I got over my extreme annoyance at my sister and had a pleasant holiday. It was comforting to see she has gotten on the nerves of my husband and both brothers. Somehow it makes me feel better to not be alone. I spent Christmas Eve with my family instead of my inlaws and it was nice. I attended the party my parents have put on for the last 15 years and helped host it. It was really sad not having my mom there, but really nice sharing the holiday with family friends who miss her too.

My husband and kids overruled me and we attended midnight mass. I spent a great deal of time prodding and waking each one of them throughout the mass. I believe the people behind me got a huge kick out of the 8 and 9 year olds and their bobbing heads. My husband found my shoving a tad annoying. I will fight harder next year to avoid midnight mass. Our priest did an awesome job as did the musicians.

The kids enjoyed the holiday and were spoiled. I hope I don't have to be too mean to get them back in line. Smart mouths annoy the crap out of me.

I feel blessed that we have put this first Christmas without my mom behind us. It was hard, but I think she would have been proud of us.

Now I need to focus on the diet again for 2006.

Millie the dog scratched her eye and had to go to the emergency vet last night. We have to make her wear the "Elizabethan" collar and put ointment in her eye twice a day. It is amazing how much fight a 12 pound pug has in her. Wow. I'm not looking forward to the rest of the week's twice a day battles. She looks pathetic and I think the eye really hurts. I feel terrible for her.