Happy Holidays 2012

1. What we send your way this Holiday Season along with wishes for a fabulous and prosperous New Year.
4. Alicia's Christmas present following the house break in--after all, what more could a gal want than a home security system??!
5. The almost 73 year-old who works more hours in his retirement than he did in his thirties (which actually pleases Nana to no end).
8. Our dachshund who has gained 2 pounds this year as a result of Norm's indulgent table feedings.
10. The ever-neurotic lawyer of the house who, despite having earned his black belt in Taekwondo, laments over his advancing years and pounds (and honey, I'm afraid that ISN'T all muscle).
12. The preferred sedative of the Acevedo-Powers household ;)
13. How Alicia's feeling following the news that Marty's parents, brother and wife will be visiting for ANOTHER 2 weeks over Christmas after their 6 week summer visit!
14. This 7 year-old, 2nd grader continues to amaze us with her high academic prowess, love of dance, and moods that change as often as the weather in the Northeast.

2. This high maintenance young man entered sixth grade in September following 6 fun-filled years and one office detention at the elementary level!
3. What the entire family was hoping to win two weeks ago so that they could all retire, buy an island somewhere in the Lesser Antilles, distill their own rum and develop unabashed tans.
6. The aspect of 2012 for which the entire household is grateful and never takes for granted (except for Norm who continues to store donuts in the freezer like a squirrel preparing for an Alaskan winter).
7. The lady who can't ever say no to a volunteer need at the kids' school or to any of us at home (Thank God!).
9. The number of years Alicia has invested in the Teacher Retirement system as a hard working, speech pathologist--only 19 more years to go until retirement---uuugh!
11. Our unexpected houseguests at 105 George Street while we were sleeping and who helped themselves to our IPad, cash, & our presents last year!
15. Our 17 year-old, retarded house cat who passed away-however, Nana isn't that sad since she will no longer be cleaning any of the messes resulting from the cat's confusion between the litterbox and Nana's kitchen throw rug.