before they were born and had stashed away because I didn't want them to be damaged. You know the kind I mean......little delicate glass bells and angels and hearts....... Well, this year they are all up there along with the plastic santas and rubber snowmen and all the other fearless, familiar old faithfuls that have been hung and dropped a thousand times in the last ten years. You know what? I can't believe I was stupid enough to wait this long to use them. Yes , there were a few accidents along the way. There are a couple of legless raindeer and a headless angel or two, but the kids got such a blast out of unwrapping and choosing which of Mom's treasures to hang next that I realized the obvious.......We are supposed to enjoy the good stuff now....while we can...with the people we love. Life has a funny way of teaching us that lesson over and over again doesn't it? Of course I rescued a couple of my favorite ornaments ,"Baby's First Christmas '94 and 96" are stashed away, in my treasure cabinet, out of harm's way...... ...... Well....I'm a mom, right?!

The kids are growing up way too fast it seems, and they amaze me everyday . Jake cooks more than I do. Pancakes and scrambled eggs are his specialty . I really look forward to Sunday mornings now! As each week goes by Skylar gets more daring on her bike and skateboard and spends most of her time outdoors. Their rooms are covered in posters. Dragons, Tony Hawk, Hillary Duff and Lindsey Lohan have moved in and Pokemon has moved out! I am not allowed to disturb the latest invention or science experiment and am only genuinely welcomed in to their territory when baring gifts of food or clean laundry......And I once was naive enough to think this didn't start until they were teenagers!.........They still hug me in front of their friends and tell me they love me in public so all is well , they are still my babies!

Work wise I am finishing up a very fun year with a New Year's Eve gig at the Venetion. I have had some cool experiences this year and enjoyed a terrific summer doing a pilot for a morning tv talk show with Brian McKnight as my co-host. The show was not picked up, unfortunately, but the experience taught me that I really loved working in that side of the business....so, you never know where you might see me pop up again.....

I am planning on playing 2005 by ear and going with the flow. I really like the pace of my life right now. It has a good balance of work and play and I have lots of time just being a Mom. Life is good. I count my blessings.

I hope this year has been kind to you and that next year will be even better and as always, I wish you all good health and peace of mind .

With love,