Hey people... when you go to return something the week following Christmas there WILL BE A LINE. I have heard so many people complaining. What do you expect? I guess it is the retail gene in me that wants to shout, "give these workers a break". Or wait for a couple of weeks. PLEEEAAASE.

This is Mr. Snow- he stays out year round sporting sunglasses in the Summer and bunny ears in the Spring. My neighbor kidnapped him and gave him a fresh coat of paint. Doesn't he look handsome?!?
Thanks Nancy!

We went to Arizona this past weekend for a family BarMitzvah. I have been struggling with this trip for a long time as I have issues with my cousins. There is a lot of hurt, anger, distrust and to be honest, a little bit of jealousy. I vowed a few years ago to let it go, but the very few times that I have to come face to face with any of them, it all comes back. Anticipating this trip, I was trying to keep a positive attitude for my kids and the rest of my family.

The weekend started off great... my parents, one sister and her kids and us were on the same flight there. All of the kids were fantastic. Baby Ella cried a bit on the way up, but other than that all were quiet.

Thursday we went on an ATV tour... It was a blast. Some of the words that came out of my mouth were not appropriate for children and I am surprised I did not soil my pants... what a ride. What they did not warn us about was the fact that it would be freezing on the bikes and that we would look like the mudd people when we were done. Everything was caked in red dust. Our plans for getting dinner were nixed when we realized that dust was in our nose, ears and every crease or wrinkle (not that I have any) of our faces.

Friday, I separated from the pack and re-united with a couple of friends I have not seen in about 7 years. Lets just say that some things are better off left alone and some past relationships are not for the present. That night started the Mitzvah celebration... or Bling Fest, as I would later call it. Dinner was nice and it was great to see family all in one place.

Saturday morning was the Temple service. I had an emotional moment... missing my grandparents, seeing everyone and realizing that things were not the same. The "party" that evening was at a night club. We pull up and the valet tells us that we have to get the kids out by 10. I am not sure what happens in this club after 10, but by the looks of the place I would not be surprised if poles and cages come down from the ceiling. There were couches lined around all walls, private rooms which people rent out for $1000 per night, and a dance floor that had smoke shooting from the ceiling. All Bling. Sometimes being about the bling is great, but they forgot all about what the purpose of a Mitzvah and the traditions and customs that go along with it. I am not a religious person, but if you are going to do something like this and say you are doing it to honor the grandparents, you should respect it. Not just throw a big party to show off. Maybe that wasn't their intention, but past history backs that up. Maybe I am just jealous of the financial situation they are in, but I will tell you that after this weekend I would not trade places with any one of them.

There were very cool things. They hired a group of break-dancers that were amazing. The muscle control on these people... oh.my.god.

They also had a green screen. This company comes out with tons of equipment and you go in groups of three in front of a green screen. You put on a green cape and then they put your head onto dancing bodies and you sing to a song. Then they put it onto DVD for you. Hard to explain... the end result is hilarious.

Sunday was a brunch at my cousins house. The flight home was great. We left late, but arrived on time. Ben sat next to Jerry on the way there and slept the entire time... on the way back he sat by me and talked, talked, talked. How does that happen?!?

All in all, it was a good weekend. It was a reason to go on a family vacation, which we have never done. I was very happy to get home and not have to share a bathroom with 5 guys!

There are many more (400+) photos on flickr, if you would like to see them. Please do not refer to my blog if you comment (or just comment here)... the last thing I need is family reading any of it!

I passed this barn on my way to Genoa, Illinois- about 45 minutes from my house. It looks like one strong wind and down it will go.