Holiday Gain...

Neighbor gifts...friend or foe? You tell me, I just polished off a WHOLE loaf of bread. No, not a mini loaf of homemade bread...a regular size. Why do people insist on food? Don't they know people like me have no self control?

Christmas Music Everywhere...

I was sent this, and thought it was neat. I get so sad sometimes when the word "Christ" is taken out of Christmas and the holidays these days. We have to say things so politically correct, and we cant say "Merry Christmas", and play Christmas music at events...but play "holiday music" that fits everyone's liking, so they wont be offended when the word "Christ" is mentioned at all. Then i saw this video in a MALL, and I just loved it!

Santa's Message to Thomas...

So, I found this link to have a REAL Santa make a personal message to your child...personal to the age, personality, what kind of year they have had, and the things they want...its super neat...check it out. Tommy as been talking with Santa all day. Its pretty magical.

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/53vyp95-g22xGknIB6dQYw

All the hustle and Bustle...

As I sit here in our third bedroom (don’t want to make that sound too glorious…it’s a cubby hole really) which seconds as a home office and a guest bedroom and laundry room and Christmas wrapping center… I realize that I’ve been staring into space for a couple minutes now. Overwhelmed by the exhaustion of the season …Christmas that is. Anyone who knows me knows that I practically poop Christmas elves, I LOVE this time of year so much. However, I also build it up so big each year, I can’t keep up with myself…and Thomas is only TWO! How will I ever keep this pace up over the years? Couldn’t I, we, fuss a little less and enjoy the season a bit more…couldn’t we? SNAP out of it Kate! The thought has often come to me, “Why do we try to always cram it into just ONE month? Why do the Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Road Home, and all these service projects or acts of service seem double time this time of year?” We give gifts to neighbors and friends to show them we love them and we care… just because it’s that time of year. This month is my favorite because I think we overindulge in every aspect…food, gifts, and generosity. But why only JUST this month? AS the Saviors example, we feel loving and give more this month…but tend to forget later. After December has come and gone, we all seem a little embarrassed or ashamed that we “did so much” or “got a little too cheesy” or “over the top”. We pull back in for eleven more months till December rolls around again. No wonder why we seem so overwhelmed, December IS crazy busy if we leave all of our generosity and serving and fun to one month! Suppose we cut back on some of the things this year…so we had some energy to make a little of Christmas last ALL YEAR LONG? That would really be my idea of heaven, Christmas all year. That means Christmas music the entire time sweetie (Rob)! Maybe I can try to slow it down the rest of the month and remember I can spread this out, and remember to celebrate Him more, who this special holiday is really all about. I’m serious. We can do it. Now, I’m going to get off my soap box, and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!

To My Veteran on Veterans Day

Today is Veterans day. Most of us don't really think about today as any big deal...dont feel bad because neither did I for most my life. I think my dad described most of what I felt and what my family felt when Rob suddenly was thrown into war back in 2002 and again in 2004..."You don't really care about the game until you know someone on the team". This suddenly became true for me as a newly engaged girl and then as a new bride. As for all of our loved ones, we were all in shock. Rob, however, regardless of how we felt about the war, was true to his duty 100%. He never backed down, and was completely faithful in both of his deployments. Like so many have before, Rob has served his country faithfully. Im so grateful for him and for his sacrifices... it delayed many things in his life. However, he will tell you it gave him experiences he could have learned in no other way. Today I honor you Rob, and the many others who have served. I'm sorry that we sometimes forget the players on our team.

Our Halloween

We had a blast this Halloween. We had party after party. Some were documented... some were not. But here is a collage of what WAS documented this Halloween.

First Bike with Pedals

Tommy has had a bike, but it just scooted...it was by far, and is the coolest bike you will find. Its a European style Radio Flyer no pedal bike that he hauls around on. But we got him this only cause he could reach pedals on most of the kids bikes. So, I was at the DI looking for a fish bowl for our new gold fish ands saw them unpacking this Ketler (a sweet German brand, only sold in high end toy stores) kid bike, and was shocked someone was giving it up. Even more shocked to see the price. $3!!!! I about screamed, and grabbed it! We ran home to let Tommy try it out. Luckily my friend Christine,a photographer, was outside with her camera to capture it best. Now Thomas has two sweet rides. One with and without pedals.