This year I participated in Much More Than A Mom’s Christmas Swap. It’s fun to make someone’s day by surprising them with a package from a complete stranger. I was given You Da Mom! as my secret recipient and turns out it’s really difficult to chose a gift for someone you don’t know.

I stalked her blog for a while trying to figure out what her style was, looking for pictures of how she decorated, etc… I did see that she knits, but I know NOTHING about knitting! So that didn’t help much. In the end I think she liked what I sent.

I was so wrapped up in getting a package together for her, that I completely forgot it meant I would also receive a package in the mail. So opening this from CPA Mom was a surprise! She was even sweet enough to include something for our son. Thank you!

I know I’ve said before that my in-laws weren’t exactly the sharpest crayon in the box. I may have even said they were certifiably crazy. Well here is your proof.

My husband’s grandfather passed away Sunday night. He was a very quiet man with a strong work ethic. I always enjoyed visiting him, because he lived simply. Nothing fancy here folks. One Christmas my father-in-law got him a remote starter for his car and his response after they explained what it did was, “The day I can’t start my own car, will be the day I quit driving.” His honesty and frankness reminded me a lot of my own grandmother, who also didn’t see the need for all the latest inventions.

My husband traveled alone (his choice) to the funeral this week. We stayed home because there were Christmas programs, work and pre-op appointments that really couldn’t be missed. Plus we were just up there by ourselves for a wedding.

Before that was decided his father asked if Ethan would want to be a paul bearer. Yes, that’s right our 5 year old carrying a casket! This boy can’t even pick up his own toys. It took a few minutes to catch our breath. Is that not one of the most ridiculous things you’ve ever heard?

It gets better. When they called my husband’s sister (you know the one with 4 illegitimate kids) to let her know about her grandfather’s death the first questions were - “When will you read the will?” & “When will you go through his house?” No kidding. She’s what you call a gold-digger.

My husband called last night to tell me that on the way to the funeral his sister ran off the road and hurt her neck. She ended up being transported to the same hospital (1 1/2 hours away) that her grandfather died at. They admitted her and it looks like she will be alright, but may need surgery down the road.

See any irony there? She missed the funeral, but thankfully was released today.

The best story I’ve heard thus far is that my husband found out some big family secret today at the funeral home. Turns out Grandpa was married once before and had another son and no one ever told him. It’s a little awkward when a guy (your father’s age) walks up and introduces himself to you as your Grandpa’s son, when as far as you know there are only two - your father and your uncle.

You couldn’t make this stuff up! Their family would make a great reality show. I can’t wait to hear all the other stories my husband will have of the insanity that always follows a trip to the “dreaded North” as we’ve named it.

For some good news ~ head over to Props & Pans to register to win a Bed Head Dual Wave Iron!!! I recently reviewed their ionic hair dryer and I must say it was pretty cool. The wave iron is part of their new “Light Me Up” collection.

I just found myself yelling at the dog to come back inside and when she didn’t move I actually said, “One…Two…WAIT, what the hell am I doing?”

Counting to 3 doesn’t work for my son (he keeps counting when we hit three) and the dog certainly doesn’t understand what I’m saying.

I am officially losing it!

I may not know how to play poker, but I know how to play the game called marriage.

My husband had just returned from his office and I was headed to run and grab us all a sandwich for lunch. I said I was taking his car because it was already warmed up (it’s COLD outside). He said he only had like 10 miles left in his gas tank so I should take my car.

[His Expedition will tell you how many miles you have left in the tank - which is a pretty cool feature.]

I looked at him for a second and said, “bull-shit!” He tried to keep up the bluff, but failed when I went out and started his car to find it had 98 miles left in the tank. I was only going down the road people, not to another state for lunch.

You think he’s trying to save his gas? Now if he’d conserve his gas under the covers in bed.

FYI ~ Props and Pans is giving away a BabyPlus prenatal education curriculum. All you have to do is comment here before Thursday, December 6th. This would make an awesome gift! It is valued at $150!!