What a whirlwind this holiday season has been! It sounds like all of my friends here in tv.com land had a nice holiday. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe 2009.

I just thought that I'd fill you in on my past week. The big kick off was Christmas Eve. We went to my in-law's place. There are 8 grandchildren on that side of the family aging from 13-5. They were all pretty much in the same room- and it was LOUD. They had a great time visiting, but I spent the evening looking for the eggnog.

My father-in-law brought out his accordion and the kids sang Christmas songs along with him. It really was special. My son, Eric, (the soloist) sang "I'm getting nothing for Christmas." It was cute. My other son, Alex, sang "Come All Ye Faithful." He did a lovely job. It was very nice. The others all did songs of their own. It was sweet and entertaining.

Christmas Day began with my kiddies opening their gifts. This year was not as exciting for them as last year, but there were not disappointed. The gift that they received that I have enjoyed the most was Rockband 2. It seems that I am now a Rock Star. Yes, my friends, I may be leaving the teaching profession to further my ambitions as a RockBand drummer. I am really loving the time that I am spending with the kids making music. Its cool. Plus, we have our own band- called "Mom's Basement Band." Aren't we just original? The only problem is that Alex and I have argued a bit over who was going to be the drummer. These types of arguments are typical with rockers- so it isn't a big deal. We compromised by taking turns. I am not a diva. Yet.

The majority of the day was spent with my side of the family and it was at my mother's house. We had a very nice time there as well. The day after Christmas we had my side of the family to our house because one of my brother's could not make it on Christmas day. My sister-in-law loved RockBand so much that she went out and bought it the following day.

By this point I was rather visited out. I kinda just crashed on Saturday. Sunday brought the Eagles victory and my previous blog From Sunday on I was busy with visiting and preparing for the party that I was throwing on New Year's Eve. I wish that I had taken picks of the food that I had prepared. It was good. I had meatballs and Roast beef. I had lots of hors d'oeuvres. I made pigs in a blanket, spanikopita, brushetta, and the like. There was lots and lots to drink. It was a party, after all.

The following day I had a house full of company again. You see, my brother-in-law's family are visiting from Virginia. They will be leaving for Oregon this summer so we are trying to spend as much time with them as we canThis morning I was in bed until 9:30!! I am so tired. Guess what? We are having company again tonight. **sigh** You see, our house is the only one in the family with room for all 8 grandchildren, and that isn't saying a lot. You may recall that I have mentioned before that I live in a shoebox. Our home is about 1300 sq. feet. The kids all go to the basement. That is where the playroom is.

I love the holidays. I love my family. I love visiting. Its just that I am holidayed out, familied out and visited out. I am kinda bummed that I will have to record Atlantis tonight. I like to watch my favorite shows on the night that they air. Oh, well. I have been told that I am a great hostess. My guests are late (thank God) and I have to go and get ready. Don't get me wrong, I do love them all its just that -Some wise person once said, "All things in moderation." There is much wisdom in that statement. I have had too much of everything including food this past week. I am looking forward to a peaceful tomorrow and Sunday and then it is back to work. Have a great weekend everyone.