I don't think that I have been THIS busy in... forever. All this week I have had one thing or another going on. From wrapping gifts, to decorating and to card writing (which as of this point, has yet to begin).

But honestly, I wouldn't trade any of my busy-ness. I'm having fun (for the most part), getting out of the house more as of late, and am enjoying seeing smiles and knowing that we are creating some, too.

We have already bought, wrapped and returned the gifts to the Angel Tree program kids that my children, husband and I had picked. I now have all of the kids' gifts wrapped, with exception to one, being that I had to get reimbursed for an item that never came in on shipment because the order site didn't catch that it was out of stock. So we bought something else, and my husband has it, so it will be getting wrapped later this evening.

I also have all of the gifts ready to be boxed and sent to my father across to the western side of the states. And his Christmas card, which will also have a "bonus" in it, along with some friends' cards will help to complete the package.

Now, it's wrap things that are left for all of my husband's side. Including the nieces and a couple of nephews. And a butt load of Christmas cards to fill out and ready.

My husband and oldest may go out this evening after he gets off of work to shop for yours truly. My oldest said that she wants to be able to ensure that my husband doesn't buy me anything "stupid" or "dumb looking". Smart girl!

Well I think that I shall now leave you, as to prepare my hand for falling off. This card writing stuff is going to take me a while.

Here's a cool song to share. One from my childhood, and from a tradition that I miss having with my mom, but am now carrying on with my children...





Here's a BRAND NEW Country Christmas classic!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas! (PIC Heavy!)

Well, it is officially CHRISTMAS in my house. Just take a look through these pictures, and you will see just what I mean.

My Husband's Created a MONSTER!!

How did he do that? By having me shop around. Online.

I have officially fallen head over heels in LOVE with online shopping.

And now also add bidding on Ebay, too!

God almighty, he may have caused an addiction to start. Especially where Ebay's concerned. Some of the "Buy Now" prices just blow my mind. Books for only ninety-nine CENTS? Ka-pow, baby!

And I have noticed with the major brand, big-box stores like Target and Walmart, the online prices are BETTER than the in-store prices. It's really crazy.

The only thing that I wish that I had done different with ordering from Walmart was that I should have gone ahead and had all of the items shipped to my home and just pay the shipping fee. But, instead I had them FREE shipped from "site to store". And even though most of everything that I had ordered has been shipped out to the store, not everything is arriving at once.

Which makes me and Walmart close BFFs this Christmas season. I am going to see so much of my store, I think I may actually end up puking smiley faces, eventually.

So from now on, if I make orders from ANY big retail chain store, this chick is going to suck it up and pay that shipping fee to have it shipped to my house.

As for Ebay, I'll wait until next month and maybe order a few books for myself and the kids. Or even bid on them.

Thanks hubby! You have created a online retail shopping monster.

So, You Wish To Help Those In Need... (Website info incl.!!)

But you don't know where to go or where to start?

First of all, decide if you wish to make a monetary donation, item (food, clothing or toys and books) donation, or donate some of your free time (like in a Soup Kitchen).

Once you have decided which way (or ways) to go, then figure out your ending budget (as to stay within your means of monetary comfort level).

After you do steps one and two, then you need to find a place (or the places) to go to as to make your donation happen.

As someone who has had to have help around the holidays with getting gifts for my children (food was never an issue for us), believe me when I say that the recipient(s) of your generosity, love and compassion are beyond grateful, your willingness to help those in need, are NOT lost. Especially when it comes to seeing the smiles on our children's faces come Christmas morning.

To the people and the organizations that had helped us in the past, THANK YOU!!!

Now, as a tradition in our family (of two parents and three kids), we donate spare change as we can throughout the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season. Also, we donate to the Salvation Army's "Angel Tree" Organization.

I see it as giving back and paying it forward, being that they and a couple of churches have helped us in the past. Now, we aren't as strapped as we used to be. And it teaches my children a valuable lesson in giving, caring and what it means to help your community.

When we go to the mall, we let THEM each pick a child of their choosing (boy or girl), and they choose the age range (usually their age) and then my husband and I try to find a child that is 3 years old or younger.

Then, we take them to places like Family Dollar or Dollar General and have them buy a book (or coloring book), one or two age-appropriate toys, and at least one outfit and some socks.

After that, we let them help pack or wrap the gifts and place them in to a shopping bag (grocery size) and we place the tag with the child's number on it.

Within 72 hours, my kids are taken back to the mall and THEY place their bag(s) of presents for their child under the Angel Tree.

So, here below will be some Charitable Organizations, with their website address and a small description of what they do. Or they may be sites to help direct you to things like your local Soup Kitchen, or Shelter..

Have a safe, fun, happy and GIVING Christmas/Hanukkah season, everyone!


Toys For Tots is ran by the Marine Corps. You bring them unwrapped, unopened/used toys, and they donate them to your locality's kids in need.

Soup Kitchen Locality Directory List is where you can find a place near you to serve a hot Holiday Meal to those in Homeless Shelters.

ASPCA is the site to go to if you wish to help organizations that help treat, house and find new "forever homes" for animals. They are in desperate need all of the time for food, animal toys, supplies like blankets and towels and even bathing supplies.

Angel Tree helps supply Christmas gifts to deprived, in-need children who's families cannot afford much this year (out of work, laid off, disabled and cannot work) because food and medication are more important, as well as heating and shelter this Winter Season. You can donate books, toys and/or clothing.

Goodwill will accept your gently-used or even NEW items to put up for sale in their shops. Their items are sold for extremely low prices and will help those that CAN afford to buy (a few things)for their family members. Plus it puts your community's citizens to work. At your locality's various donation stations and within your community's stores.

Christmas Charity is your ultimate, one-stop-shop for charitable organizations that not only include those mentioned above, but MANY, MANY others as well. For the USA and abroad, as well.

Christmas Shopping = ...Being Greedy Bastards (??)

Originally, I had posted the following on my FaceBook page as a "Note". But I think it needs to really go further than just to my friends on my "Friends List".

Let's just say that I am tired of seeing people lump everyone in to one huge category when it comes to having the "Christmas Shoppers spirit" and are then viewed as materialistic assholes who don't give a rat's ass about their fellow man, woman or child.

What I had initially said was...

I'm just going to put this out there, knowing I may tick some off...

Yes, my children made wish lists for Christmas. Heck, even this year, Mom and Dad are joining in the list-making fun ourselves.

We are NOT materialistic people. We are not all about money and things. Not that having those is a bad thing, per say. And I commend those that are strong on their stance about helping the needy.

But it does peeve me off a bit when you have a bit of a crap-tastic attitude about people shopping for the Holiday, and seemingly "auto-assuming" that we don't give to those less fortunate. In what seems to be every post about donating items to help people.

We have been in a spot where we required help to get our children things for Christmas. If it weren't for Salvation Army, the Angel Tree organization, Toys For Tots and a couple of churches, my children would have basically had NOTHING under the tree.

MOST of us that some people have bashed and downgraded over buying gifts in fact DO buy for and donate things like toiletries, food, clothing, books and toys.

Are there some people in this world that don't give two craps about those in need? YEP. But there are way less of them, and oh-so-many-more of US THAT *DO* care about those that are hurting for food and clothing to keep warm this winter.

So, please, when you are asking people to have a heart and donate to a charity, be it with time, money or items, don't make it sound like we are some horrible, heartless excuses for human beings. When you add insults to your passionate desire to help others, it makes people NOT want to help.

Just some food for thought...

And a quick FYI... My family (myself, my husband, and our kids) DO in fact donate to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree organization, as well as drop money as we can in to their donation buckets.

Now, to ready for Christmas shopping tomorrow.

200 Posts!?.. And A "We Need To Talk" Moment.

Now that the blog series is over, I can move on to other topics. Aren't you just ecstatic?

One thing that has happened since starting the "25 Days Of Christmas" posts is that I have reached (and gone beyond at this point) writing 200 posts!!





Exciting, isn't it? I've so far posted about all kinds of things from my son who has many mental disorders, to my life as a Stay-At-Home Mom and Wife, and all kinds of other things in between.

Today though, I am once again going to touch upon a very sensitive topic. One that never takes a break and is a battle for millions around the world, not just in the United States every single day. It doesn't care if it's Christmas time or Summer time.

Abuse.

Not just one kind, but all forms of abuse. Child abuse. Domestic Violence. Sexual abuse. Verbal, emotional and mental abuse.

If you wish to read about my personal, first hand experience with being in an abusive relationship, then I urge you to READ HERE.

As of today, over on FaceBook, I have "re-started" a page that I had running under a different name. Seeing as the site's new format no longer allows for name changes, I had to start fresh and delete the old page.

It is called Bring REAL Awareness To Abuse.

You can either click on the page's title above, or click on the page's "Like" box above at the top of this blog's page.

There, you will find tips, facts, statistics and information for how to get help. It's still just starting out. And I am also relying on the page's members to be active and participate as well.

Abuse in any form is not a laughing matter. It never rests. So, bringing forth awareness and information in how to watch for signs of abuse and how to find help shouldn't take a back seat, either.

But also please note (within the page)..

*Some pictures that might be posted could very well be GRAPHIC in nature as to "drive home" the realities of what REALLY happens when a child is abused.

*These pictures could either be posted by the page owner or via the page's members.

*VIEWER DISCRETION OF PHOTOS IS ADVISED! And admittance of MINORS below a certain age (13 years) will NOT be allowed.


Dedicated to all of those that "died young" at the hands of an abuser...

Here we are! Finally to day 25 in our Christmas-themed special blog series. I hope that everyone has had fun reading, watching and listening to these last posts from almost a month.

It's been real. It's been fun. And I have enjoyed writing each piece.

But now, with Christmas day upon us, we have come to a close. So, I hope that you and your family have a very Merry, safe, fun, family filled and friend filled Christmas day.

With that said, I shall leave you with this...

25 Days of Christmas (Day 24)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

YAY!!! We have now come to the end of our "Twelve Days Of Christmas" trivia. I hope you have enjoyed learning some of the facts and trivia bits behind this very popular song. And also, NO BIRDS are involved in the last line either. 

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

Information provided by http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html


The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Now, for the entire song... Muppets and John Denver style! Enjoy. We've earned the ability to giggle and laugh.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 22)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The following is provided by Hub Pages ...


The ten lords a-leaping most likely refers to leaping dancers (called morris dancers) who performed leaping dances between courses at feasts. This type of wild and strenuous dancing probably evolved from more ancient war and fertility dances and would have been a popular form of entertainment for this type of function. Unlike the nine ladies dancing in the previous stanza where the dancers appear to have been guests dancing for enjoyment, these were professional dancers brought in to entertain the guests while they dined.

Morris dancing itself was a popular form of folk dancing in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and possibly earlier. Both King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I had professional morris dance troupes perform as part of the entertainment at feasts. Many parish church records from this period show both expenses for the purchase of costumes and the bells that the dancers wore while performing as well as income from the rental of the costumes to neighboring parishes.

While the royal court and other nobles would probably hire professional morris dance troupes to perform at social functions year round, local amateur groups seem to have done most of their performances in conjunction with annual May Day and other outdoor spring festivals. Morris dancing declined following the English Civil Wars of the mid-seventeenth century which brought Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans to power with their dislike and banning of any type of frivolity such as singing and dancing.

The twentieth century brought a revival of the morris and other folk dancing traditions in the UK and other parts of the world including the U.S. Today there are local morris dance troupes and competitions in the UK as well as other parts of the world.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 21)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The following is provided by HUB PAGES.


The nine ladies dancing evokes images of music and dancing which were a big part of the celebrations at this period of history in England.

The term ladies probably refers to noble ladies as in a Lord and his Lady or a lady in waiting (high born ladies who waited on the queen at court – not servant women).

In this case ladies would be women dancing socially and not professional entertainers. For the most part women were not entertainers in this era so it is unlikely that this refers to a troupe of dancing women.

Another interpretation of the nine ladies dancing would be high born ladies dancing for the entertainment of the men much as people today will often provide impromptu entertainment at parties and other social gatherings.

Again, the emphasis is on celebrating and having fun during this nearly two weeks of non-stop nightly partying.

"Happy ChristmaHannauKwanzaaSolstice"

This post is provided by my "sisa from anutha mutha", Dez over at Discordant Lullabye .

It's title is Happy ChristmaHannauKwanzaaSolstice...

It's a copy of her 'note' post over on FaceBook, in her words. But I did space it out. Yes, I do (as a Christian) agree with EVERY single word she writes.

....

“Jesus is the reason for the season.”

We've all heard this saying once or twice during the holidays. But did those who repeat these ever stop to think that maybe He's not? Fact is, Christmas is based on Pagan holidays. The Christians of the time didn't like all these Pagans running around having a peaceful mid-winter holiday with their trees and lights and presents and decided to ninja it. Yes, we should all be very proud of our ninja ancestors. :) We can't keep Christ in Christmas because He was never there. Because of all the confusion getting caught up in Christians insisting He was born in December, we can't even really be sure when He was born! Whether you think it's during the spring or in the autumn, most biblical scholars will agree that it was not in December. Shepherds in the fields in December? They'd freeze to death!

If you really think about it, what do pine trees and bright lights have to do with the birth of our Savior? Um nothing? Jesus didn't command us to do any of those things at the time of His birth. Come to think of it, He really didn't tell us to celebrate His birth at all! It seems to me that those who are most upset about people saying Happy Holidays or calling a tree a holiday tree are the ones who insist that Jesus was born on Dec. 25th and they're also the ones who will insist that there's nothing wrong with their kids believing in Santa Claus. I have no personal beef with those who have Santa as part of their holiday. I have problems with people insisting it's a Christian holiday and refuse to see it as anything else AND including Santa. One does not add up to the other.

Now for my family personally, we don't do Santa and never have. That's our personal family belief. We do happen to celebrate Dec. 25th as Jesus birthday just because we don't honestly know when it is and we should celebrate Him EVERY day! No matter what day He was born on, He was born and died on the cross for us and that's good enough for me. That's why I can display my tree and my lights and eat candy canes and drink eggnog. So if you're a Christian and you're getting upset about people saying Happy Holidays, where does Santa come into play exactly? Last time I checked, Santa had nothing to do with the story. And I've read the story quite a bit. Santa's not mentioned in there.

I honestly don't give a crap if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Hannukah or whatever else. Which is why I usually end up writing ChrismaHannaKwanzaaSolistice. I think there are more holidays than that but I can never remember them all. At least they're not saying “Hey go hump a log buddy”. I'll take a happy whatever I can get! I say Merry Christmas because that's what I celebrate. If you don't celebrate that, be sure to tell me and I'll wish you a happy whatever you celebrate. It honestly does not matter. If someone is wishing you health and happiness, does it really matter which words they use? Before you go getting all upset that you don't see more nativity scenes, try putting one up in your own yard/house. If you're so upset about someone calling it a holiday tree, stop celebrating a Pagan holiday. It's a TREE. Jesus made all trees so they're all important. Your whole life is not going to be ruined because someone wishes you a happy holiday. I promise!

Most people I know, whether Christian, Atheist, Pagan, Agnostic or whatever, honestly don't mind if you say Merry Christmas. They might say Happy Holidays back or they might just smile and think you're a weirdo. But most don't mind it, because that's what a lot of people celebrate. If you're not sure, just say Happy Holidays cuz there are a lot of them this time of year. Or you can just wish someone a nice day. Either way, it's a nice gesture. If someone makes a smart remark, just smile at them and go on about your day. Unfortunately there are some quite militant Atheists and Christians alike but I don't know them because I'd never be friends with them. :)

Instead of getting hung up on wording and slogans, why we don't try to act more Christlike? Instead of getting upset at someone, give them a smile and buy them a hot drink. It's pretty dang cold around here and I know I appreciate a hot drink when I'm freezing. Don't you think that would Jesus happier than seeing His children fight, no matter what holiday? If you're going to insist on celebrating Jesus' birth, why not be a light for Him instead of being a jerk in His name? I'm pretty sure He's not okay with people being jerks in His name. Hand out cookies to your neighbors, go Christmas caroling, give to Sub For Santa/Toys For Tots. Do something instead of just complaining.

Jesus is the reason for EVERY season, not just this one. So lighten up! And happy whatever the heck you celebrate!

Here's the replies I had made as I read the post in it's originality over on FaceBook...

OH HECK YEAH!!.... "We can't keep Christ in Christmas because He was never there. Because of all the confusion getting caught up in Christians insisting He was born in December, we can't even really be sure when He was born!"

Another OH SNAP MOMENT!!... "Jesus didn't command us to do any of those things at the time of His birth. Come to think of it, He really didn't tell us to celebrate His birth at all! It seems to me that those who are most upset about people saying Happy Holidays or calling a tree a holiday tree are the ones who insist that Jesus was born on Dec. 25th..."

BAM!!!! "Most people I know, whether Christian, Atheist, Pagan, Agnostic or whatever, honestly don't mind if you say Merry Christmas. They might say Happy Holidays back or they might just smile and think you're a weirdo. But most don't mind it, because that's what a lot of people celebrate. If you're not sure, just say Happy Holidays cuz there are a lot of them this time of year. Or you can just wish someone a nice day. "

25 Days of Christmas (Day 18 & 19)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

Today, I'm doing the "two for one buy" deal, seeing as I didn't log on and write yesterday. It was *MY BIRTHDAY!!* and I felt the need to be a lazy bum. And I did just that. But only on here. I still had to clean and do the Cinderella thing around the house... Go figure, eh?


On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.


And here we go again with the stinking birds! Sorry. But I ain't the one who wrote this song. (=

I used to have to deal with geese back home in California when I went to the park (along with the seagulls, but that's a story for another time). They are loud and at most times mean little suckers. Okay, not so little, but still can chase you like a chicken with it's head cut off.

(From Wiki Dictionary)

The word goose (plural: geese) is the English name for a considerable number of birds, belonging to the family Anatidae. This family also includes swans, most of which are larger than true geese, and ducks, which are smaller.

There are three living genera of true geese: Anser – Grey Geese, including the domesticated goose and the Swan Goose, Chen – White Geese (often included in Anser), and Branta – Black Geese, such as the Canada goose.

Geese are monogamous, living in permanent pairs throughout the year; however, unlike most other permanently monogamous animals, they are territorial only during the short nesting season. Paired geese are more dominant and feed more, two factors that result in more young.


Now, onwards to the seventh day (which also is a flocking mess!)


On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

Aren't they beautiful? And they are one of the few birds that are mates for life. This picture makes me think my my husband and I, and how still in love and still seemingly in the "honeymoon phase" we are in, even after being married for eight years now, and will be together for eleven in April.

The following about swans is also going to be found HERE.

A swan is a bird of the genus Cygnus.

Seeing as that site sucked and didn't give anything... We shall go HERE instead...

Classification

Family: Anatidae
Subfamily: Cygninae
Species: Whooper, Trumpeter, Tundra, Mute, Black-necked, Black, Berwick, and Coscoroba

A male swan is a cob; a female is a pen, and the young are called cygnets. Description
Swans are the largest of the aquatic birds, closely related to the Goose. They are known for their grace and beauty and have long been considered “ornamental birds” which float on ponds in zoos, parks, and botanical gardens. Swans are long necked and web-footed. The most common swan, the Mute Swan, is a large, all white bird with a pink bill that ends in a black knob. The bill of a swan is so sensitive that it serves as an underwater feeler.

Swans have the longest neck of any bird, with 23-25 neck vertebrae. Swans have as many as 25,000 feathers. They are long-lived birds, and can live up to twenty years in the wild, and even fifty years in captivity!

Habitat

Swans prefer wetlands and land surrounded by water, where they build their nests on mounds. The Tundra swan builds its nest in the tundra wetlands, where they maintain a territory of one square mile and defend it from other swans. Swans prefer cooler environments and avoid extreme heat. The Tundra and Whooper nest all across northern America, the Arctic Islands and Northern Russia. The Black-necked and Coscoroba are found from Brazil southward. The Black Swan lives in Australia and New Zealand. The Mute Swan resides in Europe.

Mating

Swans will both display before mating, then mate for life. They are devoted to each other, and remain together throughout the year. They keep their young with them until they nest again, some staying through a second clutch. If one of a pair of swans dies, the survivor usually takes a new mate, and they form a dedicated pair. Breeding Swans usually mature in two to three years, and breed at around 3-4 years of age. The northern birds do not breed until their fifth or sixth year. Birds kept in captivity take much longer to establish a breeding pair.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 14)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.

Today, we are doing "second day of Christmas".


 On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

The Turtle Dove is also known as European  Turtle Dove. It is in the bird family Columbidae. They are of a smaller build.

Unlike the Partridge Bird, the Turtle Dove IS a migratory bird. They have been known to fly to Turkey and even North Africa!

The Turtle Dove rarely appears in Northern Europe before the end of April, returning south again in September.

It lives in the dense wooded areas and eats from the ground.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 12)

Tomorrow, I will start doing the actual "12 Days Of Christmas" where each day, right up to Christmas Day, I will focus on lines from the Carol. "Lords a leaping"?? What is that? Why FIVE golden rings? Don't worry, because as the days go on, you WILL find out the meaning behind them all.

But today, I think that I will give you these to watch and maybe have a few memories come back of watching these as children yourselves.

I'm only posting PART ONE of each. If you wish to see the entire episode, please go to YouTube and place in the show in the search bar and it will give you more options.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 9, 10 & 11)

Yes, I have three days in one post to do for the "25 Days Of Christmas" series, seeing as I have been WAY too busy to get anything done this past week.

First up, Day 9...More Christmas Decorating; The Outdoors Edition. In pictures mind you.

                  The newest edition (up to that point) was the Skiing Santa.

                      Yes, his arms REALLY DO move as if he really is skiing!

                        Meet our newest and latest edition to the Yard Deco Family...18 Ft. Frosty the Snowman!


Now, for "Day 10"... "Christmas" (Holiday/Winter) Party Planning... Wanna Trade Places?


School. The place where young minds go to learn and grow socially. And a place for a Room Mother to dread planning parties for twenty-two children aging between five and six years old.

Yep, that time again to plan another party. We have to call it Winter Holiday party of course, seeing we HAVE TO BE all PC about it.

And let me tell ya right here and now, I have some of the BEST parents to work with this year. In the three years since moving to this school and taking responsibility as "Head Parent" in the classrooms of my kids, I have NEVER seen as much devotion to and willingness to help and support myself and the kids in the class as I have in Skyler's Kindergarten classroom.

We're going to have craft time, Christmas music, all kinds of goodies to eat, pass out Christmas cards and presents, and goody bags filled with candy and trinkets. These kids are going to have a WONDERFUL time. I'd say that this will be  one of the best parties I have ever put together or have seen for a classroom to have.


Last, but most certainly NOT least..."Day 11", A TRUE Christmas Miracle.


As many of my FaceBook Friends know, we in our area have been passing around and getting other friends from all over the USA to share an Amber Alert about 12-year-old Brittney Smith. Her mother was found dead in their home, and that the live-in boyfriend who is 32, took Brittney and ran off.

For a week, there has been a nation-wide manhunt for Jeff Easley and his hostage, Brittney. They were last seen on a WalMart video surveillance tape leaving the store with a ton of groceries and a tent that was purchased with Tina Smith's (mom) credit card.

Last night, it was reported that Brittney Smith was FOUND, as was Jeff Easley. Best of all, she is ALIVE and to the furthest of knowing, doing well and doesn't look to be injured. They were spotted by a store clerk over 2,700 miles away from here, in San Francisco.

Not many children are lucky to be found alive and unharmed. Being just two weeks shy of Christmas, this is truly a Christmas Miracle.

Welcome home, Brittney! It's good that you can be home and be here for your mother's funeral. I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your brother was horrible enough.

My thoughts and prayers are with Brittney and her grandmother, who apparently will be the one taking her in, after the loss of HER only child.













                       

25 Days of Christmas (Day 8)

Wordless Wednesday... The Tree Trimming & Decorating. They may not be completely in order, so bear with me. (=

                            This is the tree at my children's school. One of the Pre-K Teacher Assistance used to do decorating for Macy's and other Department stores. So, they asked her to trim the school tree.

                   5th Grade is practicing for their upcoming Holiday Play (this Thursday evening!)

               Before the mass decorating started.

                 If only it were *just* these three boxes. But...

              Here comes Dad with the big, main Christmas Tree!!

                   Just think, those boxes in that corner have ALL been emptied! Including ones you cannot see behind my chair (that got moved down stairs to make room).

                   Miss Skyler is rocking out to "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree". Good pick, kid!

                    NOW do you see just how much crap we have to put up? And just think MORE will be added for NEXT year once CLEARANCE sales start.

               

                 A deco piece in my dining room.

                    Also in the dining room. Main wall, left side.

                 And the right side, of course...

                       My "nook" area's decorations.

                 The "glassless" glass cabinet (that is missing the FRONT piece of glass) also gets pretties placed in to it for Christmas.

                  Skyler has a "new" sweater and shirt that is Christmas themed, that was tucked in to a box. Hayley USED TO wear these just a couple years ago.

                    Speaking of Hayley...

                  I even have my very own Cindy Lou Who!! Can't you see the resemblance?

               This tree is downstairs in the Basement Foyer. The kids got to decorate this one ANY way that they wishes, seeing as it is THEIR tree.

                  The finished product with the lights out...

                 The main tree in the upstairs living room with lights out, finished.