Post Holiday Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Sorry for the radio silence of the past week, it's just with so much going on, and my being home for 6 days I didn't take the time to write. I don't much like to write from home, as my desk setup isn't very ergonomic. We all had a good Christmas though. The kids got a lot of what they wanted, and what they didn't get they were able to buy with some post Christmas shopping (except for James desire for this Lego Set). Everyone seemed to have a good time at both of our gatherings, and we had a nice time at Dad's for my families short Christmas Eve gathering. I was able to avoid overindulging in televised football or bad foods (or at least to some extent). So this week we are easing back into the swing of things, not really settling into the real pattern for another 2 weeks though.

Christmas

First, I want to thank everyone for their good wishes and gifts. They are all greatly appreciated and enjoyed. And I will also say the same on behalf of the rest of the family. It was an emotional Christmas as it was the first without Manny, and there were a few teary eyed moments. But for the most part it was a nice, warm holiday, and the kids really enjoyed themselves, with all of that time with the parents.

Spotty

So we got another book on training the puppy and after taking the time to look at it we have a different outlook on what to do and how to train her. The first part is the housebreaking which I think we can get a better handle on once we establish a more concrete schedule. The second part is as much about training the kids how to deal with the puppy. Teaching Daniel and Emily to sit still when the puppy initially jumps on them, in order to get her to not take nips. And teaching all 3 of the kids to limit how they play and roughhouse with her, in order to avoid bad habits. Like I told the vet yesterday it is not just about training the puppy, it is training us as well.

Football

St. Louis Rams

S.O.S.R. Keeping their eyes on the prize that is the #1 pick in the draft. Of course they could blow that by beating the 49ers this week and having the Lions upset Chicago. And wouldn't it just be the perfect capper on this season for them to lose out on the pick to the Lions because that was one of the only 2 teams they beat?

Denver Broncos

It's hard to put a finger on what has happened to this team this year. I think it really boils down to talent, or lack of it. The quarterback is efficient but not inspiring, the offensive line is not very good at run blocking, the defensive line has trouble against power run games. I don't think it is coaching, although the offensive game plan could be more imaginative as far as getting the best players on the field the whole game. So if they finish at .500 for the season in retrospect I should be happy considering my expectations for the season in August. I am sure that even if they do make the playoffs it will be a 1 and done post season. So in that context it might almost be better to lose this week, except for the fact that they don't own their 1st round draft pick.