I think it's plugged in...

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It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I am trying to get ready for Christmas.. I can't believe it's Friday! We are slowly getting it together thought.

This year I have had a problem that I had not expected. In a time that is political correctness and not wanting to offend anybody we are discovering that the emphasis on Santa Claus is stronger than ever.

See, we don't do Santa. We never really have. It was rush over to this house and that house Christmas Eve and Christmas day when my two girls were little. (K & B) One year I remember K asking why Santa could only bring toys to Nanny's house. Then me and their dad divorced and the whole visitation schedule interfered with all of it. During this time, I started getting closer to God and felt that for my girls was to put the emphasis back on the birth of Jesus.

So, for ten years we have not had Santa in our home. When me and Jeff got married we compromised for A & J and made a tradition of having a special devotion on St. Nicholas day(December 6) to share the truth behind the myth and also to give glory to God in the works of a godly man. St. Nicholas lived to help others. This is a good value to share with the kids, too. For Christmas once everybody is home we read the story of Jesus' birth up to the angels announcing it to the shepherds. We save the story of the three wise men for twelfth night (January 6). For our family, everything we do turns the focus on God. The kids love it because they get a small gift on St. Nicholas day (usually something little that will fit in a shoe), they get Christmas presents from Jesus (because Jesus is the provider of all our needs), and then on Twelfth Night there are little gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh which translate to chocolate coins, jewelry, perfume, etc).

Anyhow, as I was saying, up until this year we haven't had a problem with anybody trying to convince the kids otherwise. And let me note that we tell the kids that there are others that do believe in Santa and it is completely their choice. We just don't in our home.

One day Benji comes home and tells me that Santa is coming to our house and he is excited, reasonably so, and I remind him that Jesus brings our gifts. He then says no, Ms. teacher said Santa brings them. I explained to B that Santa is just a story based off of St. Nicholas and remind him about that. He says that's right and all is well. Then a few days later we have almost the exact same conversation. I didn't want to go up to the school and cause a scene, I know how Benji takes things so literal. I was hoping that it was just a misunderstanding. So I left it, figure I have a week from the time school gets out until Christmas to fix it. I am not sure I did the right thing.

What would you do if your family believed a certain way and it was not with the majority? I have half a mind to write a letter for next school year explaining that our kids do not go Trick or Treating and that we do not have Santa Claus.

My kids have just as much if not more fun that the ones that do. Do the Santa Claus kids have 3 days that they get gifts? Do they learn the history of the season? Does their season only last a couple days where ours lasts a month?

I better think ahead about Easter too I suppose.

May you all have a blessed Christmas!

Rain, rain, go away!

The last few weeks have been crazy. The kids getting stir crazy from all the rain and mud, then the last 10 days battling the flu. Micah is the only one that hasn't gotten it.

Doing lots of cleaning to make sure the germs are gone.

The kids are on fall break right now. We get a two week break here in Dickson county. Just praying we go back to school afterwards, the county commission and the school board have locked horns about the budget for four months already. Forget what the opinions are, if the school board isn't going to budge and is willing to shut the schools down to prove it then the commission needs to look elsewhere. Nobody wants to pay more taxes, but sometimes it happens.

I really feel for the high school seniors that will be affected this year if the schools do close.

Anyhow, that is us in a nut shell. Rain and Flu...

The Simple Woman's Daybook Meme 9-19-09

Taken from The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
September 19, 2009

Outside my window...
The sun is trying to decide if it should shine down on us or not. The willow branches are dancing in the wind.

I am thinking...
About everything that has to get done this weekend. Gotta finish up my book case and organize my desk along with getting a jumpstart on homework. I am relieved that the teen’s band competition was cancelled that way we have a little bit more time.

I am thankful for...
Having a supporting husband that worked concessions last night so I could get homework done.

From the kitchen...
Thinking about making some raisin bread for tomorrow morning. Would love some squash and zucchini kabobs from the grill with some chicken. Perhaps make some chocolate cake brownies for desert.

I am wearing...
The usual for fall, jeans and a t-shirt.

I am creating...
A homework schedule for myself so that I stay on track with my college studies.

I am going...
To Verizon this afternoon to fix a problem with one of the phones, I hope.

I am reading...
a lot of college books… hehe… for fun? The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe.

I am hoping...
That I will get a hang of being in college and do well. My grades concern me but I know this is the Lord’s will.

I am hearing...
TobyMac!

Around the house...
Slowly starting on a fall clean up. Gonna have to start going through clothes and toys.

One of my favorite things...
I love to sit on campus at APSU in front of the MUC at one of the tables with the afternoon sun warming me while reading or socializing with a friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Homework, chores, homework, homework and homework

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This is of our new puppy, Hikari.

A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ August 24th

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ a weekly meme

Outside my window...
Beautiful and sunny. not too hot with a nice breeze, hard to believe it's August

I am thinking...
about the essay I need to have drafted by Friday. Procrastination really isn't allowed with college assignments.

I am thankful for...
my kids knowing I love them and that they know where ever they are if they need me they can call. (Yes, I realize this really only pertains to one, but that's okay)

From the kitchen...
hopefully something from the garden along with some chicken either grilled or baked. I might make some cake brownies if time permits.

I am wearing...
t-shirt and shorts

I am creating...
an organized area for my college stuff and also the kids school stuff. It may take more than today. :o)

I am going...
aside from picking up band girl from marching band practice this evening, I am not going anywhere.


I am reading...
Nothing right now. Just finished An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina for school. Gotta get that essay started.


I am hoping...
that nothing really goes on tonight. I peaceful and relaxing evening is what I crave.

I am hearing...
TobyMac! I have the iTunes going. The kids are all at school.

Around the house...
We are hoping to get the mud room and pantry cleaned. Our new puppy will be here in about 2 weeks. The kids are excited.

One of my favorite things...
enjoying the park with the kids. We got to spend quite a bit of time at the playground yesterday and the kids enjoyed it all around.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Getting order restored. Drafting the essay. Making an area for the pup.