Weekly Wrap Up 12.29.12

The final Weekly Wrap Up of 2012! This week I spent a lot of time with my kids and the Hubs. We watched DVDs, played games and did some shopping. I didn't get much writing done, but it didn't seem like people missed me too much, the number of comments I received this week was positively depressing.

Top Read Posts This Week:

Overachieving Elf on the Shelf (Versions 1 and 2) - Surely you've read this one by now?

2012 Resolution Recap - How Did I Do? - I went through my 2012 list of resolutions. Read this and see how I did.

An Ornament Exchange with My Family - My grandmother put my precious children's homemade ornaments in a slush pile. I'm still reeling from the horror.

Elva the Elf - We got a second Elf and we gave her a family name.

People Who Get Me and My Family Sick - This was a repost from last year, but will all of the sickness floating around this week, it seemed appropriate.

Thanks, Underachiever's Guide to Being a Domestic Goddess.

Book Update:

The Christmas holidays are over, but the book is still here. Don't forget what a nice gift this would make for just about any holiday. How about Arbor Day or Secretaries Day? Nothing says "I love trees" and/or "Get me some coffee" like a copy of Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat.

My Favorite Comments (and My Replies if Necessary):

I usually try to make one, very simple resolution (like 'drink more water' or 'hang up my coat instead of throwing it on the couch') but this year I decided to run 20-12mile runs in 2012. And I did it!! For 2013 I think I will go back to the 'drink more water' kind of resolutions. on 2012 Resolution Recap - How Did I Do?

Wow. Good for you. I'm totally stealing "drink more water" as one of mine for 2013. I only run if someone is chasing me. With a knife.

I totally would have taken the ornaments back for my own tree, seeing as your kids made them, but I did like the way you handled this with your grandmother and your aunt. Loved the guilt trip and too funny how Uncle Filbert got thrown right under that bus without anyone even blinking an eye, lol!! on An Ornament Exchange with My Family

Lucky for us, my cousin has decided she would like them. She is just as sentimental as my kids so I know she will take good care of them and give them a place of honor (like they deserve).

Don't punch me in the throat, but if she doesn't want them... I mean think about how old she is. She has like 80 years (or whatever) of keepsakes. That's a lot of pressure if she's expected to love and cherish every one. on An Ornament Exchange with My Family

I agree. However, she can trash the other great-grandkids' keepsakes, not the ones my little sweet peas made with their own little hands.  

A few years ago, I took my older kids artwork and handmade ornaments out of their keepsake boxes and culled through it.I framed the stuff I really loved(using thrift store frames) and pitched the rest.Their handmade ornaments look great as art-I put them out at Christmas as part of my decorations. The best part is I really enjoy the ornaments/art now instead of it sitting in a drawer. on An Ornament Exchange with My Family

Maybe I'll make one of these for my grandma for next year. I think she would really enjoy giving it away.

Reading this gave me flashbacks of the Christmas that my father in law gave no less that 8 of us Norovirus because my MIL was so fkn selfish about the holiday. on People Who Get Me and My Family Sick

I used to teach preschool and we had a little boy walk in the door and vomit one morning. His mother said, "Oh my goodness, let me go grab him another shirt!" We thought she meant from her car but she came back several minutes later with a new shirt which she got from HOME and sang out, "OK, see you later!" She was shocked, SHOCKED, when we told her, no ma'am, he can't stay here now. At this same school, I got the same pissy remarks from my boss as you did when I stayed home with strep. Because it makes total sense that I should come in and infect my entire class and fellow teachers. on People Who Get Me and My Family Sick

My mother in law is named Elva. She is Australian. Before her I had never heard the name before. 7!!! on Elva the Elf

Looks like we only found 7 "Elvas." OK, Hipsters, it's time for a reboot of this old lady name. 

So glad the Punch clan is enjoying Elva! Now the pressure is on times two to move them around. And you'll be happy to know that one of my kids received Doggy Doo this year. on Elva the Elf

Thank you again for sending us Elva. I even restrained myself from posing her and Choppy Elfie in "inappropriate" positions. Mostly because I was worried I'd forget and leave them doggy style. Whoops.