Can you believe that another year has slipped through the fingers of father time? It is almost time to greet the new year. It is a frightening experience and a struggle to recall an entire year through a few fleeting moments of reflection. This was the dilemma facing the FOPs following the welcomed Thanksgiving weekend.  

It was not to be the expected experience for the entire family this year. Karen was not busy creating a culinary extravaganza while Bruce and the boys watched in complete and utter silence. There was no sizzle of excitement seasoned with a dash of tension and a pinch of panic. The clerks at the grocery store were worried about the family they had not yet seen. The FOPs were cavalier with so few hours remaining until the annual glutenous affair. They were actually calm and at peace with one another. What powerful influence could have this effect? Was it an illegal substance? No, this year was certainly different!  

Wait, what is this? They are all piling into the trusted family chariot! Where would they all go with such little time left and so much preparation remaining?  
 
They weren't aware of it yet, but they were about to experience the essence of Thanksgiving. The family was going to a better place, Amherst, Virginia. Home for the eight member family of Bruce's brother Jay. The experience of putting family first instead focusing on the event will forever change the way Bruce views the holidays.  

You're probably trying to determine where this is headed. In this day of endless rushing and implied time stress it requires a tremendous focus (or an abundance of mind numbing distractions) to remember why we are here. It is easy to see that most of us have lost the focus to support one another and exchange our experiences. This type of support results in enriching all of our lives. Try it. I can recommend it personally.  

So What's Happening?  

Tyler is attending preschool now and flourishing in his new social arena. He is the oldest and the most sought after playmate. I don't know where he gets it from! Ryan is only two and desperately trying to keep up with his older brother. He only lacks the height and the language skills. He is almost the same weight and can do just about everything his older brother can. He's potty trained and started dressing himself. Mom and dad had better watch out for this one!  

Karen can't believe how much activity two young children can produce. She also can't believe how nothing ever seems to get done. Karen may not go into the office as much, but remains productive. She spearheads four annual events for the Medical Center. These include the National Depression Screening Day, National Eating Disorder Screening Day, National Anxiety Screening Day, and National Alcohol Abuse Screening Day. Karen has also taken to the volunteer ranks and is now a group leader for "Mothers of Preschoolers" (MOPS) she is also actively involved with the Beaverdam Heritage Day Foundation (BHDF). Perhaps you've heard of them? She keeps busy which is why you probably haven't heard from her in awhile. Don't take it personally. She's trying to catch up on items missed over the past four years.  

Bruce is not quite as energetic. He hasn't developed any new fat laden protrusions either. He is also involved with the BHDF and manages their web page on the Internet. Bruce has not been around the house as much thanks to Virginia Power. There were two long outages and lots of overtime to distract him from his family duties. If that couldn't do it, there is still the computer. Karen is attempting to form a new self help group for him called Computer Junkies Anonymous or CJA for short.  

It's amazing how much time a man can sit in front of a monitor while his brain is sucked out the other end. As bad as he sounds, at least there is no one named Monica in this story (too bad for Bruce)!  

What's your excuse?  

Just because the FOPs haven't taken the initiative to track you down, hog tie you, and forced you to look at the photo albums doesn't mean they don't like you! It just means they haven't gotten around to you yet! They will! So, if you don't like the inevitable hanging over your head then call, write, email, or drop by. They can then scratch you of their to-do list.  
  
  

Hugs and Kisses!  

Have a very joyous holiday! Bruce, Karen, Tyler, & Ryan wish you the very best at this special time. We send our Love and Season's Greetings.  
  

Bruce, Karen, Tyler & Ryan