Last night at Family Home Evening, we presented a lesson on giving gifts for Christmas. We started by asking the boys to list what they considered to be perfect gifts for a newborn, a three-year-old, a teenager, and a parent. The boys' lists looked like this:
From Zachary:
Newborn - clothes
Three-year-old - truck
Teenager - iPod
Parent - watch
From Tyler:
Newborn - car seat that turns into a stroller
Three-year-old - chair that is small and comfy
Teenager - Batman movie
Parent - iPod
Garry and I threw in our own ideas and we had a nice discussion. Then we asked each boy to think hard about what gift they could give the Savior for Christmas. Zach immediately scribbled, "to be good." He obviously grasped the concept of intangible gifts of the heart.
Tyler looked thoughtful for a moment and then wrote, "sun screen."
Hm. When we asked Tyler to explain his gift, he said, "Well, Jesus lives in a cloud and it's probably close to the sun and gets really hot. I don't want him to get a sunburn."
Even though Ty can't wrap up a bottle of SPF 60 and overnight it to heaven, we think his tender heart is in the right place.
Dec 16, 2008
Dec 15, 2008
Clerks are people and other observations
This morning found Gavin, Tyler, and I in a long line at the post office. I did my own Christmas mailing weeks ago, but I had special cards for our ward's missionaries to whisk off to other corners of the world. So, without a shower, hoping to beat the crowd, I left home with the kids at 8:10.
We arrived five minutes later and had to wait for a parking spot and then in line behind 20 people. It was amusing to me that although the USPS announced on the news last night that today would be the busiest shipping day of the year, only one clerk was working this morning. This was the first of many interesting observations today.
...
Gavin woke up on the wrong side of the crib and didn't appreciate our wait. Tyler, however, was highly entertaining. He put his burgeoning reading skills to the test by reading aloud every sign he could see.
"Please wait until called by the next available clerk," he said with perfect clarity. Bravo, my boy! "Mom, what's a CLERK?" Tyler asked. I explained. "You mean a clerk is a person? That's so weird!" Since he had used his loudest voice for this exclamation, I quickly clarified that being a clerk was a person's job, and a perfectly good job at that. Satisfied, Tyler just read the signs over and over until we actually made it to the front of the line.
...
I [almost] laughed out loud when my total at the post office was $10.99. Do any Dixons remember what that means?
...
Tyler recently changed his car seat's position in the van so he's directly behind the front passenger seat. This allows an excellent view of the road, not to mention the instrument panel and dashboard. Apparently this perspective also lends Tyler the right to critique my driving skills. This morning we hadn't been in the van three seconds before Tyler started peppering me with questions about the gear shift, the emergency brake light, the sign that comes on when the road is slick, and the gas gauge. He wants to know everything about driving that there is to know. Tyler also likes to point out the speed limit, the color of the traffic lights, and whether he thinks I'm driving at the right speed or applying the brakes soon enough. Good grief! A four-year-old backseat driver???
...
I am coming to terms with Colorado snow. However, I am baffled on one issue. This is a place that gets snow each and every winter. It's predictable. There's a pattern. And yet, there are no snowplows to be seen. Sand only comes out occasionally. The city streets are treacherous, not to mention the neighborhood ones that get less traffic. If the city employed snow plows more often, it seems that school wouldn't have to be canceled as frequently.
...
I've also decided that snow and freezing temperatures (it's a balmy 9 degrees this afternoon) are much more tolerable because sunshine comes with the package. As long as Jack Frost and Mr. Golden Sun play nicely together, I just might survive this winter.
...
Yesterday at church we were amused by two comments. One guy said to Garry, "If there was an award for Best Hair, you'd get it!" Garry and I both chuckled at that one. While Garry does indeed have awesome hair, no one has ever really called attention to it. Little did this guy know that Garry has had a close personal relationship with his hair stylist for 10 1/2 years. Yup, it's me.
The other comment comes pretty much every Sunday from the same lady. "Your baby," she observes, "is just so heavy-looking!" That's probably because Gavin IS heavy. Good thing the lady has more sense than to say that about me and my other baby.
...
I discovered today that driving with a freezer in my van (yes, literally, an appliance that freezes things) is tricky, especially in aforementioned driving conditions. We purchased a 20-cubit-feet freezer we found on Craigslist and were happy to fit it in the back of our van. However, the thing liked to slide around when I turned, stopped, started, etc. I drove in the slow lane and was very cautious but my seat still got bumped in the back a few times. That's better than having the thing fly out the back window!
...
A final observation: few things are more delightful that observing babies as they learn to talk. Gavin's latest: "nana" for banana, and I love, love, love to hear him say it.
We arrived five minutes later and had to wait for a parking spot and then in line behind 20 people. It was amusing to me that although the USPS announced on the news last night that today would be the busiest shipping day of the year, only one clerk was working this morning. This was the first of many interesting observations today.
...
Gavin woke up on the wrong side of the crib and didn't appreciate our wait. Tyler, however, was highly entertaining. He put his burgeoning reading skills to the test by reading aloud every sign he could see.
"Please wait until called by the next available clerk," he said with perfect clarity. Bravo, my boy! "Mom, what's a CLERK?" Tyler asked. I explained. "You mean a clerk is a person? That's so weird!" Since he had used his loudest voice for this exclamation, I quickly clarified that being a clerk was a person's job, and a perfectly good job at that. Satisfied, Tyler just read the signs over and over until we actually made it to the front of the line.
...
I [almost] laughed out loud when my total at the post office was $10.99. Do any Dixons remember what that means?
...
Tyler recently changed his car seat's position in the van so he's directly behind the front passenger seat. This allows an excellent view of the road, not to mention the instrument panel and dashboard. Apparently this perspective also lends Tyler the right to critique my driving skills. This morning we hadn't been in the van three seconds before Tyler started peppering me with questions about the gear shift, the emergency brake light, the sign that comes on when the road is slick, and the gas gauge. He wants to know everything about driving that there is to know. Tyler also likes to point out the speed limit, the color of the traffic lights, and whether he thinks I'm driving at the right speed or applying the brakes soon enough. Good grief! A four-year-old backseat driver???
...
I am coming to terms with Colorado snow. However, I am baffled on one issue. This is a place that gets snow each and every winter. It's predictable. There's a pattern. And yet, there are no snowplows to be seen. Sand only comes out occasionally. The city streets are treacherous, not to mention the neighborhood ones that get less traffic. If the city employed snow plows more often, it seems that school wouldn't have to be canceled as frequently.
...
I've also decided that snow and freezing temperatures (it's a balmy 9 degrees this afternoon) are much more tolerable because sunshine comes with the package. As long as Jack Frost and Mr. Golden Sun play nicely together, I just might survive this winter.
...
Yesterday at church we were amused by two comments. One guy said to Garry, "If there was an award for Best Hair, you'd get it!" Garry and I both chuckled at that one. While Garry does indeed have awesome hair, no one has ever really called attention to it. Little did this guy know that Garry has had a close personal relationship with his hair stylist for 10 1/2 years. Yup, it's me.
The other comment comes pretty much every Sunday from the same lady. "Your baby," she observes, "is just so heavy-looking!" That's probably because Gavin IS heavy. Good thing the lady has more sense than to say that about me and my other baby.
...
I discovered today that driving with a freezer in my van (yes, literally, an appliance that freezes things) is tricky, especially in aforementioned driving conditions. We purchased a 20-cubit-feet freezer we found on Craigslist and were happy to fit it in the back of our van. However, the thing liked to slide around when I turned, stopped, started, etc. I drove in the slow lane and was very cautious but my seat still got bumped in the back a few times. That's better than having the thing fly out the back window!
...
A final observation: few things are more delightful that observing babies as they learn to talk. Gavin's latest: "nana" for banana, and I love, love, love to hear him say it.
Dec 14, 2008
Hooray for happy endings
Today I'm grateful for happy endings.
I definitely enjoyed one last night at the ward Christmas party. Watching all the plans in my head unfold so beautifully, seeing 225+ people socialize, eat yummy food, and participate happily in the evening's activities, working with wonderful people from beginning to end (particularly with those friends-to-the-bitter-end who stayed late to clean up), just did my heart good.
These are all extremely happy thoughts because before the party I had three different nightmares about various potential points of failure. The fact that none of them came to pass was an extraordinary relief to me, even though I knew my dreams were completely ridiculous.
I'm looking forward to more photos from the friend I tasked with photographing the event, but here are a couple of lame ones from my camera. There is a reason I delegated the photography job (thanks, Kendra!).
These are the decorated tables before everyone arrived (and before we lowered the lights for a more festive mood). This photo will forever remind me of the aroma-that-became-a-stench of cinnamon pinecones in my car, adventures with raffia and sore fingers, and being OCD with crayon arrangements. Oh, and hilarious chats with Sandie while papering all those tables.
And here we have people serving up plates of fabulous turkey breast, stuffing, gravy, veggies, and salad. I can take zero credit for this gorgeous and delicious spread; my committee members and other volunteers really outdid themselves!
Other events from the party that I now have pictures for:
*A delightful performance of "The 12 Pains of Christmas" by 15 or so hilarious ward members.
*A service exchange among ward members.
*A festive/spiritual musical program that included performances by the Primary children, youth, ward choir, and a women's group, plus lovely narration and a touching story called "The Christmas We Gave Away."
*Scrumptious desserts provided by ward members.
*Signing Christmas cards for the missionaries serving from our ward around the world. (Thanks for making and mailing these, Mom!)
*Enjoyable socializing by all.
Overall, I counted the night as a success. I was totally exhausted at the end of it, but was blessed to feel well and have energy for it all, so that was great! I definitely learned some lessons about leadership and know I have a long way to go as the head of this committee, but I'm pleased that things went as well as they did last night.
Finally, I just can't resist sharing another happy ending. Click the links for the sad beginning and then for the happy ending. I'm sure Angie won't mind that I'm sharing her Christmas miracle.
Good night!
I definitely enjoyed one last night at the ward Christmas party. Watching all the plans in my head unfold so beautifully, seeing 225+ people socialize, eat yummy food, and participate happily in the evening's activities, working with wonderful people from beginning to end (particularly with those friends-to-the-bitter-end who stayed late to clean up), just did my heart good.
These are all extremely happy thoughts because before the party I had three different nightmares about various potential points of failure. The fact that none of them came to pass was an extraordinary relief to me, even though I knew my dreams were completely ridiculous.
I'm looking forward to more photos from the friend I tasked with photographing the event, but here are a couple of lame ones from my camera. There is a reason I delegated the photography job (thanks, Kendra!).
These are the decorated tables before everyone arrived (and before we lowered the lights for a more festive mood). This photo will forever remind me of the aroma-that-became-a-stench of cinnamon pinecones in my car, adventures with raffia and sore fingers, and being OCD with crayon arrangements. Oh, and hilarious chats with Sandie while papering all those tables.
And here we have people serving up plates of fabulous turkey breast, stuffing, gravy, veggies, and salad. I can take zero credit for this gorgeous and delicious spread; my committee members and other volunteers really outdid themselves!
Other events from the party that I now have pictures for:
*A delightful performance of "The 12 Pains of Christmas" by 15 or so hilarious ward members.
*A service exchange among ward members.
*A festive/spiritual musical program that included performances by the Primary children, youth, ward choir, and a women's group, plus lovely narration and a touching story called "The Christmas We Gave Away."
*Scrumptious desserts provided by ward members.
*Signing Christmas cards for the missionaries serving from our ward around the world. (Thanks for making and mailing these, Mom!)
*Enjoyable socializing by all.
Overall, I counted the night as a success. I was totally exhausted at the end of it, but was blessed to feel well and have energy for it all, so that was great! I definitely learned some lessons about leadership and know I have a long way to go as the head of this committee, but I'm pleased that things went as well as they did last night.
Finally, I just can't resist sharing another happy ending. Click the links for the sad beginning and then for the happy ending. I'm sure Angie won't mind that I'm sharing her Christmas miracle.
Good night!
Dec 11, 2008
O Christmas Tree
We finally decorated our Christmas tree tonight. It's a simple holiday tradition we enjoyed as a family.
I'm the first to admit that I'm struggling to find the joy in the journey -- any journey -- these days, but tonight I had a small reprieve as I fondly remembered Christmases past. As the boys decorated our giant noble fir, I found myself bathed in flashbacks that included my own childhood, my teenage years, the first holidays Garry and I shared, and the seven Christmases that have included our children.
There's a story behind every single ornament. The clothespin angel a high school friend gave me the year we graduated. The wooden stocking stenciled with my name from a mall in California, purchased on a trip when I was obsessed with a boy from Orange. The set of 8 home-made ornaments I painted with my fellow young women in 1993. The ceramic reindeer that always has to have a special place.
This is one of the oldest ornament on our tree -- a gift from my parents when I was young. I believe my brother and sister have similar angels.
Then there's a Zachary hand print, one that's not so different than one he'd make now. But someday I'm sure I'll really love this one.
This one came from Grandma Dent, whose tree used to have dozens of Raggedy Anns and Andys. Each of the grandchildren got a set a few years ago.
The idea of getting new and unique ornaments every year was a new tradition for Garry when we got married; this is the only ornament he had in 1998, while I had a big box.
This one came from Grandma Dent a few years ago, and it is the boys hands-down favorite!
This is the first ornament Garry and I bought together for Christmas 1998 when we were still newlyweds.
Then there are lots of ornaments like this -- homemade with photos. Remember the playgroup ornament exchange of 2003, Jen P.? The back says, "Do you hear what I hear? Love, Sarah."
This snowflake came home for Christmas 2004, when Tyler was eight months old. Time sure flies!
Part of me would like to have a fancy, themed tree with beautiful ornaments that match, perfectly placed lights and ribbon, and a gorgeous tree skirt. But most of me really likes this eclectic hodge-podge of random decorations, the always-askew Santa hat, and the perpetually bare and rearranged lower branches. It's like throwing my life history on a pine tree for a few weeks out of the year. What's better than that?
I'm the first to admit that I'm struggling to find the joy in the journey -- any journey -- these days, but tonight I had a small reprieve as I fondly remembered Christmases past. As the boys decorated our giant noble fir, I found myself bathed in flashbacks that included my own childhood, my teenage years, the first holidays Garry and I shared, and the seven Christmases that have included our children.
There's a story behind every single ornament. The clothespin angel a high school friend gave me the year we graduated. The wooden stocking stenciled with my name from a mall in California, purchased on a trip when I was obsessed with a boy from Orange. The set of 8 home-made ornaments I painted with my fellow young women in 1993. The ceramic reindeer that always has to have a special place.
This is one of the oldest ornament on our tree -- a gift from my parents when I was young. I believe my brother and sister have similar angels.
Then there's a Zachary hand print, one that's not so different than one he'd make now. But someday I'm sure I'll really love this one.
This one came from Grandma Dent, whose tree used to have dozens of Raggedy Anns and Andys. Each of the grandchildren got a set a few years ago..
And the birdie that kept spinning and spinning so I couldn't get a focused picture.
And the birdie that kept spinning and spinning so I couldn't get a focused picture.
The idea of getting new and unique ornaments every year was a new tradition for Garry when we got married; this is the only ornament he had in 1998, while I had a big box.
This one came from Grandma Dent a few years ago, and it is the boys hands-down favorite!
This is the first ornament Garry and I bought together for Christmas 1998 when we were still newlyweds.
Then there are lots of ornaments like this -- homemade with photos. Remember the playgroup ornament exchange of 2003, Jen P.? The back says, "Do you hear what I hear? Love, Sarah."
This snowflake came home for Christmas 2004, when Tyler was eight months old. Time sure flies!Part of me would like to have a fancy, themed tree with beautiful ornaments that match, perfectly placed lights and ribbon, and a gorgeous tree skirt. But most of me really likes this eclectic hodge-podge of random decorations, the always-askew Santa hat, and the perpetually bare and rearranged lower branches. It's like throwing my life history on a pine tree for a few weeks out of the year. What's better than that?
Dec 10, 2008
He speaks not, but he's got a mean growl
According to our pediatrician (and our family's past experience), Gavin's small collection of vocalizations counts as good talking for a one-year-old. He says mamama, dadada, dah (ball), eheheheh, and a lispy "ish," which invariably means something happy. Last night he looked right at Garry and said, "da!" It's fun to note his progress.
But my hands-down favorite Gavin sound: his growl. Dinosaurs growl. Trucks growl. And most importantly, copy-catting babies growl. This is a bit of a haphazard video, but Gavin's growling just makes me laugh. Just a note: Tyler is growling in the background, trying to egg on his brother. Ty was hanging on my back and Gavin kept trying to reach for the camera and I couldn't stop laughing.
But my hands-down favorite Gavin sound: his growl. Dinosaurs growl. Trucks growl. And most importantly, copy-catting babies growl. This is a bit of a haphazard video, but Gavin's growling just makes me laugh. Just a note: Tyler is growling in the background, trying to egg on his brother. Ty was hanging on my back and Gavin kept trying to reach for the camera and I couldn't stop laughing.
Dec 9, 2008
One of those days
It's one of those days when nothing seems to be going right.
School is canceled because part of the city (not our part) is snowed in.
The big boys (&I) are suffering through a no-friends-or-electronic-entertainment week, which means a day without school is awfully long.
Tyler is screaming through yet another writing consequence for saying bad words.
The vacuum broke.
A plan to deep-clean the boys room ended up with four grumpy Bartles and a distinct distaste for all material possessions and the inevitable clutter they cause.
And I still can't find my slippers!!!
ARGH!
That's quite a list, and I can't seem to keep running through it, so I've determined to make a happy list and get on with my life. So here's some stuff that made me smile today.
Seeing Gavin cuddle with his bear-buddy, Russell (aka the ticket to a binky-free future).
Taking a walk on the treadmill while enjoying a few uplifting articles.
Watching the snow blow about like so much glitter in the wind.
Realizing that I only have four more days until a certain festive event is behind me.
Realizing that tonight is my last song practice with the youth for a certain festive event.
Packaging presents for some birthday girls in my life.
Washing four loads of laundry in four hours because my new washer and dryer ROCK. (I really am spoiled, despite all my griping.)
Reading this funny story and this funny story and realizing random/frustrating stuff doesn't only happen to me.
Onward and upward, eh?
School is canceled because part of the city (not our part) is snowed in.
The big boys (&I) are suffering through a no-friends-or-electronic-entertainment week, which means a day without school is awfully long.
Tyler is screaming through yet another writing consequence for saying bad words.
The vacuum broke.
A plan to deep-clean the boys room ended up with four grumpy Bartles and a distinct distaste for all material possessions and the inevitable clutter they cause.
And I still can't find my slippers!!!
ARGH!
That's quite a list, and I can't seem to keep running through it, so I've determined to make a happy list and get on with my life. So here's some stuff that made me smile today.
Seeing Gavin cuddle with his bear-buddy, Russell (aka the ticket to a binky-free future).
Taking a walk on the treadmill while enjoying a few uplifting articles.
Watching the snow blow about like so much glitter in the wind.
Realizing that I only have four more days until a certain festive event is behind me.
Realizing that tonight is my last song practice with the youth for a certain festive event.
Packaging presents for some birthday girls in my life.
Washing four loads of laundry in four hours because my new washer and dryer ROCK. (I really am spoiled, despite all my griping.)
Reading this funny story and this funny story and realizing random/frustrating stuff doesn't only happen to me.
Onward and upward, eh?
Dec 6, 2008
I {heart} my calling
Here's how Garry and I spent our {hot} Friday night:
Tying 120 bundles of crayons and looping raffia on 125 cardstock service stars (a.k.a. preparing goodies for the ward Christmas party) is so much less annoying when chatting with Garry and watching endless old episodes of Law & Order.
December 13, please come soon. I'm ready for you to be in the past.
Tying 120 bundles of crayons and looping raffia on 125 cardstock service stars (a.k.a. preparing goodies for the ward Christmas party) is so much less annoying when chatting with Garry and watching endless old episodes of Law & Order.
December 13, please come soon. I'm ready for you to be in the past.
Dec 5, 2008
6/6
Our little family of five had six medical appointments in two days this week. I know you are dying for a report.
On Wednesday (after waking up late and frantically remembering the schedule), I took Zach to school and went to the dentist while Garry took Tyler and Gavin to Gavin's well-child check-up. (This is what happens when a lack of brain function leads to double-booking appointments.) That afternoon Zach and Ty visited the dentist as well.
This morning we braved the snowy, icy roads so Garry could see the dentist (with Zach in tow -- school started late today) and I could attend my 16-week OB appointment. Tyler and Gavin tagged along with me. What a party.
Garry handled Gavin's check-up -- Daddy's first, I might add -- like a pro. He had to deal with co-pay issues and lack-o'-medical-record issues (oh, yeah, I need to follow up on that), the list of questions I sent with him, and immunizations. Happily, Gavin is doing great. While he ran all over the room, climbed in and out of the toy basket, and jabbered on, Garry talked to the doctor about ditching the milk bottle and, after that, the binky. We're on it...after the holidays. Gavin is in the 80-85th percentile for height and weight (I thought it would be higher). We love his chub around here. This is what 25.5 pounds of mischievous baby looks like:
Our neighbor referred us to an awesome dental office. The boys had a terrific time at their appointments. The hygienist was so much fun; she let Tyler do saliva suction for himself and Zachary! Although I was pretty concerned about the boys' oral hygiene (I have not been an attentive parent the last few months), they walked away with zero cavities, new toothbrushes, and the surprising fact that they don't have to use toothpaste to achieve clean teeth. Ironically, it was I, the obsessive/compulsive brusher in the family, who had a cavity this week. I blame it on three months of puke.
Baby #4 has a heartbeat, which I was privileged to hear this morning. Ah, such a wonderful sound. I have been feeling pretty well for the last two weeks, and it was starting to freak me out. While I have been oh-so-grateful not to spend my days with my head in toilet, I have never felt so well so early and I took it to be an omen of bad news. However, it turns out I'm just a drama queen with a big blessing in my life.
And I've gained five pounds in two weeks. Guess whose appetite is back? It's probably time to dust off the treadmill.
On Wednesday (after waking up late and frantically remembering the schedule), I took Zach to school and went to the dentist while Garry took Tyler and Gavin to Gavin's well-child check-up. (This is what happens when a lack of brain function leads to double-booking appointments.) That afternoon Zach and Ty visited the dentist as well.
This morning we braved the snowy, icy roads so Garry could see the dentist (with Zach in tow -- school started late today) and I could attend my 16-week OB appointment. Tyler and Gavin tagged along with me. What a party.
Garry handled Gavin's check-up -- Daddy's first, I might add -- like a pro. He had to deal with co-pay issues and lack-o'-medical-record issues (oh, yeah, I need to follow up on that), the list of questions I sent with him, and immunizations. Happily, Gavin is doing great. While he ran all over the room, climbed in and out of the toy basket, and jabbered on, Garry talked to the doctor about ditching the milk bottle and, after that, the binky. We're on it...after the holidays. Gavin is in the 80-85th percentile for height and weight (I thought it would be higher). We love his chub around here. This is what 25.5 pounds of mischievous baby looks like:
Our neighbor referred us to an awesome dental office. The boys had a terrific time at their appointments. The hygienist was so much fun; she let Tyler do saliva suction for himself and Zachary! Although I was pretty concerned about the boys' oral hygiene (I have not been an attentive parent the last few months), they walked away with zero cavities, new toothbrushes, and the surprising fact that they don't have to use toothpaste to achieve clean teeth. Ironically, it was I, the obsessive/compulsive brusher in the family, who had a cavity this week. I blame it on three months of puke.
Baby #4 has a heartbeat, which I was privileged to hear this morning. Ah, such a wonderful sound. I have been feeling pretty well for the last two weeks, and it was starting to freak me out. While I have been oh-so-grateful not to spend my days with my head in toilet, I have never felt so well so early and I took it to be an omen of bad news. However, it turns out I'm just a drama queen with a big blessing in my life.
And I've gained five pounds in two weeks. Guess whose appetite is back? It's probably time to dust off the treadmill.
Dec 4, 2008
Looking like Christmas -- or at least white.
Still no sign of my brain, but I'm trying to function without it.
Colorado Springs is a winter wonderland, folks. The temperature at the moment: 14 degrees. For the second time this week, it has snowed all day. I have to admit, the snow is quite beautiful. And the kids had a blast in it on Monday. I predict this afternoon will bring more adventures of the snowy sort.
Meanwhile, I've been wrapping my head around Christmas. The house is mostly decorated, though we still lack a tree and outdoor lights (Garry's planning on these Saturday Christmas tasks). We have a yummy-smelling Wallflower reminding us of holiday cider, and we've been playing a festive radio station a lot around here. Also, I got in gear and tackled the shopping lists. Armed with my trusty spreadsheet (Is there a better way to keep track of gift items and expenses? OK, I'm a nerd.), I hit several stores last night and ordered the rest online this morning. Ah, I love the internet.
That other Christmas thing in my life -- the church party coming up next Saturday -- is also looming, but things are pretty much under control. I'm counting on a few Thursday night TV shows to get me through the menial task of making service stars and tying crayon bundles. And I'm counting on clear-ish roads to allow for some last-minute shopping next week. And I'm counting on my committee (and others I have roped into the cause) to come through with their food and music and decoration assignments! I'm sure they will. Things always work out, right?
Colorado Springs is a winter wonderland, folks. The temperature at the moment: 14 degrees. For the second time this week, it has snowed all day. I have to admit, the snow is quite beautiful. And the kids had a blast in it on Monday. I predict this afternoon will bring more adventures of the snowy sort.
Meanwhile, I've been wrapping my head around Christmas. The house is mostly decorated, though we still lack a tree and outdoor lights (Garry's planning on these Saturday Christmas tasks). We have a yummy-smelling Wallflower reminding us of holiday cider, and we've been playing a festive radio station a lot around here. Also, I got in gear and tackled the shopping lists. Armed with my trusty spreadsheet (Is there a better way to keep track of gift items and expenses? OK, I'm a nerd.), I hit several stores last night and ordered the rest online this morning. Ah, I love the internet.
That other Christmas thing in my life -- the church party coming up next Saturday -- is also looming, but things are pretty much under control. I'm counting on a few Thursday night TV shows to get me through the menial task of making service stars and tying crayon bundles. And I'm counting on clear-ish roads to allow for some last-minute shopping next week. And I'm counting on my committee (and others I have roped into the cause) to come through with their food and music and decoration assignments! I'm sure they will. Things always work out, right?
Dec 1, 2008
Post this on your nearest telephone pole
Missing: One brain.
Description: Pinkish, goopy mass chock-full of names, faces, appointment dates and times, phone numbers, clothing and shoe sizes, family gift preferences, blog addresses, birth dates, 29 years of useless facts, party decoration ideas, personality quirks, plus OCD and bipolar tendencies. Equipped with a sensitive "yell" switch and a panic button. Answers to Mom, Mamamama, MOMMY, themeanestmomever, eh-eh-eh-eh-eh, You There, Hey Lady, and occasionally Babe.
If found: Please stow in your best organ preservation chest and email this blog author. She has double-booked three separate appointments today alone and is desperately trying to remember where she put her slippers.
Description: Pinkish, goopy mass chock-full of names, faces, appointment dates and times, phone numbers, clothing and shoe sizes, family gift preferences, blog addresses, birth dates, 29 years of useless facts, party decoration ideas, personality quirks, plus OCD and bipolar tendencies. Equipped with a sensitive "yell" switch and a panic button. Answers to Mom, Mamamama, MOMMY, themeanestmomever, eh-eh-eh-eh-eh, You There, Hey Lady, and occasionally Babe.
If found: Please stow in your best organ preservation chest and email this blog author. She has double-booked three separate appointments today alone and is desperately trying to remember where she put her slippers.
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