Kathleen's Korner at TheStidhams.com

I wrote another silly poem and posted it at blogspot for those who would like the sentiments behind this post.

2006 was, politically, economically, internationally — disastrous for my country in many ways. I am not going to discuss those things here… they are all over the news services. For a different — and very harsh — perspective, check the news from countries that are traditionally allies of the United States.
2006 was, personally and professionally — a real growth period for me.

I am learning to manage my anxiety and panic attacks without medication most days. I am dealing with increased migraines but have medicine that seems to work when I can take it. I am still struggling with other health issues but most days can manage to meet obligations and have some energy left over for me.

I discovered a “social” outlet that didn’t require daily human contact but has led to meeting new people. I also began to volunteer at the children’s school — not in their classrooms, but it’s a step. I am very pleased that I am well enough to do this.

I am starting to be able to back off when the adolescents in the family need it, to stand my ground when they need it, and to tell the difference more than half the time. This has led to decreased stress and increased compliance with requests.

I sold something I made to someone who was not family or very close friend.

And this past week — I cleaned out the office enough to sit at my computer desk when I want! And got the livingroom, entry and part of the dining room rearranged (with help from my three muscular assistants). Small steps, but they feel good.

May your new year bring you many small steps and many big joys.

Okay, so it took me longer than it should, but here are five pics from December 25.

Above: G unwraps his Dungeons and Dragons game.

Below: both boys, this shows M with his star wars miniature bust set.

Now two pics of Tom, first with the cookbook from my parents, then with the cards the boys made him — yes, that is a new robe on top of the older robe!

And last, me with two of the pretty pots for hanging in the window to make starts for houseplants. They are from Egypt. The third one is a lovely cobalt blue but didn’t look good in the pics.

A few things I would like to point out include the sunlight making shadows in the room and making G’s hair just shine — a rarity on Christmas day in these parts; Lucky is looking at the black “squeaky ball” that was his gift for the day; and you can see the floor!  Yes folks, the floor was not completely covered by either paper or gifts this year.  Another benefit of moderation…

When our elder child was younger, he enjoyed coining new words. The title of this post is one of them.

They make sense, but sounds peculiar to our ears, much as when British people add syllables to their words.

So the day off Monday was very nice. Nowhere to go, nothing to do, just a quiet day with us and the boys. Played some games, watched a movie, ate some yummy things. Perfect.

Yesterday was okay, too! Had an early appointment, got home and did some housework with the kids’ help, played some games…. baked some “amaretti” cookies.

Today we ran some errands, played with critters, cooked a lovely tortilla soup.

I updated a couple of blogs.

Tomorrow, I expect we’ll spend a bit of time with my parents, but I want to be at home most of the day if I can. And soon — the new year!