So the big day is over and now I'm reflecting on the whole scene. Here's what I have to say:
*So thankful for my family! All are well and standing on the cusp of new adventures. Steve started a new job December 1st for which we are all thankful. My new book is due to launch in January. Jake got very good scores back on both the SAT and ACT, which he took at the beginning of the month. This will help with his application for the NROTC scholarship and his acceptance to The Citadel. Spencer's collarbone is healing up very nicely, which means he may be able to wrestle again before the season is over. And Marishay is growing up so much! She has embraced the Middle School social scene. Now, if she would just do that with the Middle School academic scene......
*One thing I have failed to teach my children is to give their Momma a gift! I know this sounds selfish, but I think it is very important to exchange gifts and not just get gifts. I have always emphasized this with everyone else, aunts, uncles, grandparents, even each other. But this year I realized, as the last gift was opened, that I had something to do with almost every present under the tree, but there were none that were for me that weren't bought and wrapped by me. They all claim being broke. My youngest even fretted for several days that her daddy wasn't available to take her out to get me something. But in the end, there was nothing under the tree that I didn't know about. I want a surprise! It doesn't have to be expensive. It can even be handmade. Just show me that you thought about me, planned carefully and struggled mightily to keep it a secret. That's the fun of Christmas! Oh well, that's something to work on for next year!
*Spending time with a family member who is currently living in his car pulls at my heart. He came for Christmas dinner and stayed till about seven. Then it was time to go, he said. He has been invited to stay in our basement many times, but refuses. It is a complicated situation and it is sad and frustrating, because we want so much more for him than this. But ultimately, it is up to him.
*Finally, Christmas really is about Jesus and his willingness to come to earth to save us... me... from my sins. When all else is stripped away, that's what this holiday is really about. God bless you all, as you reflect on that for just a moment.
*So thankful for my family! All are well and standing on the cusp of new adventures. Steve started a new job December 1st for which we are all thankful. My new book is due to launch in January. Jake got very good scores back on both the SAT and ACT, which he took at the beginning of the month. This will help with his application for the NROTC scholarship and his acceptance to The Citadel. Spencer's collarbone is healing up very nicely, which means he may be able to wrestle again before the season is over. And Marishay is growing up so much! She has embraced the Middle School social scene. Now, if she would just do that with the Middle School academic scene......
*One thing I have failed to teach my children is to give their Momma a gift! I know this sounds selfish, but I think it is very important to exchange gifts and not just get gifts. I have always emphasized this with everyone else, aunts, uncles, grandparents, even each other. But this year I realized, as the last gift was opened, that I had something to do with almost every present under the tree, but there were none that were for me that weren't bought and wrapped by me. They all claim being broke. My youngest even fretted for several days that her daddy wasn't available to take her out to get me something. But in the end, there was nothing under the tree that I didn't know about. I want a surprise! It doesn't have to be expensive. It can even be handmade. Just show me that you thought about me, planned carefully and struggled mightily to keep it a secret. That's the fun of Christmas! Oh well, that's something to work on for next year!
*Spending time with a family member who is currently living in his car pulls at my heart. He came for Christmas dinner and stayed till about seven. Then it was time to go, he said. He has been invited to stay in our basement many times, but refuses. It is a complicated situation and it is sad and frustrating, because we want so much more for him than this. But ultimately, it is up to him.
*Finally, Christmas really is about Jesus and his willingness to come to earth to save us... me... from my sins. When all else is stripped away, that's what this holiday is really about. God bless you all, as you reflect on that for just a moment.