Wordless Weekend - The Haircut

Before & After

Hugs Today

My friend, Lois, lost her husband over the holidays. She's a good bit older than me and he had been sick for a while, but it was still very sudden.

It was Christmas Eve and they were visiting her sister. They were all laughing and chatting when suddenly he just fell over into his plate. He never regained consciousness and they unplugged his ventilator on Thursday. He died 45 minutes later.

I cannot imagine. The loss of a loved one is traumatic, no matter what time of year, but to lose someone at Christmas or any other memorable holiday is so very sad. What a way to remember each year.

Lois is a strong woman and I know she'll be alright. She has a strong faith. I know it gives her comfort to know that he was smiling and laughing up until the moment he basically died. But my heart hurts for her.

I feel like an especially bad friend because I missed the funeral this morning. Remember, I said DH let me sleep in this morning? I plan on visiting with her soon, and I probably shouldn't have gone anyway, feeling as badly as I have felt this past couple of weeks.

Give your family & friends hugs & kisses & tell them all how much they mean to you. You never know what tomorrow brings, but you know you have this moment, today.

XOXO

Germs, Sleep & Movies, Oh My!

I'm tired of being sick. I am very sure that by the time the kids go back to school, I'll be well. It would just make sense.

But DH has been incredibly husbandly while I've been out of commission. We missed an after Christmas road trip to visit family because of me and he hasn't once made me feel bad about it.

And this morning he let me sleep in. What?? I slept until 12:30. Yeah. I haven't done that since I was in college. Seriously. People with pulses don't do that.

So, I am hoping I'll be starting to feel better soon. I felt like venturing out with DH and the kids to go see "National Treasure 2" this evening. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, by the way.

I loved the first one, and while I suggest seeing the first one before seeing the sequel, you could get away without doing so and still enjoy it.

Especially if you have the urge to see just how good Nicolas Cage looks in a seersucker suit.

Have a great weekend!

Roger That

Number One Son, Queenie & The Flying Monkey were running through the house after getting dressed for bed tonight.

Walkie Talkies received from Santa Claus were being played with very loudly. I intercepted a walkie talkie from Number One Son as he ran through the den and past me.

Me (into the walkie talkie): "NO RUNNING."
Queenie (responding through the walkie talkie): "Roger that, Momma."

A Giving Heart

Each year around Christmas, we talk to our children about what it's all about. Christmas, that is.

This year the older two really seemed to understand it more. Obviously, it's Jesus' birthday, they understand that very well, Santa Claus comes around, they get that too. Duh. But the giving part. They really seemed to grasp that this year. We give gifts at Christmas to honor the ultimate gift that God gave us when He gave us His Son, Jesus. That clicked for Number One Son & Queenie this year.

So we decided to go one step further than the old Angel Tree. We wanted to see if the gift giving could stand a little sacrifice. We asked the older two go through their toys and find 3 things that they didn't play with anymore that another child might enjoy. And it could NOT be broken. (that through them a curve ball)

Of course, The Flying Monkey could not be left out, so he threw in a couple himself. He promptly pulled them out, of course, the minute he realized they were leaving the house. He's such a 3 year old. :)

They did a great job. We ended up with two laundry baskets full of toys that they wanted someone else to be able to play with. Now granted, Happy Meal toys actually made up one full basket, but there was also Queenie's beloved Little People Dollhouse, complete with the family van and Number One Son's Farmhouse & animals.

We didn't force them to give any of the toys up, I even asked multiple times before the toys left the house if they were sure. They were sure, they said.

It was a proud moment watching Number One Son & Queenie display such a willingly giving spirit. I have to admit, I could really take a lesson from them. God honors a spirit that has a willingness to give.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

I hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday season!!!

For our family it will be about remembering to celebrate the birth of God's Son, the ultimate gift. It will be about making each moment count with our family, continuing our Christmas traditions and possibly starting new ones.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Christmas Cheer

I tried to stay cheerful and positive today. It was busy on the road and in the stores, people were rude, I tried to remain smiley. Really, if you don't want to shop in the crowds, shop in July. That's what I want to say, but that is not Christmassy or Cheery.

And I got rear ended right in the middle of my errand run. I had been sitting at the traffic light for a good minute and he just hit me. I'm still smarting from that one. Not hurt, just a little hot.

But Christmas Cheer is still here. Do you still have yours?