Merry Christmas

The Boy (from the bathroom): No one can go downstairs (where the tree is) until we have breakfast.

What kind of kid says that? I guess a hungry one.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I Have Figured it Out

I have finally had an epiphany. The reason it has been so hard for me to get into the spirit this year has been because I don't see a lot of the spirit out there. Maybe I am not looking hard enough. I have avoided shopping this year because so many folks out there are too focused on giving the best, most significant gift to their son/daughter/mother/friend/partner/..... and unfortunately are rude to everyone around them in the process. I have to go out today to finish up some small tasks and I am dreading it with all my being.

I am struggling because I want to be sure I am teaching The Boy and The Girl the spirit behind giving and to sound cliche, the real Reason for the Season. They are no doubt enjoying the holidays. I am making the most of it for them. The Boy and I have talked about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas for our family. The highlight of my week last week was finally purchasing a nativity set for the family. My face light up as The Boy shouted, 'Look Momma, it is the Angel of the Lord." I guess they are getting it. The Girl likes to carry Baby Jesus around in her mouth. I will take it anyway I can get it.

How blessed we are to have the miracle of Christmas. Whether you believe or not, I hope each and everyone reading this (the few of you out there anyway), remembers that it is not what you get, but what you give (and I'm not talking presents.) Merry Christmas!

Spreading Cheer

The Christmas Spirit has nipped at me a bit since about a week ago. Just in the "nick" of time I guess. What helped it along was the fact that a friend of mine surprised me by sending me a little Christmas cheer! I love that we have friends all over this great country of ours! And, who doesn't like to get flowers, so unexpectedly. The great thing about this gesture of kindness is that the arrangement was dropped off at our neighbors house because we weren't home. So, Barbara, our neighbor, brought the arrangement over and said she was glad that the flowers could help her with her Christmas spirit for a day as well. So, thanks Theresa for making two houses more Christmasy this week!

Letters to Santa

The Boy and The Girl each wrote a letter to Santa this year. I will say that The Girl was more interested in eating the marker than writing the letter, but The Boy was all about it and did it with virtually no help this year!

All ready to go!

Finished Products

The Grinch

The Boy: Can we watch the Grinch tonight?
Momma: We just watched that, let's see if there is something else Christmasy on tonight and we will watch that.
The Boy: Do you know what a crime is?
Momma: Um hum
The Boy: Stealing Christmas was the Grinch's crime...but it didn't matter, Christmas came anyway.
Momma: That is true.
The Boy: He's lucky he didn't go to jail.
Momma: He learned about the spirit of Christmas instead.
The Boy: That's better than jail.
Momma: It sure is.

Ho, Ho, Ho

If you haven't been able to tell, I haven't been feeling blogosphere land lately. I think I began this blog as a way to feel better about being a working mom. It was my way of journaling all the things I am not missing out on as I sit at work day in and day out. It is a catharsis of sorts, it makes me feel better...most of the time. I know I am a happier person when I work outside they home, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I really was able to stay home.

Another reason for the lack of posts is that I am having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit. This is not cool, especially since both kiddos are really into it this year. Help, someone send me something that will change my attitude.

Don't get me wrong, I put on the Christmas face for my kiddos. I hope they haven't noticed a difference. We put up decorations, we are doing the infamous advent calendar that I have talked about here and here again this year and it is even Christmasy outside this year. What is my problem?

Hopefully tomorrow, I will be able to post some fun pictures of the Advent Calendar events and a video of Nicholas' rectial performance. He did great by the way!

Is That a Hint?

I pass two churches with billboards on the way to work most mornings and today they both said "count your blessings and give thanks to the Lord." I think God is trying to tell me something.