Introduction

Alright, I'm a blogging virgin. So, why in the world would I venture into the cul-de-sac of online bloggers barely wearing my internet condom to protect me from the harsh world of critics? Simply put, I'm 39 and had hoped to chronicle the last year of my 30s before all went downhill. You know what I mean - I'm sure once I turn forty, I'll wake up with head full of gray hair (well on my way), have to roll my boobs back from wear gravity now calls them home, and I'll begin to lose my memory (I'm sure I have early onset Alzheimer's).

I had hoped to start this blog on my birthday - April 5th. As you can see, I'm a bit late, but really - starting in July - 9 months before my 40th is rather fitting. It's like birthing the blog baby, which I'm sure is far less painful than the three children that call me mom.

For those of you that have stumbled upon this post, wondering if a working mid-western mom has anything remotely interesting to say - well, let me just say that you don't me or my family very well. We are the epitomy of chaos - if the suns are shining all around us - rest assured, there is a black cloud with hurricane force winds firmly following our every step.

In order to get everyone up to speed - we need to do a little ABC Lost flash-backs. I'll give you the basics to get started:

3 Kids - Delaney, Jack and Max
1 Husband - Dave

Dave and I are a carbon neutral couple, almost like a hybrid car. He works on the internet saving trees, I cut down trees publishing cookbooks. My kids used to think I had the cooler job (free books!), but I have lost out to the "they still do that in corporate America" internet game room at Dave's job, complete with Wii, shuffleboard, free drinks and snacks, etc. Needless to say, I'm booking the next kids birthday party at Dave's work.

I digress - in order to get everyone up to speed on the chaos of our life, I am posting our Christmas blogs, formerly known as our annual Christmas newsletter. Yes, you too, can read first hand about the chaos of our lives. Then, we'll back track to June, because frankly, I could write an entire book on June. Not in the "awesome" way that my youngest Max constantly says, but June could be chalked up to, "You've got to be kidding me."

Enjoy the next nine months of labored blogging - without an epidural! Ouch!