The True Meaning of Christmas

After reading Shanna's blog tonight, I too wonder why Santa? I can't remember him being a big part of my childhood. I don't remember finding out about him or seeing him at the mall. I don't really know what the big deal is. And it's A LOT of work to be Santa! So we half-heartedly did Santa this year and I have my doubts for the next year. With my kids being homeschooled, the emphasis on Santa just isn't there unless I do it. And I don't really want to. I want Christmas to be about giving. I want my kids to be "santa" for someone else. I love the spirit of Santa, I just don't need the letters to him, the cookies, the reindeer...ya know? I want Christ to be the center of Christmas and the santa idea to be what we do for someone else. Does this ruin the magic of Christmas? Does this detract from my kids' childhood happiness? Am I depriving them of something? It's just so much easier to focus on the true meaning of Christmas...I mean, that's where we all get eventually, isn't it?

PS Funny note: this was the very first "fight" Geo and I had while we were engaged. He said he wouldn't lie to the kids about the existence of Santa and I told him to send them to me...I had no problems lying! :) But now, my tune has changed. Hmmm, just like before I had kids when I said I would never be one of those parents that let my kids run wild at a church function....ha.

Sick

I was sick over the weekend with the flu and now my whole Christmas momentum is thrown off! I can't get back in the Christmas groove. Argh! I guess I need to slow down and remember what Christmas is all about! It truly is the best time of year!

Making Gingerbread Houses

This was fun and oh, so messy! If you want a peaked roof, I guess you have to shell out the money for the pre-cut kit. Luckily, my kids weren't picky. They were thrilled they got to taste all the "junk", nothing else mattered really. :) This was the final Christmas project for Becca before Meghan...she went to the hospital that night.

PS I didn't get a picture of Natalie or Seth, but they were there! I got a movie of Natalie, but don't have time to let it upload. Geo needs the computer!

Belts

So, I have this belt that I love that has been with me through quite a few weight gains and losses (I am telling you, 4 pregnancies in 5 years...I have seem a lot of weight come and go!). I love this belt! There is a flower design that is cut into the belt at intervals. Anyway! Last week, I felt pretty good about myself. The belt was feeling quite loose though it was on the same belt hole. I was telling George about this and was pretty proud of myself! Until I looked at the belt. The top and bottom stitching had come out and there was about a 1.5 inch gap...no belt, just the top and bottom threads hanging in there. Dang! And I thought it was weight loss. :) I bought a new belt and needless to say, it fits just the same as the other one did before it was "hanging by a thread". Perhaps even a little tight after 2 Thanksgiving dinners last week. Dang!

My husband!

He is the greatest! A few nights ago, I was lamenting that the battery of my electric toothbrush was dying and I knew that I would NEVER remember to change it. Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised that the battery had resurrected itself and was going strong as ever...and then I noticed Geo's face. He had been super sneaky and changed the battery for me! It's the little things that make me love him the most!