We got everything wrapped today- although it took most of the day- working off & on. We also got mr 9’s stitches out & the plumber came out to look at the pipes- he fixed the pipe but the pump is either burnt out or the well is very low because we still can’t get a drop of water up here. Because of my previous experiences with water problems & the plumber when we went to town to pick up a few things & meet up with the doctor for the stitches removal we got some more water bottles. Now I will be praying for a chrismas miracle – on the plumber’s suggestion we’re leaving the power to the pump off all night on the hope that it’s just the well a little low & that it will build up so when he stops by tomorrow afternoon & we turn it back on that the pump will kick in.  However I never thought about the pump until this morning when I got up & heard it (I think) & went out in the wind & the rain to look in the basement window (@5:30 a.m. in my nightgown) and saw water on the floor. The plumber said if the pump was trying to pump all the time the water was frozen in the pipes it could have burnt itself out. Which would be a stunningly bad thing because my pump is burried in the yard & was just replaced in 2004 (by the previous owner of my house) ms 18 is ragingly furious at me because she needs a shower & can’t take one. Somehow this is my fault I’m not sure why exactly but it is in her eyes.

Here’s our tree with the gifts- I was a little horrified to realize how few gifts there are under the tree this year- but I at least got it to come out even so all 3 kids have approximately the same amount spent on them- which is important to the 3 of them!
Merry Christmas one & all- I hope everyone has a great holiday!

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through. ~Author Unknown