How is YOUR Christmas shopping going?

Not doing so well? Got it all done (I *intensely dislike* you...)? What comes to mind when you get ready to "get into the season?" Do you dread all of the crowds, the shopping, the consumer mentality of this holiday? Ever wonder what you can do to change that attitude?

I have seen this video a few times now, and LOVE it. And apparently a LOT of other people do, too. It makes you really think about all that we spend on presents people don't really want or need.

The ADVENT CONSPIRACY will open your eyes. Go to the page and look for the video "Enter the Story." I tried to pull it to here, but couldn't figure out how....

Really. It will change how you think.

Oh, and our little church is hoping to dig a well with our little pittance...in Rwanda.
To save a village.

GO.

My brain is coming back!!

I am SO excited. I used to write, and paint, and sew, and decorate, and pretty much had creativity oozing out of every pore.

Then I had kids.

My brain abandoned me. I guess it was feeling a little abandoned..what with interuptions, and no sleep, and other inconveniences that go with having a bunch of children in a short period of time (wow...okay, so that's the first time I've EVER considered 10 years a *short* period of time!!).

Now my "baby" is almost SIX years old. My oldest two could probably run the house without me (that's my goal, anyway...). Yes, I'm busy, but in a controlled, more sleep, less chaos kind of way. I'm kinda diggin' it!

And I have discovered my brain again! It was there all along, just drugged-feeling from years of no sleep and the hectic-ness of life with small children.

I am SO happy to have my brain back! Now maybe I can get on with that book that's been brewing in the back of my head...or the poetry, or sewing, or web design....oh, where to start?!?

Thanksgiving, 2009

It's a beautiful day outside...finally. It was nasty all day yesterday (Black Friday), which suited my plans very well...I stayed home for most of the day, doing practically nothing.

We slept in.
We moved one of our 20-somethings in with the other one.
I cleaned the living room.
I did laundry.
I did some work (a very little bit!)
I ran the dishwasher.
We ate leftovers.
We got out all of the Christmas decor and put up the Christmas tree.
We watched the Alabama/Auburn game (NOT my choice!).

It was an awesome day.

But it was NOT what we had planned.

We were supposed to be in SC, spending the day with my parents, who I haven't seen since last Christmas. We were supposed to have had the money to accomplish this a MONTH ago(thankyouverymuchPSD). I am trying really hard not to be bitter about this. Today was supposed to be spent with Jason's parents, helping with their Christmas decor, and enjoying a relaxing day at the lake house.

So, this is Thanksgiving. I have to give thanks. I am thankful for a relaxing couple of days at home. I am thankful for an understanding family. I am thankful for all that I've gotten done in the last couple of days. I am thankful for the wonderful meal we were able to have with our 20-somethings, and the parents of one of them. I am thankful that my kids have friends all around us to spend their empty hours with.

I am choosing to be thankful...because otherwise I'll make myself miserable.

What are you thankful for today?

Good Morning, Monday!

Reluctant to rise,
Rubbing the eyes.
Shower and eat,
Shoes on the feet.
The bus is late,
Hurry and wait.
Now for a stroll,
The storm took its toll.
More kids to awaken,
And throw on some bacon.
Shoes by the dozen,
And books by the score…
Hurry up kids!
Bus at the door!!
Now hurry to work,
And hurry to clean
No time to shirk…
It’s Monday again.

By: Laura Paxton, November, 2009

When I grow up....

As a little girl I dreamed of doing many different things.

I wanted to be a nurse, a teacher, a veterinarian, a ballerina, and always a mom.

As a mom, I have done so many of those things, in some form or another. I homeschooled my children for 4 years. I am nurse to my children and husband. I am a closet veterinarian for our animals. I dance my way through each day, and though it may not look to others like ballet, I know the complicated twists and twirls that are required to make it through.

Now, I've FINALLY figured out what I REALLY want to be when I grow up. I have actually known for a while, but now that my children are getting older and our financial situation is a little more secure, and my husband has figured out what HE wants to do with the rest of his life....NOW I can start working on what I want to do.

Come, be inspired with me....

Teens are scary creatures....

I should know. I have two of them, currently. They do things that scare lots of years off of the lives of their mothers. Things that seem like normal marking the years, growing up activities...getting their drivers' licenses, gaining more freedom, spending more time with friends, dating....

Oh, that last one has me frightened. You see, we've almost reached that point where we told our oldest that she will be allowed to date. This has really made me think...and quake in fear.

Who was it that decided it would be a good idea for hormonal, curious TEENS to spend time together with a teen of the opposite sex?!? I think I want to STRANGLE whoever it was who came up with this notion. I KNOW how boys think. Even GOOD, solid, G0d-fearing boys. And one of them wants to DATE my little girl. This scares me...A LOT. And NOT just one young man...oh, no. She has been asked out by *2* young men THIS WEEK. HELP!!!

So, any words of wisdom for me?!? Because I'm starting to think that *I* may not survive this whole children dating thing....

To Add to the "Want to Read" List....

I am always on the look-out for new books that will fill my need for understanding of our way of life...and comedy ALWAYS helps!!! This book by Mollie Gross looks like it will fit the bill...can't wait to read it!!




Do you have any more books for me to add to my list?