Preparing for Christmas

Towering trees
with long, naked arms.
Carols abreeze
at Christmas tree farms.

Children are thinking
of presents and food.
Parents are wishing
others were not so rude.

The Christmas tree's up,
dressed in white lights,
and long lists of wishes
kids are starting to write.

While parents are longing
for days in the past
with less stuff to do
and wine in a glass.

Ignoring the bills
that next month will bring,
All choosing to focus
on presents and things.

While out in the shadows,
forgotten by some,
there quietly waits
a reminder of home.

A pastoral scene
with unusual kine
A mother and dad
and a baby so fine.

"Why must that be here,"
people wonder aloud,
as they bustle to spend,
keeping up with the crowd.

Forgotten the reason
it all came about
in the rush of the season
and carols so loud.

Still He quietly waits,
no longer a babe,
Loving the ones
He was born to save.

by Laura Paxton, December, 2009

***AWKWARD***

You know that moment.

The one you dread.

Some friend has had something happen to them. Something bad.

You hurt for them. REALLY. You want to say *something*. You think you really probably *SHOULD* say something. You've been thinking about what to say. But every scenario you have run through in your head ends up the same way. It won't sound right. It will hurt more than help. Nothing comes out right, and you end up embarrassed when all you wanted to do was express sympathy and caring.

So, what do you do? Do you say it anyway, even if you *KNOW* it won't come out right? Do you just give them that awkward pat on the shoulder...the one that says "I know I'm not close enough of a friend to give you the hug that I really want to give..."?

How do you handle it?

(so, I just patted her on the shoulder, and said "I'm sorry." I hope it helped, some)

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....