Sigh, so much catching up to do and so little time in which to do it. I do try to pop in now and then to see how everyone's doing, but you know me, if I responded to all the posts I wanted to, I'd be even less ready for Christmas than I am now! I do want to say welcome to all the newbies and tell all you oldies but goodies how much I miss you. I truly hope 2006 allows me more time to get involved again. (And yes, I WILL post at the weekly journal buddy thread again, I promise!!)

Life's been pretty crazy in the jillegal household, but we're surviving. George took a sabbatical from work to deal with things and its been nice spending more time with him. What I've noticed the most is how he doesn't automatically handle stress by eating everything in sight (something I'm very prone to) and I'm trying to emulate his behaviour. Another trip to Baltimore is being planned for Mariah to have a consultation with the cardiac surgeon and the other girls are going as well for genetic testing. They're happy kids and don't seem to let anything get in the way of enjoying life – I've learned so much from them (and G) about how to "chill".

It doesn't look like I'll be reaching goal in 2005 (unless I amputate a limb or two) but I'll never give up (the fact that Jennifer [Teapot Dynamo] has surpassed me only spurs me on to get to where I want (need) to be.) Having said that, I know maintaining will be where the real journey begins, but I'll have the wonderfully wise Boiaby to help me out!

Now the favour. Remember how you all helped out Matt's friend when her dog (Vicki) was entered in a cutest pooch contest? Remember how Vicki won the contest due in great part to your input? Well lo and behold isn't George's sister's dog, Sofie (in other words, our fur niece) entered in the very same contest for December! Unfortunately though, Sofie is lagging behind in 4th place, even though she's obviously the cutest dog entered and I've heard rumours that the other contestants bite small children, bark and snarl incessantly and are known for peeing on the carpet.

Here's the link – the end of the month is quickly approaching. Please take a moment to do the right thing and vote for Sofie!!



If I don't make my way back here again in time, Happy Holidays to all!!

Glad to hear everything is leveling out a little. Remember to breathe!

Merry Christmas, Jillly!!!!!

P.S. I voted for your fur niece!

Merry Christmas Jill!

We definetly need to catch up!

I voted for Sofie!

LOL - okay, I had to laugh because the literary magazine I help run at school is called sophiethedog.com!!! If anyone wants to read my 2005 submission, you can check it out here. http://sophiethedog.com/spring2005/soul.htm

Ok, I voted, I want to know how they got her in the tutu, my dog would maul me!

Good to hear everything is going well Jill! Happy Holidays!

I voted for Sofie!

Hershey and Lucy are jealous but I did vote for Sophie. Now both my Girls want tutus!

Thanks for taking the time to update us and Merry Christmas. That's great that G is getting to spend time with the family and that things are progressing with Mariah.

I too voted for Sophie although she was losing a bit to gypsey and blossom.

Thanks for the update, Jilly! I need to schedule an amputation, too, or at least liposuction. *Sigh* You and I can face these last "few" pounds together during 2006, okay?

I must have voted for Sofie earlier because it wouldn't let me vote again. But I will post the URL on a doggie board I'm on, and then you'll start seeing the votes. Crossing my fingers that she'll get to dance the winner's dance.

I know you can do it Jill. It sure is good to see you back around. I voted for Sofie also.

She's in second place now. *grins*

Sofie and Gypsey are now tied for first place with 94 votes each!! Crossing my fingers that more people vote for Sofie.

I just voted for Sofie Looks like she's in first place now!!! Merry christmas to you as well

Merry christmas! I voted- she is in first place now and kicking butt.