I just wish things were going better for you now, but at least you're able to be getting things fixed with everyone's health, eventually. I feel for you so much, and am pulling for everyone to get better sooner than expected. I have to admit that one of my favorite Christmases was when I came down with the flu, and couldn't do anything with anyone or for anyone for Christmas. We just stayed at home and had a Christmas with just us and the kids. In spite of a fever and feeling yucky, it was one of the most fun Christmases I've had. No worry about getting things done, no having to travel, no obligations - I just got to be lazy. I hope you get to be lazy for Christmas, too, although with all those little ones, probably not. Nevertheless, take care of yourself. Sally

((((Hugs and Love and real Christmas Joy from me to you)))) You're very wise to spend a happy Christmas in your home with your family instead of somewhere else with a drama-rama going on. I have a friend, with two children, that has been married for 29 years. They have never, ever, once had the Christmas holidays in their own home. It's always been pack up the kids, pack up the gifts, drive half-way across the country, spend exactly the same number of hours at first his "family" and then her "family" (and reverse the times and meals for the next year, AND keep a diary so you can prove that they didn't slight anyone) and then rush home to get back to work. Their kids are in college now, and don't have a single memory of their family having a Christmas in their home with their parents and tree of thier own. I don't understand it all. I'd rather be by myself, in a hotel room in a foreign country, than have to deal with my bickering, stressed, angry, hurtful, at-each-others' throats extended family. There are a few family members I'd love to share a holiday, any holiday, with, but they are few and far between and most of them are under the age of 10 or over 80. You hang in there. Tell the people you love that you love them and make happy holiday memories for you, your kids, and your home, and your hubby.

Maddie, I am just now reading your post. You and your husband have been through hell and back. I am so happy to hear that you both are doing well. Your positivity is so admirable. Huge hugs to you both! Thank you for sharing with your GW family. We love you! Amy

Bring in a modern wall unit, not in white, but a natural wood. Get a splashy area rug with pink and blue in it to lay over the existing carpet. Bring down the art work from the staircase and find a place for opposite the sofa as part of the media wall. Get pillows for the sofa that are have yellows, whites and some blues in the pattern As a replacement for the art on the staircase, get something very vertical and wide and modern, like a black and white graphic, maybe with one other contrasting color.