Holiday Season 2006

Upstairs I can hear my youngest nephew, Tre Jr., coughing. As of today he is nine months old. His older brother is no longer banging away on the side of his crib, finally asleep, so that's a plus. Older brother, (huh), Henry Dale is 19 months old, but he is still very protective. But, if we are talking about toys... it's every boy for himself. Little Tre is usually left to play with whatever HD leaves for him, but he takes it in stride. He doesn't cry, he just looks around and grabs something else to play with. He doesn't make a fit, have a tantrum, or start crying. I think this world needs more people like him.

Here we are, once again in the middle of the holiday season. We are either engulfed in the spirit of tidings, or forced to sit through family gatherings of meals and presents. It just depends on your attitude.

I want snow. This sucks without snow. I hate brown grass. I don't want it to rain in December.

I just wish that uncle Jeffery wasn't their only male influence, as I am not the best with kids, but I am getting better. They were robbed of their grandfather six years ago, and robbed of their father last November. Lord knows that they are both in our hearts though.

27 years on this earth, I think I finally have a better idea what joy is. I got what I wanted for Christmas: Seinfeld season four, a scale with a BMI measurement, sweaters, socks, a sonicare toothbrush, and the new Stephen King book. I did not feel joy, when I opened my presents. I was happy yes, I was pleased with my gifts, don't get me wrong. However, when grandma opened her new computer I built her and flailed her arms, that was when I felt joy. When my sister opened her spa gift package and was almost brought to tears, that was when I felt joy.

I've heard those words time and time again: "It's better to give, then receive." Now they finally make sense.

As we ate our Christmas Eve dinner and my mother asked me if I wanted sweet potatoes... I replied with the same response I've given for the past 20+ years. No mom, I still don't like sweet potatoes.