First of all (and worst of all) I have been informed that my position at work will be eliminated in just a few weeks. I’ll be given a choice of two different offices to work at, and both of them are a full hour away (one way). I have ALWAYS wanted to be at home with Sam instead of working out of the home, and now it appears the situation is getting even worse. I won’t be able to spend my lunch or breaks with him, plus I’ll lose two or three hours each day just in drive time. I’m trying so hard to trust God and pray about it, but I admit I am very discouraged, and feeling quite hopeless about the situation. I don’t believe that Kenny *wants* to get a job again, although he has made a couple contacts inquiring about some jobs. Nothing has turned up, though. I’ve even applied for a different job and have been looking at others that would keep me closer to home, but nothing comes even close to matching the salary I current have and need. One thing that would really help would be if our house sold. There is a couple who intends to buy ours as soon as their house sells. Who knows when that will happen, or if it will happen.

Christmas was great for our family this year. All of my brothers were home, including Darren who lives in South Carolina now. It was wonderful seeing all of them. Sam did great, performing all of his tricks and making up to everyone. Mom cooked her all-time best meals (they are all the best, though) and everyone had a great time. It was really hard saying goodbye to my brothers. I wish we all still lived close. In fact, it would suit me just fine if we all lived in one great big house together! :-)

Santa brought Sam most everything he wanted. I love the interests he has -- which are almost all musical. He received a little toy drum set, and a little guitar, a desk and a bunch of books, plus some other little things. He really has enjoyed everything.

It’s hard to believe that Sam will be 2 years old in just a few weeks! He has been doing so many funny things. He gets a kick out of the Victoria’s Secret store in the mall. As I’ve mentioned before, he calls breasts, “ah-em.” I have no idea why, or what that word came from, but he has used it consistently for well over a year. Back to the mall story ... every time we walk past this store in particular he walks up to the storefront display window, filled with all of the near-naked women and stands there, looking up, saying over and over, “ah-em, ah-em, ah-em ...” Other kids are throwing tantrums, begging and screaming to go to the toy store or the pet store, but not Sam. Sam wants to go to the milk bar, aka, the Victoria’s Secret store. A few days ago, we were at the mall and I decided to walk Sam through the store. We came face to face with a torso-only mannequin modeling a bra and panty set, and Sam came down with a case of the giggles, and started pointed at this mannequin, saying, “LITTLE AH-EM! LITTLE AH-EM!” Well, they *were* little ...

Anyway, it’s late and time to wrap up this kind-of-x-rated entry, so I’ll say goodnight! Sleep tight ... And as usual, I promise to try to submit a timely entry next time.