Mars here......it's been FOREVER!!

[Mars]

Merry Christmas everyone!

I know it's been forever since I've posted and it seems like every time I do, things aren't good on the home front. I slowed down on posting when things began to be so overwhelming at work.........well............I lost my job on the 19th of November. I began to have some ethical concerns and serious concerns with the way things were being handled and began to be almost insubordinate in my dealings with the director. Anyways, long story short......he terminated me. Guess everything happens for a reason! Things aren't good there - impromptu audits and such going on since all of the elected officials and public sector of the board resigned at the same time......hmmmmmmm :)

I am currently waiting for my last day's pay and my vacation check to be released- it's been over 30 days. grrrrrrrrrrr I'm also fighting unemployment - It was disallowed stating that my job description hadn't changed since my starting date 13 years ago! Imagine......... I appealed and am awaiting word on that.

Anyways - here's some updates with the rest of the family.

Trisha last baby (boy) is due the 24th of the this month - Christmas baby! Eddie turned 2 today and is such a good little boy. Bryce is doing well with the new school in Kansas where the were transferred in November. They were home for a few weeks before they had to report (Eddie is in the Army for those of you who don't know) and we had a very good visit.

Nichole & Jordan are doing well. They will be here on Christmas day to spend time with us and open Santa's gifts and stay for dinner.

My sister is staying with us now. She lost her job and moved in right before I lost mine. Larry is working overtime and will be off the week between holiday's. That will be nice.

I was sad to hear of the loss of Sally; Kait's continued problems and all the other things going on in everyone's life. My thoughts and prayers have been with everyone and I read all the time, just haven't been in the mood to post.

I would like to welcome all the newbies too! It's amazing how our family keeps growing and growing.

My love and special wishes to all my friends for a wonderful, safe and happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year! I sure hope that 2010 brings happiness and good health to us all!

PS: I've missed you all!
PSS: Oh yea.........I've lost 30 lbs and feel pretty good and the MC is doing pretty good too!

Love and hugs,
Mars

[tex]

Hi Mars,

I'm so glad to see an update from you. I was beginning to be concerned. As tough as things have been, it's good to see that you're still hanging in there, and handling the challenges. Losing a long-time job is never fun, but it does sound like you got out of there just in the nick of time - right before the boat went over the falls.

You've got a great family to be proud of, and I'm sure that makes facing the day to day challenges easier than they would otherwise be. Such great grandkids make it all worthwhile, don't they.

I hope the unemployment pay issue gets sorted out quickly. I don't understand what an unchanged job description has to do with unemployment compensation, but then, I'm just an ignorant old country boy, so what do I know?

Wow! 30 pounds! That's pretty impressive. You're dedicated. Good for you.

Merry Christmas to you, too, dear friend, and I sincerely hope you have a much-improved new year.

Much love,
Tex

[Polly]

MARS BAR!

So good to "see" you again. Sorry to hear about the job but happy to hear the family is healthy and growing.

You look terrific in your avatar!!! Congrats on the weight loss.

Have an enjoyable holiday.

Love,

Polly Wolly

[starfire]

Dear Lady, I do pray that the problem with the unemployment is resolved quickly (in your favor, of course) and the shoddy way they are dealing with you is proof enough they certainly do have an "ethical" problem. I hope they get their just rewards. Also, no excuse to delay your vacation pay, etc.

You DO look great!! Congratulations on the weight loss and you have my admiration.

I was so glad to see a post from you.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Glad you got to visit with family.

Love, Shirley

[barbaranoela]

MARGIE always thing of U---great news about Trish-----and 30 pounds!!! wow!!! for s second I had to go back and take another look~~~~~~was it due to your *miseries* or did U fluff it off on your own desires??

So good to see U again --
waves a Very Merry Christmas to U and the family---and a very healthy New Year--

luve
WHATEVER~~~~~~~

[JLH]

Great to see you posting. We've missed you around here.

You look mahvelous, darling. Congrats.


Merry Christmas.

[MaggieRedwings]

Hi Mars!

So happy to see you posting but so sorry about the job loss. However, if you had just about had it with them I can only hope another door opens for you. Congrats on the weight loss and your family sounds like they thrill you to death.

So have missed you.

Love, Maggie

[JJ]

Hi Mars!

Congrats on your weight loss....I'm next....how did you do it? Any special diet?
So sorry to hear about your job situation....something better will come along in the new year! I have decided this will be the decade of HOPE! So many people I know have had a rocky decade, that we have decided that the next one will be fabulous!

Hang in there...and take care kiddo...Love, JJ