Stressful vacation?

So, I just poured myself a glass of wine here at 8:15 pm.  The kids are finally in bed, and I just took a shower.  Tonight is all about relaxation.  The Duraflame is lit in the fireplace - yes that's right, the Welshes are all about the Duraflame log.  So, why am I so excited about some relaxation?  Because this "vacation" has been anything but!  

I guess I thought, no...I guess I hoped that this 2 week vacation that I am on would be relaxing.  A time to unwind and spend fun time with the family.  But, the Holidays are a crazy time and it took a few days to get ready for those.  Then after Christmas, it took a few days to get the toys put away and get the house organized.  Now it is almost New Year's and my vacation is coming to a close, and I'm totally and completely exhausted!  

Our kids are great, but my God I'm sick of being their referee.  I swear they are growing because they are constantly asking for food (even though they both just out-ate me at breakfast, and it's only been one hour since).  I tried to read today and I was bombarded by questions and requests and the need to break up fights.  Uggggh!  I might be going a little bit crazy.  

And to top it off, I decided to get a free 7-day trial at 24-hour fitness because I thought this would be the perfect week to get some free workout time in.  But I haven't gone yet because there is no time, and they call us every day to ask us when we are going to come in and activate our free pass.  Leave me alone already!  I wish I could come in, believe me!

So anyway, enough of the pity party.  Life is great and I'm happy to be here.  Perhaps the wine is starting to kick in?

Christmas was great fun.  The kids got way too much stuff as usual.  Santa brought Matthew a train and he was just thrilled (even though it was a steam engine and not a diesel, it was still "just what he wanted").  Kayla got a tricycle from Santa.  Andrew and I got a new MacBook, which I am typing on as we speak, and we finally went wireless in our house.  I also got a new iPod nano - red, of course.  We spent Christmas at my parents house, and the Kansas relatives were here.  We've been to the zoo.  Lots of fun.

I managed to sell my rug on Craigslist today - see previous post for some background.

We're gearing up for 2009, which promises a ton of fun vacations already planned.  Can't wait for those!  Disneyland, Phoenix, the Outer Banks, and Mexico.  Perhaps they will provide some relaxation....  Who am I kidding?  Travel with kids is never relaxing.  But at least one of them will be with dear friends who I dearly miss.

The wine is definitely helping...I've decided that I need to schedule a massage and facial for Friday.  

Happy New Year to you all.  I hope you have a wonderful, safe, and healthy 2009!