I remember writing letters like this when I was little. I was amazed at how I would get the gifts I asked for. Then my own kids wrote letters to Santa. It was fun to see what they would ask for and then see their faces when their wishes came true.
Then I heard of another parent and their way of giving presents from Santa. Their kids would only receive three gifts from Santa, because Jesus received three gifts at his birth from the Three Wise Men. I thought this was a great idea and I began doing this for my own kids.
In later years, I began thinking even more on these three gifts and this person we all called Santa. It occurred to me that my kids shouldn't think this mystical person is better than their own parents because he gave the best gifts. I know, I know, kids grow up and eventually find out that we are Santa, but when they were kids and still believing, I wanted them to know that their parents were the ones that made their wishes come true. Not someone that they saw at a mall.
Don't get me wrong, I love Santa, who doesn't? In fact, I love playing Santa and year round if I can. I love to make someone's wish come true, something that they never thought in their whole lives would happen to them, big or small. This is the season of giving, but I like to try and give all the time. How fun it is to make an ordinary day an extraordinary day.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Full Time Job
Which is really a part time job, but really it isn't a job, it's all volunteering. I love volunteering for Holt International, there are so many different events that happen across the country from big to small. But the full time job, which is part time, which is volunteering, is the honor of serving on the Board of Directors. There was so much to learn when I first joined the board, so much so, I questioned whether or not I was even qualified for the position. Honestly, it took me a good three years to feel comfortable serving.
So now I'm working on committee things to get on top of all that we have to do. I have three new members that were placed on my committee, so I have been busy compiling all the information there is to know about our committee and what our responsibilities are. I am one to read directions on everything, so I re-read our policy book and picked out everything that was pertinent to my committee. That took me all day yesterday and partially into the early evening. I'm just glad my Wednesdays are the days I don't have to go anywhere unless I make plans.
Don't get me wrong, I am still not comfortable with every aspect of the ins and outs, there are just some things better left to others that know the areas in which I feel go completely over my head. It's a good thing we are all made so differently so we can all contribute in our special ways.
I read directions, I have a schedule, I have charts, I have timelines, I feel I am very organized. But when it comes to waiting on other people to get back to me so I can move forward, ugh, I have to have more patience, but really, shouldn't they get back to me asap? With technology nowadays, it's that simple and only takes about five minutes at the most, right?
So now I wait, my emails are in draft form, my timelines are on hold, my schedule is in pause mode, my charts are almost complete. I was hoping I'd be able to finish up today, but at this rate, doesn't look like I will. I like to get all of my things done before my kids get home, then I try not to do any emails or work unless it's something important. Well, at least I got in a break to write on my blog and now I am going to write thank you notes, the old fashioned way, by hand!
So now I'm working on committee things to get on top of all that we have to do. I have three new members that were placed on my committee, so I have been busy compiling all the information there is to know about our committee and what our responsibilities are. I am one to read directions on everything, so I re-read our policy book and picked out everything that was pertinent to my committee. That took me all day yesterday and partially into the early evening. I'm just glad my Wednesdays are the days I don't have to go anywhere unless I make plans.
Don't get me wrong, I am still not comfortable with every aspect of the ins and outs, there are just some things better left to others that know the areas in which I feel go completely over my head. It's a good thing we are all made so differently so we can all contribute in our special ways.
I read directions, I have a schedule, I have charts, I have timelines, I feel I am very organized. But when it comes to waiting on other people to get back to me so I can move forward, ugh, I have to have more patience, but really, shouldn't they get back to me asap? With technology nowadays, it's that simple and only takes about five minutes at the most, right?
So now I wait, my emails are in draft form, my timelines are on hold, my schedule is in pause mode, my charts are almost complete. I was hoping I'd be able to finish up today, but at this rate, doesn't look like I will. I like to get all of my things done before my kids get home, then I try not to do any emails or work unless it's something important. Well, at least I got in a break to write on my blog and now I am going to write thank you notes, the old fashioned way, by hand!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
I'm Not a Spender
Really, I'm not, seriously, ask my family...sounds like I'm protesting too much. But with the season of Christmas upon us, I am quite the spender! And this year, we are not buying our kids presents, no we are not cancelling Christmas, we are just going a different route this year.
So why am I shopping everyday? I must get wrapped up in the season of it all. I am finding myself buying things for myself more too, which is really so unlike me. Yesterday, I went to the Apple store to buy a wireless keyboard for my iPad. Last Christmas, my family gave me the iPad as their gift to me. I have used it quite a lot, my youngest daughter loves to play games on it, but I found myself not using it as often as I 'should' be. The reason? The touch keyboard for typing. I just couldn't get used to it. When I type, I rest my fingers on the keys and type away. I have always been very good at typing. But resting my fingers on the touch keyboard, the letters would appear that I didn't want. Typing with one finger just doesn't cut it for me or suspending my hands above the keyboard doesn't cut it either.
So here I am, typing away on my newest purchase, the wireless keyboard. Another frill that I would not have bought for myself, but felt I needed in order to use my iPad more. "Needed', no but now I can at least use my gift more. This thing is pretty cool too. I got home with it and was like a little kid opening the box. I had to figure out how to use it and get it in sync with the iPad, the directions didn't state how to sync with an iPad, just a computer, what?? So I got the iPad, turned on the keyboard and....I was pretty proud of myself for doing it right the first time! It was so simple, technology is pretty awesome. And the bluetooth connection, yeah, pretty cool to sync the keyboard to my iPad. And now I can do my email on my iPad too since I can type my responses on an actual keyboard! Yahoo!! No more laptop plus iPad. So this means I don't need the new mini MacBook Air, right?? Hmmm, I STILL can't do documents on my iPad though....
So why am I shopping everyday? I must get wrapped up in the season of it all. I am finding myself buying things for myself more too, which is really so unlike me. Yesterday, I went to the Apple store to buy a wireless keyboard for my iPad. Last Christmas, my family gave me the iPad as their gift to me. I have used it quite a lot, my youngest daughter loves to play games on it, but I found myself not using it as often as I 'should' be. The reason? The touch keyboard for typing. I just couldn't get used to it. When I type, I rest my fingers on the keys and type away. I have always been very good at typing. But resting my fingers on the touch keyboard, the letters would appear that I didn't want. Typing with one finger just doesn't cut it for me or suspending my hands above the keyboard doesn't cut it either.
So here I am, typing away on my newest purchase, the wireless keyboard. Another frill that I would not have bought for myself, but felt I needed in order to use my iPad more. "Needed', no but now I can at least use my gift more. This thing is pretty cool too. I got home with it and was like a little kid opening the box. I had to figure out how to use it and get it in sync with the iPad, the directions didn't state how to sync with an iPad, just a computer, what?? So I got the iPad, turned on the keyboard and....I was pretty proud of myself for doing it right the first time! It was so simple, technology is pretty awesome. And the bluetooth connection, yeah, pretty cool to sync the keyboard to my iPad. And now I can do my email on my iPad too since I can type my responses on an actual keyboard! Yahoo!! No more laptop plus iPad. So this means I don't need the new mini MacBook Air, right?? Hmmm, I STILL can't do documents on my iPad though....
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Merry! Merry!
Yes! I'm my old self again and back to having the Christmas spirit! I was kinda bummed that I wasn't in the mood, but looking at my house all sparkly and bright with lights, it is so beautiful and I love looking at everything. I didn't go overboard, so things look tastefully done. I will have to post some pictures, but really, pictures won't do it justice.
My family spends most of the time in the basement, though we do have a tree down there and the stockings on the fireplace, but it's the main floor that I love to look at. So I have to go upstairs every once in awhile and look at all the pretty things. I'm like a little kid.
I love this time of the year, not just for the pretty decorations, but for how it makes people want to give to others.
My family spends most of the time in the basement, though we do have a tree down there and the stockings on the fireplace, but it's the main floor that I love to look at. So I have to go upstairs every once in awhile and look at all the pretty things. I'm like a little kid.
I love this time of the year, not just for the pretty decorations, but for how it makes people want to give to others.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Ba Hum Bug?
Me? Ba Hum Bug? Heck no! But...I'm kinda feeling that way...why? I don't know! Usually I am crazy in the mood to decorate, but this year, I am lagging behind my usual schedule of having everything up and decorated by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. One tree is still bare, but the kids will get to that, right? It's their tree! I just finished my icicle tree today, the star is the only thing left. The other formal tree, my family is coming over again to finish it.
But the rest of the house, I wouldn't mind if I just left it as is. What?? That is so not like me!! Since I didn't get my usual start the day after Thanksgiving, I think I've just been off. The day after Thanksgiving, I went to the football game so there went that day. The next day, I had to go help my mom and sister decorate another Christmas tree, then more football that afternoon. I was too tired to do any decorating that night. Sunday morning I cooked a huge breakfast for the family before my oldest daughter headed back to school. Then the afternoon was filled with NFL football for the boys. Um, they really didn't want to get all the stuff from the attic, did they.
So the next day, I asked if they would get the decorations from the attic, come on, football wasn't on until 8:00. So they did and we actually got the other two trees set up and put the lights on. I hung the stockings too. But the trees stayed bare until today. My mom and sister came over to help with the custom tree they did for me last year, but the finishing touches still need to be done, hopefully tonight.
I don't know what it is with me this year. I thought I got a head start on the season by getting my Christmas letter out before Thanksgiving so people would receive it the day after Thanksgiving. And today is only December 3rd, I shouldn't feel that bad that my decorating isn't done should I? Then why do I??? Why do I put this pressure on myself? Um, my first Christmas party isn't until the 11th, uhhh, next weekend...ahhhh!! Notice how I am stalling by writing on my blog rather than decorating, but I am waiting for my mom and sister to help me...yea, that's it...
But the rest of the house, I wouldn't mind if I just left it as is. What?? That is so not like me!! Since I didn't get my usual start the day after Thanksgiving, I think I've just been off. The day after Thanksgiving, I went to the football game so there went that day. The next day, I had to go help my mom and sister decorate another Christmas tree, then more football that afternoon. I was too tired to do any decorating that night. Sunday morning I cooked a huge breakfast for the family before my oldest daughter headed back to school. Then the afternoon was filled with NFL football for the boys. Um, they really didn't want to get all the stuff from the attic, did they.
So the next day, I asked if they would get the decorations from the attic, come on, football wasn't on until 8:00. So they did and we actually got the other two trees set up and put the lights on. I hung the stockings too. But the trees stayed bare until today. My mom and sister came over to help with the custom tree they did for me last year, but the finishing touches still need to be done, hopefully tonight.
I don't know what it is with me this year. I thought I got a head start on the season by getting my Christmas letter out before Thanksgiving so people would receive it the day after Thanksgiving. And today is only December 3rd, I shouldn't feel that bad that my decorating isn't done should I? Then why do I??? Why do I put this pressure on myself? Um, my first Christmas party isn't until the 11th, uhhh, next weekend...ahhhh!! Notice how I am stalling by writing on my blog rather than decorating, but I am waiting for my mom and sister to help me...yea, that's it...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Soap Changed My Attitude
Sounds silly, but the face wash I use daily really changed the way I saw myself and thus, changed me for the better. I wrote about this five years ago, yes, I've been using this same face wash for five years. Though I like to be spontaneous, I am also a person that needs routine and likes the same old same old.
Five years ago, I switched to using Purity by Philosophy. At that time, I thought I was being very indulgent because it seemed expensive to me. Every morning and every night, as I wash my face I read the bottle of Purity. Soon the words really sunk in. I began to see myself differently and began to think of what I wanted out of life. I was happy with being a wife and mom, but something was missing, me.
I began to remember my hopes and dreams I wanted out of life. I had achieved quite a lot already, but still, something was missing. 2005 was a significant year, my world, literally, opened up for me. I've been going ever since and today, I am living my hopes and dreams thanks to my soap.
Purity made simple:
"Philosophy: purity is natural. we come into this world with all the right instincts. we are innocent, and therefore perceive things as they should be, rather than how they are. our conscience is clear, our hands clean, and the world at large is truly beautiful. to begin feeling young again, we must feel clean. to feel clean we must cleanse ourselves daily with a little soap, lots of water, and love each step of the way."
Five years ago, I switched to using Purity by Philosophy. At that time, I thought I was being very indulgent because it seemed expensive to me. Every morning and every night, as I wash my face I read the bottle of Purity. Soon the words really sunk in. I began to see myself differently and began to think of what I wanted out of life. I was happy with being a wife and mom, but something was missing, me.
I began to remember my hopes and dreams I wanted out of life. I had achieved quite a lot already, but still, something was missing. 2005 was a significant year, my world, literally, opened up for me. I've been going ever since and today, I am living my hopes and dreams thanks to my soap.
Purity made simple:
"Philosophy: purity is natural. we come into this world with all the right instincts. we are innocent, and therefore perceive things as they should be, rather than how they are. our conscience is clear, our hands clean, and the world at large is truly beautiful. to begin feeling young again, we must feel clean. to feel clean we must cleanse ourselves daily with a little soap, lots of water, and love each step of the way."
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
From One Mom to Another
As I reflect on my Gotcha Day, the day I joined my forever family, I think of my mom. Being a mom to three wonderful children, I think of all the things my mom gave to me and showed me:
Love
The meaning of family
Kindness
Hard work
Patience
Guidance
Discipline
Forgiveness
Determination
Hopefulness
Spiritualness(is that even a word? It is now)
Wonderful memories
How to roast marshmallows in the fire pit
How to poo in the woods
How to pee in the thunder bucket
(The three above during camping trips, not in the backyard)
How to have fun
How to garden
How to cook
How to clean
How to do my own laundry
How to brush the knots out of my hair
How to give to others
How to appreciate all that I have
How to appreciate others
How to laugh
How to cry
How to dream
How to achieve
How to believe
How to inspire
How to be creative
The list is endless for with all of the above, my mom has always been here for me and I know I wasn't always the easiest to get along with. We've both come a long way and I'm so grateful we are now together to make more wonderful memories and share life's greatest gifts.
I only hope I can pass these along to my own children.
Love
The meaning of family
Kindness
Hard work
Patience
Guidance
Discipline
Forgiveness
Determination
Hopefulness
Spiritualness(is that even a word? It is now)
Wonderful memories
How to roast marshmallows in the fire pit
How to poo in the woods
How to pee in the thunder bucket
(The three above during camping trips, not in the backyard)
How to have fun
How to garden
How to cook
How to clean
How to do my own laundry
How to brush the knots out of my hair
How to give to others
How to appreciate all that I have
How to appreciate others
How to laugh
How to cry
How to dream
How to achieve
How to believe
How to inspire
How to be creative
The list is endless for with all of the above, my mom has always been here for me and I know I wasn't always the easiest to get along with. We've both come a long way and I'm so grateful we are now together to make more wonderful memories and share life's greatest gifts.
I only hope I can pass these along to my own children.
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