Thank you all so much. Re the "packaged" picture frame. I got the idea from an office decorating contest we had at work. The contest was not so much the quality of the decorating, but which one looked the most "Christmasy". The winners had decorated every single item in their office, including stuff on the walls. They covered the art work with gift wrap and bow, and that was my inspiration. (mine is actually a picture of some lilies). luvs, re the opened package, LOL! The gift was from a friend who wanted to see me open it!

oh my bestyears, I can't believe how calm your (very attractive) children look next to the maniacal looking cat. I'm afraid of being scratched just looking at that picture. Thank you to everyone for sharing your cards, there are so many wonderful photos of kids & animals. I probably mentioned this before but my sister received a photo card from her friends, just the adults and not the kids or pets. They wrote something clever about how everybody has cute kids and pets but how are the adults holding up? It was funny and pretty bold, since after a certain age many of us aren't willing to share photos of greying, aging selves with old high school friends.

I've had my hands too full with Dad's pnuemonia to get anything done, then with our trip to Washington DC for the funeral service at Arlington Nat'l Cemetary, to get ornament shopping or cards done. Dad is on the mend, and we are safely back home, so I'll be getting started ASAP! I emailed Meredith before we left so she would know I was behind. I will check the P O Box when we go to DD's for dinner later today. Tami

Cool, I HAD to get them out.... I defend my dissertation Wed morning and this weekend, I have to make any and all corrections my committee wants. Still have some more hurdles before graduation but I am getting there!