Gladitude Monday

So...How're you all doin'? Enjoying family and blogging/reading other blogs in fits and spurts as I am? I hope your Christmas was blessed. Ours was great. We're in the process of digging out from all our snow, getting ready for our annual New Year's Eve junk food sleep-over extravaganza, which we do with dear, dear friends of ours. And...just chillaxing. I give you, with a tear in my eye, the last Gladitude Monday list of 2008:



10. Glad our slush has almost melted away, and that I can see grass in the back yard. Since we have not seen plows on our streets since our foot+ of snow it's been terrible just trying to get out of one's driveway. I kid you not! I have been stuck in the street, 20 feet from home, doing the rock and roll drive, reverse, drive, swear under my breath deep breath, repeat.



9. Glad for trash removal! Yay! Dare I never take the sound of those loud trucks for granted again, as two weeks' worth of refuse and recycling have overtaken our home.



8. Glad for our neighborhood's Christmas party, which we moved to last night, rather than jamming it in before the 25th. We were all relaxed, and the kids were able to be mostly sequestered in a game/movie room whilst we had a cosmo or 2, played Catch Phrase (FUN! I hadn't played that before), and just caught up with each other.

7. Glad for an impromptu play date with some other neighbors. These 2 ladies and I are fond of each other, but aren't in each other's circles typically because of the ages of our children and their different schools. They have high schoolers, and I have an elemer and a jr higher. However, come December 23, and lots of snow and t.o.g.e.t.h.e.r.n.e.s.s. with our families before the holiday even began, we found ourselves a) running out of food, and b) running low on grace and good cheer. SO...we did what any other crazy folks do when desperate to get out of the house: we went to the mall. And then to the grocery store. And then to a Mexican place near home for frosty libations and spicy edibles. What should have been a "3 Hour Tour"--cue Gilligan music--took us over 5. But we didn't care a snap. Yeah, the grocery lines were Soviet Union Russia-esque, but we were thankful for the time to decompress, to giggle, and to survive all the traffic mishaps which came our way via icy parking lots and lumpy, bumpy streets.

6. Grateful for time to bake. I didn't make a whole ton of goodness, but since Drama Girl and I actually had the time, we took it. We made little mini loaves of orange-pumpkin bread, and orange zest shortbread cookies dipped in semi sweet chocolate to give to the neighbors (and to Santa). Apparently orange was a big baking theme for me...I think I had some extra clementines, so I zested them.

5. Glad for time to sew. I made a little table runner for my BFF, and liked it so much, I had to make myself one, too. :) Again, if the weather hadn't been prohibitive, I wouldn't have done this, so thank You, God, for the snow. And for the perspective that it's okay--and needed--to putter and to slow life down every now and then.

4. Glad for all the virtual and paper/photo Christmas greetings we received. I still haven't mailed all mine out. About 3/4 got sent, and then...the others...not. Oh, well. Neither our looks nor our news has changed that greatly since mid-December. :) They'll be mailed very soon.

3. Super glad I got to see Marley and Me. For a couple of reasons...first, I'm so happy to have been in a real theater, seeing a non-kid movie, that I could have jumped up and down. Not that I have anything against them--but for the last year, it's ALL I've seen in the theater (if and when I get to go). Secondly, I just loved that book so especially much, and wanted to see the movie. Of course the movie isn't as good, but they never are. It was very sweet and fun and I laughed and cried. Perfect for me.

2. My family very sweetly spoiled me for Christmas this year. While of course I enjoyed the gifts, what I loved most was the thoughtfulness which went into the shopping (especially by our leader: Drama Girl) for all my presents, down to the candy in my stocking. I showed Big Cheryl's post about what her hubby and she do for Christmas for each other, and I think he really took to heart that it doesn't matter what I get; I just want some thought and love to go into it.

1. Glad for a reboot for the New Year. Literally. We had a nasty virus in this computer. One that my information system techy-geek husband spent 8 hours fighting and then paid nearly $200 to be rid of with the help of another techy-geek. As we say around here...there's a special place in H-E-double hockey sticks for the person who did this. Glad for the reboot in attitude, too. While none of us likes to be w/o the computer, it's easy to see how addicted we are. I'd come into the office and sit down, ready to type, and only a blank screen would stare back. Very sobering. While I wouldn't call it idolatry...maybe I should...

What are you glad for today? I'm sure as heck glad that someone read to the end of this. :)

Blessings!!!! SDG!

Gladitude Monday: Merry Christmas

The Glad10: Christmas Style. Get your scroller-finger ready, 'cause there are plenty o' pictures in this post. Sorta like picture diarrhea if, you know, there was such a thing.

Anyhoo...

10. Glad for snow. Perhaps not for this magnitude of gladitude of snow, but we have about 10 inches here in the 'hood, and it does remind me of CO. Also, it seems apparent that we'll have a white Christmas. Pics below out our front door--as far as a woman in pjs dare wander.

9. Glad for artificial colors and flavorings. Who could make cut-out Christmas cookies w/o them? Below: our son, of whom we are so proud. He did his best to only use the blue frosting. Guess how I know that? A side note: aren't the green and red braces bands a festive touch? Of course now that his teeth will be falling out, the need for braces is a moot point.

8. Glad for traditions. Although I'm not so sure I love the rate of speed that time seems to be passing by, I am glad that (hopefully) my children will look back at their imperfect childhoods and see glimmers of greatness and of love.

Then: circa 2002

Now:

7. Glad for optimism. This picture taken last Tue or Wed, before the dumpage of current snow. Seattle-raised children do not take snow for granted. Had she been raised in Ft. Collins, like her mom and dad, she would have scoffed at this amount of snow, but you know what? This shows an appreciation for what she has. What's not to be glad about for that?

6. Glad for imperfection. Whether it's Hobbit(ses) or Christmas elves or the workings of a 12 year old boy, no one can know...But often, our Christmas stocking hangers, meant to spell out the word NOEL oftentimes spell "LONE", "ONLE", or my personal fave: "LEON". Makes me think of "Levon", the song by Elton John, because my mind just jumps oddly around like that. Our "GREETINGS" blocks can also be seen in alter-ego form, as well. E.g. SNEEGRITG. The cool thing about all this is that suddenly, around the 23rd or so of December, the words magically go back to their real selves.

5. Glad about late starts and snow days. Really. I am. While I will likely be singing a fickle tune come January, the slow pace and extra sleep has done a body good.

4. Glad we watched "The Nativity Story" last night. I thought it was beautifully done. Glad to hear my son interpret all the historical details for his sister w/o making her feel dumb. Glad we all liked it.

3. Glad I got to ski to church in my minivan yesterday. We don't have us as many plows as those of you in snow country... Therefore, at least half of those who attended church were those of us who "had" to be there. You know what? It was a fantastic service, and being on the worship team was especially fun because of the more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, I learned a new song (for me): "We Are the Reason". I know the Avalon version, but I know there are others. Also got to funk out, as much as a bunch of middle aged white people can, to Aretha's version of Joy to the World. All good. All good. Especially good was lighting the Advent candle and reading the scripture.

2. Glad we can cling to His promises, no matter what. And we must. My friend Bev wrote a post about this which is so worth your time and prayer. Go here.

1. And on a final, sentimental note: I'm terrifically glad to have my family a) out of the house b) so I can quilt c) and guess who they're shopping for? Sorry, the truth comes out: I like presents, too. I know Who my gift really is, but c'mon...a little Christmas love from the fam never hurt anyone. :)

God be with you all for a lovely, passion-filled, restful, and Christ-filled Christmas.

SDG!

Howdy, howdy, hey, ho, ho, ho.

My bloggy friend Bev has this meme up at her place. Again, because the subject of me apparently has no bounds, I'm delighted to share my answers, too. Please play along if you wish...

Five things I love about Christmas:

#1 - Thinking and Scheming. About the whole Christmas holiday. Mind you, I don't follow through on all of my plans, but by October, I'm really gearing up for Christmas in my mind. Reading all the decorating books and magazines. Gathering recipes I'll never use I'd like to try. In my mind, I'm far more adept at "doing Christmas" than Martha herself. The gifts, the food, the atmosphere--in my mind? Amazing. Now, don't worry--I don't get so hung up on these plans that I get disappointed. Nah...I just like to dream a little.

#2 - Devotions by Christmas tree light. I turn the tree lights and the lights on the mantle first thing in the morning, and sit right between them and breath Him in as I do my Advent study and prayer time. I wish I could find something as special for my mood for the rest of the year for my "morning time" because this is just magical. Then again, perhaps it's magical partly because I only have a tree for about 3-4 weeks a year.

#3 - Christmas Music! Whether we are at church or in the car, or making cookies, I lurve the music. My current favorite is: I Need a Silent Night, by Amy Grant, and

#4 - Driving through the neighborhood, seeing the lights. Our neighbors do such a great job, and my favorite house each year is the one we call "The Gingerbread House". Even its architecture screams Christmases of Yesteryear. I'll even go around our neighborhood by myself after running a child here or there just to enjoy a bit of this festivity.

#5 - The Food: Most specifically, both savory and sweet chex mixes. Lordy, they're dangerous for me. And Little Smokies pigs in blankets. Oh, take me now! Of course, any type of cookie is grand. Not particular about type there. ;) January has got to come sometime and then I'll be sensible. Well, as sensible as I get.

And to quote Bev and agree entirely, "There you go, that's what comes to mind, and if I could add one more it would be when everyone in our church passes the lit candles til we're all standing there holding one little candle, singing Silent Night with all the lights turned off, and seeing parents looking around, nervous that Little Billy is going to set his sister's hair on fire, and seeing Little Billy considering doing so!"

Merry Christmas!

Another Public Service Announcement: Holiday Eating Tips

Maybe you've seen this before, but I always say, a good reminder is a good reminder. Merry Christmas.

1. AVOID carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. If you see carrots, leave immediately, go next door where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't get it any other time of year; who cares if it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not like you're gonna turn into an eggnog alcoholic or something! It's a treat! Enjoy it! It's Christmas!! Okay, you know how I feel about eggnog, but insert your favorite holiday drink here...sigh...even if it's eggnog.

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on! Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes (or stuffing), fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano! Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission!

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. And lots of it. Hello??

6. Under NO circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's! You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet carrying a 10 lb. plate of food and a vat of eggnog!

7. If you come across something really good at the buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies, position yourself near them, and don't budge. Eat as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. If you leave them behind, you'll never see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Pecan. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or mix it up, but have more than one! When else do you get more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted it's loaded with the mandatory calories, but avoid it at all costs! I mean, have some standards!

10. ONE FINAL TIP: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention! Re-read these tips, but hurry! January is just around the corner!

LIFE SHOULD NOT BE A JOURNEY TO THE GRAVE WITH THE INTENTION OF ARRIVING SAFELY IN AN ATTRACTIVE AND WELL PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, CHOCOLATE IN ONE HAND, WINE IN THE OTHER, BODY THOROUGHLY USED UP, TOTALLY WORN OUT, AND SCREAMING " WOO-HOO, WHAT A RIDE!!"

Caution: Not your everyday holiday post...really

Okay...right off the bat, right out the shute, right out the door, I want to make this evident: I'm writing this post with my Mrs. Potato Head "angry" eyes on. Sometimes I switch over to my "sad eyes", too.

My problem? I'm d.o.n.e. with HAPPY. Especially as it relates to marriages as in: happily ever after.

I'm almost 40. Therefore, many of the marriages of my friends are failing. This kills me. Really. Why? Well, I understand bailing on a marriage for infidelity, abuse, and any other circumstance which puts a person physically in danger or to the point of mental exhaustion. Apparently I have my "judge others" eyes on, too. But I digress. What I don't get is this: "I'm leaving because I'm unhappy in my marriage". To this I say, "so what?". Not out loud, you understand. I have a few social graces and I do manage to inhibit my responses in social settings. But really, so what?!!

I think Lynn Anderson sang this quite well: "I beg your pardon--I never promised you a rose garden--along with the sunshine--there's gotta be a little rain sometime. "

In the weddings I've gone to, none of the vows have ever stated: "I will make you happy." We promise to love and honor, perhaps even to obey, but never to make the other person happy. Happy? I spit on you and grind you into the dirt with my imaginary Manolo Blanik!

Happy? Really? Hm...if I'm not happy, I get to blame my spouse, take away his happy and obliterate my kids' happy. I'm sorry. I just don't follow. I don't. I thought we were responsible for ourselves, our attitudes, and behaviors. What pressure it would be for my husband if he thought he had to make me happy. What pressure it would be on me to think I was responsible for his happiness. I truly hope that my love for him (verb form, folks) makes him happy. I do. But that's not why I love him. I love him because I promised I would. I love him completely and with utter imperfection. I know that I have totally f.a.i.l.e.d. to make Big happy. If his happiness is a by-product of working on my marriage, great. But that was never required when we signed on the dotted line. We have an imperfect love, marriage, relationship, and certainly we are imperfect parents. But we didn't vow to be perfect. We vowed to be persistent.

I will continue to love on my friends who make the "happy" decision. I don't condone it. I don't agree with it. And it tears me up inside because of the fallout toward the other spouse and the kids. But I believe in grace, and I know that just as I don't deserve His grace and mercy, I must give grace and mercy--it's part of loving after all--even when I don't think they're "deserved". Because they never are.

And I will pray for marriages today. Those of now, those to come, and those which seem broken beyond repair due to unhappiness. As my friend John says: "Grace, always grace."

SDG!

Gladitude Monday

The glad10 for Monday, Dec. 15th!

10. Glad A Christmas Carol: The Musical is now a part of my past. A preciously, wonderfully remembered past, but past all the same.

9. Glad my wonderful worship pastor (and play director) is getting back surgery to relieve a herniated disk today. If you're led to, please pray for his expedient, complication-free recovery. When Big had his first back surgery about 17 years ago, it left a 7 inch "zipper" on his back. His 2nd surgery, 7 years ago left a 3 inch "zipper". Apparently Pastor D's surgery will be completely scope-style. How about an amen for technology!

8. Glad that CHRISTMAS IS ONLY A WEEK AND A HALF AWAY, PEOPLE!!! WHOO HOO!

7. Oh, so glad that the kids had a 2 hour delay (ice) so that I could do the glad 10 on Monday, not on Tuesday. Let's just say: with doing a play for the last 3 months...my laundry, my meal planning, my household management = poor. Time to rev up the homemaking motor again and have a bit o' order around here. Not feeling like such a good steward of my time and "schtuff", so it's time to rectify.

6. Glad for an understanding and capable husband to support me whilst #7 occurs. I know some of the clutter and dropped balls have got to drive him crazy, but again...no complaining. Glad also that Big came and supported us in the production. He's not a church-goer, not a joiner, not walking terribly close to Jesus right now. But he loves me. He loves his daughter. He went to our show with a great attitude and even helped clear our table (dessert theater--I set our table before the show) while Drama and I got out of costume, and brought us each flowers. If that is not the hand of God, I don't know what is.

5. Glad to hear the hum of the dryer and the running of the washer. Progress.

4. Glad, in this frigid weather, for our warm home, clothing and full bellies. Seattle is full of homeless people because of our temperate climate. Please pray for them. I know we're not below zero like some locations, but teens and 20s = c.o.l.d.

3. Glad David continues to do well in his school, and that Drama Girl is the reindeer "Vixen" in her little school play this week. I'm also glad that she doesn't know what "vixen" means. :)

2. Glad for a phone chat with BFF today. 45 min of chuckling, being naughty, being nice, and just enjoying.

1. Glad that Bob won on Survivor last night. Here's to all goofy high school physics teachers! And to all those teachers which ignited our passions and helped develop our characters by showing their own passions and having high expectations of us.

SDG! xxxooo

Christmas Perfekshion

Yes, I'm a poser because this isn't the photo which will be in our cards this year. But we all agreed that it should be. The most obvious reason: "Because Mommy started out mad, and now we're laughing and we all love each other." ~ Drama Girl.

Yes, mean old, cratchety old, controlling old, heavy-on-the-expectations old mommy was mad. I was mad because:

• I've been trying to get this family photo done together since--oh, about November 1st.
• I had to harp on both children to shower. What is UP with this? We happen to have warm, blissfully clean and wet showers. It's not like I asked them to stand in front of a hydrant or a peeing dog for heaven's sake!
• Drama and I had an argument over her jeans. You can see who "won".
• David would not settle down so this above picture is about the 10th where his dad bellowed, "either be in or get out". Harmony is what we're all about.
• Sometimes, you just want things the way you want them. Period. You don't want to be mature, take the high road, or hear any complaining. You want your peeps to simply SMILE! and be GRATEFUL!!! and CUTE! AAAARRRRRRrrrggh!
• It occurs to me that this is a prayer for grace on my part.
• And if you're wondering...the animules didn't make the final cut either.

Does anyone flippin' feel me? Anyone at all?

But don't worry. I'm not mad any more. That's the nice thing about an unstable, explosive, open and honest personality. There are no mysteries as to where folks stand. And the fires only burn until either a) guilt overcomes or b) diet coke is consumed.

Homework...Heartache

It seems like just yesterday, I could wipe the tears and give a new crayon. Finished!

She had the world by the tail.

Now, I wish this picture was indicative of her confidence:

in math

in body image

in sports

in math

in math

and

in math

sigh. I know she'll be okay. probably more-so than me.

But right now, I eat my heart out for her.

And do countless sets of flash cards.

because if she wants to be good in math, then that's what I want, too.

And i give thanks to a God who loves her more than I ever could.

And that's a good thing.

Public Service Message

I know we all know that Christmas can't be perfect this side of heaven. Just as we know "Jesus is the reason for the season." BTW, does that sentence gag any of you as it does me? Really. It just smacks of well, DUH!, and is usually said in a pithy manner with a head toss. He is the reason. I know that. I try to show that...but He's the reason for so much more, too. Maybe that's why I cringe when I hear that pat phrase. If you're also cringing when you think of all the "to-do's" on your list...I encourage you to read this post which is so very wise. So very godly in its simplicity and transparency. So very Barbtha...click here.

Once again...A Meme: Crazy 8s

This one...and the last are both from Mer's place. For some reason, I'm in the mood to talk about myself, I guess. But play along if you like. I'd love to see your answers.

8 TV Shows I Like To Watch

1. Live with Regis and Kelly (but I only get to watch occasionally)
2. Private Practice
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Friday Night Lights (have I totally missed this one this season???)
5. Survivor
6. The Amazing Race
7. Reruns: M*A*S*H, Little House, Touched by an Angel, 7th Heaven
8. What Not to Wear

8 Places I Like to Eat

1. Gallo De Oro
2. Taco Bell
3. Azuls
4. La Palmera (are we sensing a theme here?)
5. Macaroni Grill
6. The Melting Pot (alas, it's a once a year treat only)
7. Emory's Lake House (surf/turf/good eats/pretty view)
8. Panera Bread

8 Things That Happened Yesterday

1. My daughter fell ill with a bad cold. PTL--not strep!
2. I went grocery shopping.
3. I did some laundry.
4. Got gas.
***should I just stop here, or are you transfixed?!***
5. Watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with Drama Girl as she ate her popsicle. How I lurve that special.
6. showered
7. did devotional and gladitude Monday
8. (yawn...) it rained.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To

1. Drama girl feeling better. I love having her home, but hate it for her when she's sick. Plus, she's a bit...dramatic...when she's ill. Easy tears and oh, the whining. But I don't blame her a bit.
2. Seeing some dear friends on Friday as we finish up week 2 of the play. We've been friends with both sets of peeps for around 10-12 years, so it's nice to have them come and to reconnect.
3. Finishing shopping, making, wrapping and posting our Christmas gifts.
4. Lighting the 3rd week advent candle at church with Drama Girl and David.
5. Going to our worship ministries Christmas party. I've never gone in the 6 plus years I've been involved because Big didn't want to attend. He's willingly and graciously going, and I'm ecstatic.
6. Christmas break with the kids and Big. We've been so busy. It'll be nice to just chillax.
7. Sewing for fun. I envision a quick Christmas runner for my table. A girl has to have her fun, even at the expense of sleep. :)
8. The new beginnings of 2009.

Let me know if you decide to join in. :) SDG!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? While I lurve to wrap presents, it's always nice to have bags for "last five minutes before we leave" situations, plus for odd shaped presents, bags are easier. But wrapped presents are the fave.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. Usually a frasier fir. I have allergies, but for a month, I deal.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving; but sometimes we put it off as long as December 7th. Not the first choice though.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on Jan 1 or 2. Sometimes, if it's reeeeeaally dry, the day after Christmas.

5. Do you like eggnog? No. And I don't drink snot, either. Just sayin'.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably a Barbie or that dolly whose hair grows out of the hole in her head.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My in laws. Lordy, they have everything. And they save everything. But still--I never feel quite right about giving a gift to charity in their names. I sense that they still like to open a package.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Besides to me from me? ;) My children.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. I have a ceramic one which is fancy, but alas, we'll have to wait for the true coming of Christ since we've broken baby Jesus. How poetic is that? Sadly.
We also have a sweet Jim Shore set from my in laws. I heart that set dearly.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I actually can't think of one. AndI'm not being nice. I just can't.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Love Actually. Or any of the schmalzy made for TV movies on Hallmark, It's a Wonderful Life...Charlie Brown...the Grinch (cartoon)...Rudolph...Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In my head, I start in January, thinking of all the deals and good buys for so and so and such and such. Usually we're done by mid-December, though. I have a lot of good intentions.

14 . Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Oh yeah, baby. But I'm a crafty one. And never a personal gift.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? chex mix and all those nummy cookies that my neighbors bake and that I have no business eating! I also love the traditional foods--but we could skip the turkey.

16. Lights on the tree? Of course. I like white, but this year we're trying red and white, and I actually am quite fond of them.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth sung by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. I remember seeing the Christmas special which had this song in 3rd grade, and I've always luuuuuurrrrved it.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home. You can come visit us, but we like home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes. But is it Donner or Donder? I vote for Donner.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One gift on Christmas Eve. PJs. The rest on Christmas morning (or 0-dark-thirty, as I always say).

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Mall parking. Traffic. Seeing the Salvation Army bell ringers when my wallet is out of cash.

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love all of our ornaments. There's a story behind each one, whether a time in our lives or a trip or a craft from little hands.

23. What do you want for Christmas this year? I want our troops to come home soon. I want peace in my heart and in the hearts of others. I want a really nice light for my sewing or some Cashmere Mist perfume. But, I'd gladly settle for the four of us around the tree/fireplace with hot cocoa and blankets and an old movie and buttered popcorn.

Gladitude Monday

Howdy Ho Ho Ho!

Heeeeeeerre's the Glad10 for the week! What a week it's been...breathless, worn out and excited all at once. Ever feel that way?

10. Glad that our play is 1/2 finished. We are becoming more confident and comfortable with each performance. This stinks for the folks who came on opening night, but I suppose that's the way things go...A week ago I was "done". Now, I'm infused with a bit o' the adrenaline and the wish to please all those folks who (gulp) paid money to see this.

9. Glad for the altar call at each performance. Though it sometimes makes me uncomfortable to feel like we're stumping for Christ, I know that there are hard hearts, as well as those who have no idea who Jesus is. I can set my pride aside for that. Plus, I know the angels are singing for each of the several souls which have made the decision to turn toward Christ. Wahoo!

8. Glad for grace. I forgot to put my mic on last night for one of the scenes in which I'M ACTUALLY SPEAKING! Um...it was just a total brain fart, coupled with non-focus. Thank God for embarassment and shame--guess who won't do THAT again! :) Thankful that the sound guys knew that this bozo needed a mic, so they turned up my "husband's" mic so I could be heard. If you're wondering--there are not enough mics for each person, so we share, and it's a complex spreadsheet of details re: who gets which mic at what time.

7. Glad for a new mattress and box spring. Oh, yes, yes, yes! Now Big and I don't have to roll uphill/downhill to cuddle while watching House. Priorities. Also, much less squeaky. Say no more, say no more...wink, wink, nudge, nudge...

6. Glad (I think) for the opportunity to work on a quilt for my dtr's 5th grade auction project. Do pray that someone will bid on this, will you. I don't want to have to go to the auction with a paper bag over my prideful head. Lordy, I hope it turns out okay...

5. Glad for Advent. Still.

4. Glad that Drama Girl suggested red and white lights for our tree. We put up the tree on Thursday--our only night at home! I didn't like our bright white LED lights last year, so we went and got some pearl-shaped red and white lights. I'm surprised I like them as much as I do. I keep thinking blood and purity every time I see the tree (kinda like the candy cane story). Makes me feel grateful each time I look at our tree.

3. Simply glad for our tree. I'm far more motivated to get up and do my devotionals/praying when I can sit in a quiet room, tree and candle lit, with a warm cup of coffee, just revelling in His peace for a moment.

2. Glad I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping for the folks who require me to go postal in order to get their gifts to them. My soft deadline is the 10th, but by the 12th, I hope that all will be sent and crossed off the list.

1. Glad for a scheduled date with my BFF. On the 18th, she's taking off work, and we're going to play and shop and have lunch and do pedis and just girl-out together. Being with her makes my heart sing. And, like sex with Big, it seems that we only get together after meticulous planning and scheduling. Not easy, not spontaneous, but so, so worth it. These precious relationships take work, and I pray that you are able to schedule something-something with someone special this week.

Pictures soon. SDG!!!

I'm a bit freaked out, really

I just saw a "kitten", napping in a basket at my local Hallmark store. Except, it was a fascimile thereof--a rabbit fur covered fake kitten. BUT, it looked like it was breathing. For some unknown reason, the manufacturer of this item has put a inflatable tummy motor in it so the dang.thing.looks.like.it's.napping.for.crying.out.loud!

Um...I hope I haven't offended anyone who might own such an object. I'm sure they're very nice, really. When the sales lady noticed my bewilderment raised eyebrows, she told me that these are quite popular with parents who want to get their children a real pet, but for whatever reason can't do so.

Oh.

I suppose I shouldn't be so easily surprised--it's just that, instead of a stuffed toy kitty, it simply reminds me of a dead kitty. Maybe it's the rabbit fur. Dunno.

Okay...back to reality. Time to scoot off to Drama Girl's DARE graduation and then our tech rehearsal.

Toodles.

Gladitude Monday

Hey, Ho, and Howdy Do,







No time for formalities, as I'm gonna be biiiiizzzy today. All week, actually. Drama Girl and I have tech rehearsals tomorrow and Wed, and opening night on Fri! Ack! Plus, all that stuff like running kids to school, cooking, cleaning, and preparing for Christmas...I'm getting sweaty, just thinking of it all. And Lord knows I do.not.like.the.sweatage!




10. Glad for a lovely time in CO, visiting my husband's parentals and his sister, BIL, and our nephew. Our very loud and boisterous adorable nephew. He's nearly 4. Because of my sensitive hearing, I realize that my poor kids were raised from the cradle with my finger to my lips in a "shhhh!" position. No such child-rearing for little J., I'm afraid. Alas, he's allowed to be a child. :) We also managed to squeak in a visit with some folks from my side of the fam. Didn't stay too long, but it was nice to connect.




9. Glad for the absence of static electricity. Let me explain: CO has no relative humidity whatsoever. It's D-R-Y! I stopped counting the times I shocked someone, or was on the receiving end of such a shock. WA is a bit more...damp. While I miss the sunshine, it's sure nice to not have to ground myself before giving affection.



8. I hope I can be glad for an understanding teacher this morning...sigh. I forgot I had volunteering for Drama Girl's class (the ominous "auction project"--I'm making a quilt with the kids) and David's ortho appt at the same time. Ooops. Thankfully, I can totally be glad that the project has not even been started, so I can make up for lost time next Monday. Yeah, that's the ticket!



7. Glad about Advent.



6. Glad that we still have one working computer. Alas, it's not in the coveted, private, away from kids office, but rather in our family room. Did I ever mention that I'm distractible? Sensitive to noise? Where was I? Oh, yes...I'm glad this one works. Glad for the bit of inconvenience, too. Perhaps I'll manage my time better? Perhaps.



5. I'm so glad our play is f.i.n.a.l.l.y. here. We've been thinking about it since July. Rehearsing since September. I'm not convinced we're ready to perform, but I am tired of it. Getting to rehearse with costumes did breathe a little bit of new energy into my attitude, though. Make no mistake--I love theater and performing, and combine that with church which I also lurve, and it's a win! But...all of us get tired, right?



4. Glad about God's mulligans. How I need grace and mercy every day. Every minute. Mostly, I need forgiveness for pride. My god, why does it always come down to pride?



3. Grateful I was down a couple of pounds so that I didn't feel to gawdawful about having a bacon egg and cheese biscuit from you know where. Sometimes, you just gotta--and another excuse: I don't have any Thanksgiving left-overs. *said with righteous indignation*



2. Glad for Christmas lights. To be honest, I wanted to get our tree yesterday, since there was a modicum of space and time which would've accommodated said activity. However, Big wanted to string the lights. He didn't tell me this, of course. Not till I saw him putting up the blow up Charlie Brown/Snoopy house and Blow up Santa did I realize that tree plans were off. "Well, the weather was good. Thought we should get these up." I pouted for about 20 minutes, and then started detangling and decorating. Couldn't bah humbug for long. The Christmas tree will dry out if we get it too soon anyway.



1. Absolutely glad for my son's red and green bands on his braces. For what shouteth the celebration of the Good News more than red and green on silver?



And...because it's the season: a bonus! I'm glad about Monty Python Fluxx. Ahem, I may be tired of playing it, but it still rates a glad.





SDG!!!