This is suppose to be a happy season..however it has been anything but happy for me. First of all, for the 3rd year in a row we got stuck with my boyfriend's neices and nephew for the holidays. These kids are ungreatful, disrespectful, don't listen and if I hear "eww i don't like that" one more time I am going to scream. These are not little kids, they are 14, 11, 10 and should now how to behave, but I can write a book about my times with them. I gave up trying to teach them any type of manners and just looked at where they came from, since I can trace their behaviors back to my boyfriend's grandparents and how they were. Then I knew my father's cousin was in the hospital because of surgery she had in Oct, but on Christmas eve, I got a call that she was in really bad shape and the doctors said there was nothing that can be done and it would be a matter of time before she left us. Christmas I wasn't really into celebrating because the kids were getting on my last nerve and I couldn't stop thinking of my poor aunt, who would be losing her youngest daughter. Then yesterday at 4:30, I got the message that my father's cousin had passed away, while we knew it was comming, it was still hard esp. because it was also my aunt's (her mother's) 87th birthday. Then when that wasn't bad enough I got a call from my friend's wife, he just had surgery in October for throat cancer (he had his voice box removed) that she had to rush him to the hospital. He had a 103 fever, and was delusional. It turns out he has spetis (sp?) and they did an mri and found he has another large tumor on the back of his neck, which is unoperable. from what I was told he has a fast aggressing cancer and it is in a spot where it would be difficult to attempt, so he is back in the hospital. Then we got a lovely blizzard and i just realized that someone in my complex borrowed my shovel last year and never returned it, so here I sit with about 2ft of snow, and no way to dig myself out. thank you for letting me vent.... i hope everyone else is having a great holiday season

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

Yikes! Sorry you had such a lousy holiday. None of my business, but I'll ask anyway - why do you take in your nieces and nephews? Where are their parents?

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

You are indeed having a lousy time. I'm sorry to hear all your troubles. Maybe things will improve slightly when the kids are gone and you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Here's hoping things look up soon.

That is partially my fault. My boyfriend's brother and his wife have the same mental thinking as his parents.... us first then if anything is left the kids cAn get what they need/want. I was raised that my father did without to make sure that us kids got what we needed so I feel bad all the time when I hear them say that they need something but that their father and step-mother told them oh well to bad we need this or that first.(I am not talking about necessities, I am talking materialistic items) Their biological mother hasn't seen them in almost 3 years, as her new boyfriend doesn't like kids and she chose him over her kids. We told his brother back in October that we weren"t taking the kids this year, and at first he was ok with it. Then the next thing I knew I came home on the
23rd and they were here. Apparently their step-mother brought her kids to their father's house so they gave all the kids a $25 gift card, said Merry Christmas then told his brother she booked a mini vacation for the 2 of them. Apparently they were going to leave these 3 home and asked his other brother to check on them and he in turned called my boyfriend and asked him to also call. Once he told me that, I couldn't see them being alone on Christmas, so I said tell him they can come here BUT he has to get them to us. My friends and family think I am crazy for always going out of my way for them, when they don't appreciate it but it was Christmas and I don't think anyone should be alone at Christmas

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

It's very kind of you to take in a bunch of ungrateful kids. Maybe it's understandable that they're brats given their situation - but its too bad that you have to take the brunt of it.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

They do realize that it's against the law in most areas to leave kids alone this age? Maybe a friendly visit from the police or social services folks are in order.

Seems like you had alot of your plate with the holidays which are hectic enough, sincerely hope things will be better soon hugs.. Catherine

Maryann I am sorry your holiday had to be spoiled by all this and I hope that it all gets better for you soon. I'm sorry about your loss the fact you saw it coming doesn't really make it easier.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I am glad those kids have you. Not much comfort to you, but know that your sacrifies did have a positive impact on them.

I agree...those kids are lucky to have you!! Next year, I would pack them up and take them downtown to volunteer at a shelter or charity so they can see how tough some families and kids really have it. It would do them a world of good!

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"It's not about how much baggage you have, it's about whether or not you can carry your own baggage with grace and dignity."