Status Report - December

Sitting...at the desk in our dining room. (This hasn't changed because this is still our only computer...Santa, are you listening?)

Smelling...Not much. I'm pretty stuffy. But if I wasn't I suspect, I'd be smelling the Christmas tree and the cup of coffee, long cold, with lots of Gingerbread creamer, sitting on the desk.

Listening...To my three youngest children in my bedroom raiding the craft supply box. Allie is hunting for glitter (this can not end well) and my son is telling her a completely fabricated story about how he saw a knight costume at the store, but it didn't have a helmet so his mom (presumably me?) said she would make him one with lots of glitter. I am enjoying the story so much that I haven't had the heart to go in and call him on the fact that it's all a complete lie. Besides, I am sure Allie knows it's a lie as my name is never mentioned along with the words "Make a costume" or even worse, gasp, "glitter."

Drinking...Diet coke with ice. No, not the cold coffee, that's pathetically, still sitting here from before church this morning.

Reading...I just finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. A gorgeously crafted young adult novel about a girl growing up in Nazi Germany. This is, I think, the best book I have read this year. I absolutely loved these characters. It was, however, also heartbreaking and I read the last two chapters through my tears. I am now ready for a lighter diversion for the holidays. Something that will whisk me away but not leave me in tears. I'd LOVE your suggestions.

Also reading...She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. I started this today, but I am not feeling it right now. I don't think it's quite the light and fluffy distraction I want. I may put it aside and pick up something else instead. I have no doubt I'll get back to it eventually.

Loving...The "Gift of Hope" thing my church did this year. Everyone was supposed to pick one way to serve others this Christmas. I chose to bring Allie and her friends caroling to the sick and homebound on Friday night. Surprisingly, this was more difficult for me than I thought it would be. Allie had already hosted a caroling party in our neighborhood the last few years so I thought it would be an easy transition to take that on the road. But man, what a blessing I received by stepping out of my comfort zone. But more about that later.

Also Loving...The cold weather and Christmas Lights. Uncharacteristically unScrooge-like of me, but true.

Dreading...Finishing my Christmas shopping and the SIX Christmas parties/programs I have this week. Characteristically Scrooge-like of me.

Eagerly anticipating....December 25th. The week starting with Christmas and ending with New Years Day is the best one of the year for me. The Christmas hustle and bustle is behind me, The Man and kids are home and we get to spend time together as a family. With a new laptop new toys!

Worrying...about my kids. Especially the older two. All the time. Every minute of the day. I'll leave it at that.

Wishing...that this nasty cold descending upon me would move right on along. Too much to do to be sick this week.

Also Wishing...The Man would provide me with some idea of what to get him for Christmas. He says "nothing" but he has worked so hard this year, I would really love to give him something that would blow him away.

Praying...for wisdom and discernment and more wisdom. This parenting gig is hard.

Grateful...That my mediocre Christmas cards are mailed and that most of my Christmas shopping, which is also likely mediocre, is done.

Also Grateful...for Psuedoephedrine. Even if I am forced to feel slightly criminal now each time I purchase it. I mean really my dear power crazed pharmacist, aren't I slightly too um...well fed to be a Meth addict?

Sharing...This video of my baby girl.



Who, incidentally, is still sporting permanent marker spots and now also has runny nose and a rash on her face. She's got quite the orphan-child look going on these days. Poor dear.