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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Time keeps on ticking, ticking...

Steve Miller had that right. I don't know where the time has gone. Yes, I do. I was busting my hump trying to prepare for about 12 events in three days. But don't let that fool you. I loved it. I am one of those freaky people that likes to have lots to do. Not house work lots to do, but other stuff lots to do. And suddenly, it's almost Christmas.

I was preparing for our home school Christmas party. I love to have people and entertain and kids running crazy through the house. We don't get much company where we live, so I offered my house for a Christmas gathering of our park families. It was wonderful. The kids ran and played outside until it started to rain. Then those wet, smelly kids came pouring into the house. I handed out towels as they came through the door soaking wet. Loved it! When it stopped raining, they went back outside. Everybody brought a dish. I had a meat and cheese tray, made brownies, and put together a fruit tray. The moms, and one dad, talked and talked and talked. That is my favorite part. The conversations were varied and informative and I have a couple of new websites to go to. The company makes all the work worth every minute.

While I was cleaning like a fiend and making sure I had everything I needed for that event, I was also preparing for a Christmas workshop at church. This year we did a Santa's workshop theme. The kids were able to come in and make gifts for their families. They got to make their own wrapping paper to put it in. They were able to make snow globes, decorate hats and shoe strings, paint sun catchers, put together angel and toy soldier clothes pin ornaments, decorate their picture with Santa, paint the inside of a glass ornament, and put together snowman soup. Santa came to make sure they were working hard like good elves, which they were. We had a toss the bean bag into Santa's bag and pin the beard on Santa. Everybody was a winner and got a prize. Then we had story time and milk and cookies. They all had a great time, and so did the adults that volunteered to help. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. Of course, do you think they would tell me to my face that it was bad? I hope not. At least email me.

While I was shopping and preparing for that, I also had to get ingredients and supplies together for a lasagna Christmas dinner with the youth. I made two, and brought a whole one home. Cool by me. That meant I didn't have to cook the next day. That was a lot of work, too. Setting up, tearing down, cleaning up. The youth enjoyed it and we got to say good bye to our associate pastor, who was with us for the last time. She is moving to a new church and we are going to miss her to pieces.

And if that wasn't enough, hubby and I had to do the Christmas shopping. Aaarrrrgghh! Will it end? Yes, too soon. We took our time and even managed to stop and eat sushi for dinner. He had to stop yesterday and pick up a couple of things we had forgotten. I got most of it wrapped, and will probably finish it tonight. Just in time for it to get torn open. I'm pretty excited about the kids opening their presents. We didn't go huge this year, and even put some Christmas money in the Hawaii account. We also were able to do birthday shopping for January and February.

We have all the fixings for Christmas dinner. While I'm out today, I'll pick up black eyed peas for New Year's dinner. We pick up our pasture fed beef on December 31, just in time for dinner. I wanted a roast or a big cut of beef and there it is. We're also having roasted potatoes and butternut squash, broccoli, and maybe some homemade rolls. If you're coming over, let me know. I need to figure out a dessert because we are going to need something sweet. Maybe a cheesecake. Who knows?

So, I've been busy. It has been a great Christmas break for our school. We've taken a break until the New Year, and I am glad to not have that on my plate. We are on hiatus from dance and co-op as well. Hubby has four days off for Christmas and we are going to enjoy every minute of it.

Merry Christmas to you all! May God bless you this upcoming year and through all time. May peace and joy and love be your constant companion.

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