Five More Sleeps

***DISCLAIMER*** - when I started writing this post, it was Monday, December 20th, so it really was only five more sleeps til Christmas.  Due to a late night trip to retrieve my stranded hubby, the post didn't get finished to Tuesday - which is really four more sleeps....I haven't totally lost it!
_______________________________________________________________________


That is what I told the girls tonight.....five more sleeps until Christmas!  It just can't come soon enough for them, which is not surprising ~ them and their "microwave mentality"!  They are just beside themselves....and I can only play the Santa card for so long - lol!  It will be over soon enough (sigh).


So anyway, we had Zachary's birthday - he turned the big "12" this year.  He was also quick to remind me that in 365 days he would be a teenager.  UGH!  I have been around little ones for years - as soon as I could babysit - but teenagers?  That is unchartered territory for me!  I don't know what to do with them!  I don't think Zachary will be difficult.  He is an awesome kid - an incredible blessing.  I just can't believe that my first little bundle of joy has grown up so fast.  He "broke me in" as a mom.  I was so stressed those first few months - mainly when he was sleeping.  SIDS freaked me out and I would literally stand over his crib on the verge of a panic attack.  Finally, one night I realized that this little blessing from God was in His hands.  All of Zachary's days were known to Him before he graced my arms.  I was stressing over nothing.  Since then, the "worries" have changed..health...happiness...friendships...you know how it goes.  As a mom you never stop worrying about your kids.  Now he's talking about teenage years?  You know - that is a whole year away, so for now, I think I'm just going to put a pin in it and come back to it later.....


Josh got a part in the play "How I Became A Pirate".  It is a really cutre story.  Practices start in January and performances are the end of February.  It is a rough schedule, but one we are used to.  Both boys were in a play in the spring....Zachary just last month...now Josh.  He is actually in the "pirate ensemble", but he doesn't care.  It is a small cast, so he was just glad to get a part!  He and Zachary both have made lots of friends through New Day, so he is looking forward to getting caught up with everyone.


Now, school is out and this week will be crazy, but today was fun.  Went with all the kids and Charles' mom to see "Tangled"....very cute movie!  Still have some shopping (just a few little things) to do...squeeze in a couple of days at work...one (and I do mean one!) more trip to Wal-Mart...a fun night with friends...then a party for Jesus' birthday!  I saw a cute Happy Birthday Jeasus cake (thanks Judith!) on a friend's blog that I am going to try.  If it works, then I will post some pics.  The kids will enjoy it I know.


So anyway...let the fun and festivities begin!  Merry Christmas! 

Tis the Season

...to be jolly?  Thankful? Generous?  Reflective?  Forgiving?  All of the above?  Yeah -- probably the latter for most of us.  I hate to say it, but I don't really feel all of these things in the middle of July.  I most definitely should, but I don't.  Sometimes it takes a dose of reality to really shake things up and make me realize just how fortunate blessed I am.  My husband is sleeping soundly right next to me...yet a young bride is mourning the loss of her husband in Afghanistan (click here to see her blog).  Two other couples I know of are going through a divorce.  It all seems so surreal -- so unfair.  I can't imagine the pain they are going through.  None of these people deserve these tragedies.  Why them?  Why at Christmas?  It seems like there should be some sort of "protective" period during the holidays so that no one should have to experience pain or death during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.  At least ~ I wish it could be that way.  Now, for these families, the holidays will only be a reminder of the day their lives changed forever.  My heart really hurts for them.  Again, I am reminded that I am very blessed.  I have four healthy children, a house to live in, a faithful, patient, hardworking husband, a job....the list goes on.  I think my last post talked about being thankful.  That's okay though...I never want to take these things for granted.


Yet, go back the start of my blog....these things are all heightened in sensitivity because it is the holiday season.  Why aren't we concerned with giving in July?  Why aren't we adopting "angels" or supporting toy drives in the summer?  Why aren't we helping out in the homeless shelters during the other months of the year?  No - I don't do it, but I'm thinking I should be doing something else at other times besides Christmas.  I'm not trying to point fingers - I'm talking to myself here.  Y'all are just lucky enough to be a part of the conversation..haha!  I need to work on that...and get my kids involved in it to.  The boys and I have already been talking about what to do for Christmas to help out other kids.  I want them to think of Christmas as "what can I give?" rather than "what can I get?"  And I know for kiddos -- that is a hard concept!  That is why I want them to decide the "who" and "where" so that they make the final call.  I don't want it to be like I bought the gift and put their name on it.  You know?


Anyway...I'm just kind of rambling.  It's very late early in the morning.   I'm thinking that Starbucks I had earlier wasn't decaf!  Please be thankful for the little things as well as the big things...pray for those who are hurting, and ask God the use you to minister to someone - rather it be in a big way or a small way.  And don't forget to say, "I love you" to those who mean the most to you!