Introducing. . . My Word for 2010!

I've finally come up with My Word for 2010.

It's taken me a little while to decide on it. My initial thought was to choose the word patience, because I feel that is a trait I need to work on. However, I finally decided that there is another word out there that really speaks to me right now. One that moves me. One that I need right now. And while patience is something that I want to strive for, I think there is something more inside of me right now that needs urging. So, in the New Year, I will am going to spend my time focusing on the word . . .

create
cre-ate
1: to bring into existence
2 a: to invest with a new form, office or rank > b: to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior
3: cause, occasion
4 a: to produce through imaginative skill > b: design

What a word! I have this feeling inside that I am going to try and unleash in 2010. I have these dreams and ideas that I want to grow. I want to create art. I want to create stories. I want to create photographs. I want to create wonderful spaces where my children can play and dream and grow and thrive. I want to create paintings that will inspire others. I want to create sentences, one after another, that will make people smile and laugh out loud. I want to create delicious meals and yummy desserts. I want to create adventures and experiences I've never had before. I want to create a home filled with laughter and peace, an environment that welcomes strangers and encourages friendships. I want to create. All year long.

So, My Word for 2010. CREATE.

And I hope to share my journey with you. We'll have much fun together. Happy New Year, dear friend! May we all create a Wonderful Year for ourselves!

p.s. To inspire YOU to come up with a 2010 word - check out the blogs of two very dear friends, Peggy and Cindi, here and here. Let's see what they are inspiring for the New Year.

p.s.s. My "Create" wordle collage was "created" at http://www.wordle.net/. Go there and make your own! It's FUN!

I'm Older than I've Ever Been . . .

I am getting old. Older. By the minute. Older than I've ever been.

A few years ago I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and bought one of those magnifying make-up mirrors with the additional light feature, so that I could SEE very clearly what I was doing when putting my make-up on. This past weekend, I wished that I didn't have the large magnifying mirror. I'm kind of wishing that I put my make-up on by way of candle light and small compact mirror. Even smaller than compact mirror. More like those little tubes of lipstick that have a small rectangular mirror on them. Yes, that is the mirror I wish I used to put my make-up on. Because, my dear friends, I am getting older.

Ok, so I can hear you saying, "No, your not!" and "You look fine!" and all those wonderful things that good friends say to each other to cheer themselves up. But the truth . . . and the mirror . . . do not lie . . . I am getting older.

I have wrinkles in places that I never had before, and there are little hairs growing out of places on my face where little hairs just shouldn't grow. My forehead looks like Ella played connect-the-dots on top of it and drew 5 lines straight across it. Those lines are wrinkles. And I have these tiny little frown wrinkles that are starting to appear in the corners of my mouth. Which surprises me, because I really don't frown that often. But the truth of the fact is . . . I am getting older.

Maybe I've watched too many of those "Real Housewives of Orange County/New Jersey/New York" shows. . . I mean, is botox really the answer? I never thought so - but believe me, if someone had a needle of that stuff this past weekend (when I was looking in the mirror), I may have taken a little pinch or two in the forehead. (By the way - I have sworn off those "Real Housewives" shows and don't watch them anymore. They were my one vice. Now, my addiction to Starbucks coffee is my vice, and the shows are no longer tivo'd. Who needs to see how those "Real Housewives" live, anyway?) Anyway - botox is not the answer for me. I guess I am just getting older.

It's not just the wrinkles. It's a number of things. No longer do I find it fun or exciting to stay up until 3am with the one I love - I'd rather be in bed by 9pm. No longer do I find that I am blasting music in the car - I find that I'm listening to NPR and talk radio more these days. No longer do I look at high-heels as a sexy shoe - I feel instant pain just looking at a pair of heels and would much rather wear something more comfortable. And this past week Santa brought Katie a Nintendo DS - I don't have a CLUE how to use it. Oh, and Reading?? Well, while I greatly enjoy it, I find that lately I am adjusting the book and my head at various angles and distances just to SEE the words on the page. Yes, I am getting older.

So, in the New Year, I am going to Challenge myself to NOT get TOO old. First off - moisturizing will become a new skin care regimen for me (yes, I know, I've neglected my skin too long). Secondly - I'm going into the CITY with my husband in a couple weeks for a lovely overnight, and I'm going to challenge myself to NOT be in the hotel by 10pm and try to "live it up" a little. Maybe dancing or something? I am also going to turn the talk-radio OFF and listen to some music that really moves me. As far as the high-heels, well - that might be a health and safety issue, so I might not be able to wear those right now. But maybe I could find something CUTE and trendy to wear. You see, I am going to make it my resolution to do SOMETHING that is not OLD and that will keep me younger . . . Younger than I have been lately . . . at least!

Beautiful . . . just beautiful.

The weather in Chicago last week included some pretty awful rain-turned to ice storms. While the roads were a bit treacherous and driving was not fun, it did produce some absolutely stunning photo opportunities. Here are some truly beautiful shots that PG took on Christmas Eve. I LOVE that his eye for truly magnificent pictures took him outside to snap these. They are stunning.

I absolutely love how PG captured this photo (above) of the Christmas lights on the tree outside - how the ice has forced these two to become one - how your eye follows the line of the tree branch and the light cord - the movement in the photo - pure harmony - An incredible photo, to me.

I am not the photographer in our house. My husband, Phil, is. He has had an amazing eye with the camera long before I met him, and most of the photos you see on this blog are taken by him. My husband could have probably had 10 or 20 really successful professions in his lifetime, and I am absolutely certain that "photographer" is one of them. He is so skilled and can capture such feeling in his photos. Learning more about taking better photographs is on my list of creative things I want do to do in the New Year. I have a good teacher in him, and these photos are my inspiration.

What is on your list, creatively, for the New Year? Do you want to re-decorate a room in your house? Learn how to decorate cakes? Finally write that book? Where do you hope your creative juices will flow in 2010? I'd love to know. . .

Is it Wrong?

Is it wrong that I secretly wish Ella's gift from Santa was all my own? Is it wrong that I am secretly jealous that she received such an awesome present? Hmmmm. . . .you decide. This is the present that I covet . . .
It's not just the Art Desk. It's all of the supplies that Santa brought to go with it. . .

It's the brand new Crayola Pip-Squeaks Markers Tower that hold 50 bright color markers! It's the 2 boxes of Crayola crayons that hold a total of 192 beautiful and never before used crayola crayons in awesome colors like Prussian Blue and Mountain Meadow. Brand New. Maybe it is the two brand new drawing pads of paper that Santa brought, clean . . . without finger prints or smudges - all ready for her to create. (sigh)

Or perhaps it is just simply the fact that she has a dedicated space where she can create, dream and . . . simply BE.

It's amazes me that I can own a home, yet I have failed to set up a little corner or desk area (or even a 2 x 2 foot space) of my own, for me to create in. And Ella now has her own little place to do just that. I'm secretly jealous . . . yet SO EXCITED . . . that she has this space, and I can't wait to see what masterpieces come out of it.

And maybe . . . just maybe . . . I can have a few moments there at night. . . when she is sleeping.

I don't think she'll mind.

The Beginning of it All

After the presents were opened, the food was served, the dishes were washed, the guests were gone, the garbage was taken out, the carpets were vacuumed, the toys put away, and the children were sleeping . . . I had a brief moment on the couch in complete silence.

I looked up and saw Our Nativity, and I was reminded what it was all about. What a lovely way to end the day. My wish for you is continued Peace and Love this Holiday Weekend. : )

With Much Love and Thanks

There comes a time when a girl has just gotta sit back, take some deep breaths, and go with the flow. Let it be (as the great Beatles would say). And just . . . . live.

With all of your help, I am doing just that. And you know what . . . I feel really good tonight. After a night of UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP (it's amazing how much better I feel when I have sleep), I woke up a little clearer and feeling like I can tackle pretty much anything. I guess writing last night helped me put everything into perspective. So, tonight, I feel good.

So, time to send a little LOVE out to all of you - my dear Blog friends. You have picked me up when I was down, laughed with me, cried with me, and just meant more to me this year than you will ever realize. I might not take the time to write anymore this week (as you know from last night . . . there is lots to do! For YOU, too, I'm sure!)

So, I wish you all the VERY BEST CHRISTMAS with your family and loved ones. I wish you moments of pure love and joy, complete laughter and fun, yummy treats and stories of happy times with those who matter the most. And I thank you for all you have done for me this year. I'll be back next week . . . .with lots of stories about the Holiday, I am sure.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Dear Friends! And God Bless!

Need a little . . . . SOMETHING.

Before I start with the blahblahblah, I want to thank each and everyone of you for the thoughts and the kind words written about the Saturday post on My Dad. You have no idea how much your outpouring of LOVE filled my heart and how much easier the day was because of each of YOU! My Father really was just a wonderful, great, funny, stubborn, loyal, loving Man. And being able to share him with all of you was just so special to me. So, I thank you - sincerely.

Now . . . . I have got to tell you . . . . here I am, once again, searching for the strength that I have come accustomed to each of your providing. . . because . . . AUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I have completely and totally lost the Spirit (you know . . . the Big C Spirit . . . yes, CHRISTMAS) within the past week.

I am exhausted.

I am drained.

I wish I could lay down and find that I've slept my way to 2010 . . . because 2009 has been poopy (that's my very official and technical term for the year, if you must know.) But I know, I must be careful what I wish for. So, I take that back.

Truthfully . . . .let me put it into perspective again (let me also tell you that I am a Gemini - therefore I tend to be very dramatic and overact and have multiple MULTIPLE persons in the brain to really mix me up.) So, the reality is that EVERYTHING IS FINE (just had to get that out before you became alarmed or worried. Seriously. Everything is absolutely GOOD!)

But . . . "What has you in this state?" you ask? Just . . . . LIFE. This chaotic LIFE the past week. LIFE.

Life filled with . . .

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Katie's flu (and all that took place with it) and then her recovery (yea!)

3pm - 8:45pm Saturday: Family parties (the gathering on Saturday went really well, actually).

9pm Saturday: We returned home following said gathering. Just SECONDS in the door, dear Ella tells me "Mommy, I think I ate too much." Which is NEVER a good thing to hear. Luckily she still had her winter boots on!

9pm Saturday - 1am Sunday: Followed with 8 MAJOR projectile episodes and our efforts to determine if it really was that she "ate too much" or if she had, in fact, the flu. After episode 5, we pretty much determined it was the FLU. Most of the night was spent on the couch and catching (yes, catching . . . .with a bowl) whatever we could. Do you have children in your life? You understand. . .

2:30am - 7am Sunday: I finally was sent to bed by PG at around 2:30am, and was told he would stay with her on the couch (I stayed up w/Katie during the week, so sweet PG wanted to really be a help with Ellie. And he was.) Although . . . BIG MISTAKE. You see . . . I HAVE had a flu shot. PG HAS NOT. So . . .

8am Sunday: Ella is feeling tons better. However, PG has now found out why me telling him to "PLEASE GET A FLU SHOT" might have been a good idea a couple weeks ago. The poor man hardly mustered up enough courage to walk, let alone sit up. He was down for the count (except for regular visits to the rest room. . . . augh!)

6pm Sunday: I convince the whole family to eat a little bit of very bland (on purpose) soup. Which, thank goodness, managed to find a comfortable home in every persons tummy without any outbursts of any kind (whew!)

9pm Sunday: All is quiet in the house. The children are nestled, all snug in their beds (ok, I have to get a little Christmas in here) and the husband is also down for the count. I decide I would much rather sleep the night on the couch, then chance any bugs visiting me in bed next to dear PG.

10pm Sunday: Ding ding ding (NOTE TO SELF: next time I want to sleep on the couch, remember that the clock on the mantle chimes every hour.)

11pm Sunday: Ding ding ding (same as above)

12am Monday: Damn, I really used to love that clock.

1am - 5am Monday: a bit of a blur . . .

6:00am Monday: Dear PG makes way downstairs - fully showered and looking really good. He said he is feeling LOTS better . . . although, we have a bit of a problem. NO Hot Water. He makes way to the basement and I hear, "Oh, No!" to which I quickly head downstairs and am told the tank is leaking all over the storage room (darn! I should have left that exercise bike in there! That would have been a GREAT EXCUSE to NOT use it! "It got all wet and broke!" Ah, well.)

Anyway . . . long story short - the awesome landlord to the building my office is in - ALSO happens to be a plumber. One quick call to JP Plumbing, and crisis SOLVED. Well . . . that is. . . except I am beginning to feel a bit . . . under the weather.

Now, the good thing is that I am not vomiting and am no where near where each of the other members in the house have been. However, I feel just drained and chilled and exhausted. I am not even close to being ready for Christmas and while Santa has most of the presents ready - they are not wrapped or calculated to make sure they are equal per child (do you do that?) and I have yet to get anything ready in the house for Christmas dinner.

Toilets need to be cleaned, floors washed, groceries purchased, laundry to be done, linens washed, silver polished, gifts bought, presents wrapped, storage area to be cleaned and boxes gone through of water damaged items removed, an awesome dinner cooked by Friday afternoon, and I have to work 2 more days this week. Oh, that . . . and . . . I'm really really tired.

So, I am heading straight to bed now (after taking an awesome HOT SHOWER! Thank you Plumber Brian!) I'm certain I do NOT have the flu. I think I am just caught up in the stress of the week. But I wish Christmas was 10 days away, and not 4, and I have no idea how to pull it all together. So . . . . just another blah blah day for me, folks. Not proud of it. Wish it would go away. But it's LIFE. Right?

AUGH!!!! So tell me SOMETHING to make me laugh. Tell me something to pull me out of it. Tell me SOMETHING to remind me that this is nothing but silliness and we'll all be laughing about it some day. And THANKS for letting me "blah" again. Good night (and I'll be back as soon as I can!)

My Dad

This is a photo of my Dad, taken when he was a young man. I love this photo. It brings a smile to my face to see him in this photo. Seven years ago today my Dad passed away. I was just 3 months pregnant with Katie at the time, and I can remember that day like it was yesterday. He went into the hospital for surgery on December 11th (or close to it) with the plan to be home one week later. That week came and went. And Daddy never made it home. Loosing him was the worst thing that I've ever been through in my short 38 years on this earth. He was a great man.

Today my immediate family (brothers, sister, kids and the in-laws) will be gathering at my Mom's for our Christmas celebration. When Mom first suggested this day for our annual gathering, I wasn't very happy that she wanted to do it today. But then I realized that I guess it is pretty appropriate that we do meet and CELEBRATE today. Not only celebrate the holiday - but I guess celebrate our family, and my father.

So, to celebrate my Dad (and NOT to mourn him), I thought I'd share some little tidbits of Dad that made him, in my eyes, the very best:

1. He was a whistler - always whistling some tune or another. Used to drive my Mom nuts, because many times he was a "nervous" whistler. But I loved it.
2. He had a Dunkin Donuts coffee belly - NOT a beer belly. He LOVED his Dunkin Donuts, BIG TIME!
3. He was the biggest Chicago Cubs Fan I think I have ever known. He was loyal and stood by that team through good and bad (usually bad). He would get SO UPSET over their games, I often feared he would have a heart-attack when watching them.
4. Believe it or not - he liked Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Bon Jovi! (Yes, Bon Jovi!) I remember being home one afternoon when Dad called me down to the family room. He actually had MTV on the T.V. and he said, "Who is this band?" I told him it was Bon Jovi. I remember waiting with great anticipation for him to say something like, "Their hair is too long" or "Their music is too loud", but instead he said, "I like them." That was a really cool moment to me.
5. Everytime I would leave the house - especially if I were driving - my Dad would remind me to lock my car doors. Every single time. "Lock your doors!" he'd yell, as I was running out the door.
6. He really adored my Mom. I remember moments of them fighting like cats and dogs -but raising 4 kids and working hard - they always worked this out. They loved each other, and that is so beautiful to me. My mom has one of those "Once a Week" hair-dos (when she goes to the "Beauty Parlor" ONCE A WEEK and has her hair done.) Her style has pretty much been the same as long as I can remember - it's teased up high and looks very neat, but it doesn't MOVE at all. Not one bit. I remember going and getting a perm once when I was probably 18 years old and coming home with that '80's kind of curly "Mall Hair" style. My Dad was NOT happy with my new look. I remember him saying to me, "I thought you were going to have your hair done?" I told him that I did. He said, "You're kidding. Why don't you go and have your hair done like your mothers? Her hair always looks so neat." I remember being mortified that he told me to do my hair like my Mothers. I told him he just "didn't get it". I was such a teenager, you know?
7. He used to sing this little tune, "If I tell her that I love her?" He had a great voice, and every once in a while he would change the line from "IF I tell her that I love her" to "SHOULD I tell her that I love her" or "WHEN I tell her that I love her." It used to crack me up and I used to want to say to him, "TELL HER ALREADY, DAD!!!!"
8. He was Felix from the Odd Couple. If there was a dirty spoon in the sink, he'd find out which kid put the spoon in the sink and why they didn't clean it and put it away. The garbage can in the kitchen was NEVER filled with garbage. NEVER. He would immediately take whatever you might have just thrown in there, and put it outside in the large garbage can behind the house. I still can't figure out why he even HAD a garbage can in the kitchen. He was proud of his clean home (and he would absolutely go crazy if he saw my house right now!)
9. Right in line with the above"Felix" reference - he would always immediately vacuum the house after a holiday or family party. That may seem normal to you - except with my Dad, he usually did that when the GUESTS WERE STILL OVER. He had no problem starting to clean up the house - I mean REALLY clean up the house (take tables down, dust, vacuum) when our guests would still be with us. SERIOUSLY! Most of our family friends and relatives knew the drill, though, and they would cooperate by lifting their feet when Dad was coming by with the vacuum where they were sitting. SO Funny!!!
10. He didn't like to go places. And he would be ready to leave the moment he would arrive anywhere. He was a simple man who loved his home most of all. He was always there, if we ever needed him. He was a good man, and he raised a good family. And I love him.

Those are some of the TOP things about my Dad that I just love, although there are THOUSANDS more. Loosing him 7 years ago was the worst day of my life, and there has been something so bitter-sweet about Christmas since his passing. As the years go on, the bitterness is less and less. Thinking about him - seeing him in my daughters - and knowing that he is watching over us, somehow helps. Today I am not going to cry for his loss. I am going to celebrate in the life he led and the joy he gave and know that someday we will meet again. I believe that. I have to.

Knock On Wood!!!

We are beginning to return to the land of the living . . . and boy am I glad! So far - (KNOCK ON WOOD REALLY HARD FOR ME RIGHT NOW, will you?) - Ella has not caught the bug. She is fighting a bit of a cold - but we have managed to keep her free from Mr. Flu, and I am saying prayers each second that she is saved from it's awfulness.

Katie is feeling SO MUCH better. On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 feeling the absolute BEST and 1 being the absolute WORST), she told me right before bed that she was an 11! That is a far cry from her "3" on Wednesday. She was such a trooper. And if any good can come out of having the flu - it's that she and Mommy (me) were able to spend the past 3 days in major Snuggleville and quality time together. And that was good for both of us.

Since I have been doing the December Daily project this month, I have been in major "photographer" mode trying to capture memories for us each day this month. So, I wanted to share a couple pictures I took of this past week. Here is our kitchen table on Wednesday after the flu hit, and after a trip to our pediatrician.


We were desperate to push fluids into her, for our pediatrician warned me on Wednesday that she was thisclose to a hospital visit for an IV. Luckily, the Seirra Mist did the work. By this morning, I could tell she was feeling TONS better. She was keeping things down, which was awesome. I could also tell she was feeling TONS better today because she wanted to work on projects all day long (where yesterday she wasn't up to doing anything at all.) So, we did just that. Colored colored colored. Made a "Pin the nose on Rudolph" game, and listened to Christmas music. It was a fantastic Mom day, believe it or not. Tonight I took this great picture of our make shift Art Gallery (on the door of our laundry room and powder room), where we proudly displayed all of our creations from the day. (Well, not ALL of them. Only the VERY BEST made the wall, of course!)

So, we are getting there. Knock on Wood! We'll be back in Christmas Mode very very soon.

(Oh, and guess what? My PG is now home with us for 5 days - NO WORK AT ALL!!!! WAHOOOOOOIE!!! I'm so excited, I can't even believe it. I love these next 2 weeks when he takes time off of work. It's Family Time at its best when Daddy is home!) I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to your blog updates (those of you who have one)! I'll be back with more very soon!

Quick Update. . .

Sorry for the limited posts this week . . . it's been a crazy one.

Mr. Flu Bug found his way to our home last night, at 11:30 PM. I'm just throwing out there a request for a little prayer to be said for Katie, who was up all night and is still feeling really crummy (even after trip to the pediatrian.) Luckily, it's NOT H1N1, but still not fun.

Oh, and if you wouldn't mind . . . a little prayer for Ella, that Mr. Bug might STAY AWAY from her, is so very appreciated. She is in hiding at an undisclosed location ; ) . . . can't tell you where . . . . Mr. Bug might be reading!!!!

Hope you all are feeling the spirit of Christmas in your home. I'm going to try and make the next 2 days a good one for Kate (flu and all) - so we'll be watching a Christmas Movie in a few minutes.

Will write more soon!

p.s. LESLIE!!! I LOVE MY PACKAGE! It was a wonderful PRIZE for my day yesterday and I can't thank you enough! YOU ARE THE BEST!!! THANK YOU for MAKING MY DAY!!!!!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

I am getting ready for another fun filled weekend! How 'bout you? This weekend I am doing a couple things that are SURE to fill the spirit. I am:

• SCRAPBOOKING!!!! Visiting the Scrapbook Cellar to work on my December Daily, some Christmas related layouts, and to fill my soul with positive energy that I get from the ladies who are with me.
• SINGING CHRISTMAS SONGS!!! Remember the other day I wrote about my Top 20 Christmas tunes and how I was inspired to write that post after reading the Facebook update of an old high school friend? Well, guess what? 3 of us from my High School Glee Club (including the one who wrote the post) are gathering at my home Saturday evening to . . . SING!!!! Ok, I know how dorky this may sound to some of you . . . but others of you WISH YOU WERE WITH ME - I KNOW IT!!!! And it's ok that there will only be 3 of us . . . we are 1 tenor, 1 alto and 1 soprano - so we've got it covered! I don't know if I can convince by fellow Glee members to call upon my neighbors doorsteps with Christmas song - but I sure am going to try!
• BAKING CHRISTMAS COOKIES!!!! It's getting close to the holiday (yippie!) and I am getting nervous that I haven't started any baking yet, so Sunday will be spent in the kitchen. Mom and I sat today and put together a list of 13 cookies (13 is my lucky number you know!) that will surely delight the family this year. We did actually change things up a bit, we brought back some old classics, and identified a couple new ones. So . . . . LOOK OUT PAULA DEEN! The BUTTER will be flowing in our kitchen this weekend!

So, I probably will be taking a couple days off from Blogville. In the meantime, I came across this little Christmas quiz for you to ponder. I'll share my answers with you in a few days. In the meantime, I'd love to hear yours. Let the questions begin . . .

1. Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags?
2. Real tree or artificial?
3. When do you take the tree down?
4. Do you like Eggnog?
5. Your favorite gift received as a child?
6. Who is your hardest person to buy for?
7. Easiest person to buy for?
8. Mail or Email Christmas cards?
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
10. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
11. Angel or Star on top of the tree?
12. Will you watch "George Bailey" this year?
13. Are you finished with your shopping?
14. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
15. Your favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
16. Scrooge or Grinch?
17. Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Morning?
18. Do you have Christmas Pajamas?
19. Do you like candy canes?
20. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Thanks for playing!!! and See you in a few!

How are you?

So, something happened at work this week that really inspired me, and I'd like to share it with you.

Part of my job is a client rep. The other part of my job deals with making phone calls to insurance companies. What type of insurance companies doesn't really matter (they are all kind of the same, aren't they?) Anyway, I can kind of tell you that dealing with insurance companies isn't always a * * FUN * * job. So, I find I have to make it fun whenever I can.

I make it a habit, when calling said insurance companies, to always start my call by saying, "Hi! My name Leanne from [blahblahblah]. How are you?" and the person on the other line usually goes on with their greeting - which is never really a greeting at all . . . it's more like a, "Your ID number? Where are you calling from? Your call back number?"

Anyway, the other day I was calling a company and provided my usual greeting - except this time the person on the other line became flustered and kind of lost her train of thought. I knew exactly what it was, and I called her on it. I said, "I threw you off, didn't I? When I asked you how you are, right?" (Luckily, she was honest.) "Yes," she said, "I can honestly tell you that I am rarely asked how I am, and I didn't quite know what to say." "Well," I said, "why not tell me how you are?"

We conversed for just a few seconds . . . but what really mattered is that for the remainder of this call, we genuinely listened to each other and I have to tell you - it was nice. At the end of the conversation, she said, "Thanks for calling me, Leanne. I hope you have a wonderful day." And I think she actually meant it. That was nice.

I started thinking to myself (once again) about how we interact with each other. I've written about smiling at each other before (click here to be reminded) and about spreading love (click here to be reminded of that one.) I guess I am just inspired when I can connect with a stranger, you know? It makes the world a little warmer, a little smaller, a little happier.

So, once again, a challenge for my faithful blog reader. This week, ask someone HOW THEY ARE. Not your spouse or child. Not your parent or sibling. This week, as a complete and total STRANGER how they are. . . and you might be surprised. Someone might as you how YOU are, in return.

By the way . . . in the midst of all this holiday craziness . . . How are YOU? ; )

What do YOU want to "follow" in 2010?

So, Wednesday morning I was the "crazy mom" who had to follow her child's school bus all the way to the school. Yep, that was me! I realized, once returning to my house after seeing Katie get on the bus that morning, that her gym shoes never quite made it to her backpack (she wore her snow boots due to the weather). Knowing that the school does not want kids to wear their snow boots all day, I made a mad dash for the gym shoes, picked Ellie up (who was still in her coat/boots/hat/mittens from just coming in), ran to the garage, hopped in the car, and tried to FOLLOW THAT SCHOOL BUS! I started thinking about all of the movies out there that include the lines, "Follow that taxi!" or "Follow that car!" and then wondered if there is any movie that has the line "Follow that school bus!" Maybe there will be - once they make a movie about my life. ; )

I feel so scatter-brain this month. Who am I kidding, I've been scatter-brained most of my life. But that's ok. I like my little world. I digress. Ellie and I caught up with the school bus on Francis Road (a lovely wooded road on the way to Kate's school.) I drove cautiously behind the bus, but crazily waved at its windows, as if the kids would do something. I realized I couldn't see a single child inside because the windows were tinted, and thought perhaps none of the kids even noticed me following them. Then I thought that there was probably one child watching who saw me (probably the quiet observant child) and they probably were trying to figure out why this Crazy Lady (that would have been me) was waving so aggresively as if she was having a seizure. So, I decided to stop waving, and just follow the bus to school - where I safely delivered the shoes to the driver, and returned home.

While venturing home, I thought about a drive I took earlier this week, on Tuesday, when I headed to downtown Chicago for a visit to a client's office. There was a little bit of rough weather going on Tuesday morning as I took the drive - although it wasn't quite as bad as I expected it. But it did provide me an opportunity to spend some extra time in the car . . . which ultimately lead to some major soul searching. You see, I was driving on a overcrowded express way in the midst of a snow storm . . . behind . . . . a hearse. Yes, a white funeral hearse. Not sure where they were going (or if the driver was alone or not). But there is something about following a hearse that makes you feel 1) like you had better drive really carefullyand 2) like life happens really really fast, and we better enjoy each moment (snow storm and all.)

Anyway, I probably drove a good 15 miles of rush hour traffic behind this white hearse (which probably took close to 1 hour in this bad weather). And I spent that hour . . . evaluating life. Funny how that happens - how a trip driving behind a hearse can make you ask yourself if you really are doing all that you want to do in life. If you are being the best person you can be. If you are living the life you want to live. I started thinking about 2009 and the year, in general, and my wish for Balance in this year. Balance was my 2009 Word of the Year. Do you know the whole "Word of the Year" idea? I picked the concept up from scrapbook guru Ali Edwards. I've written about Ali before - during the Daily December posts. Ali encourages individuals to choose a Word of the Year, to help one focus on what your individual goal or wish is for yourself in the New Year. In 2008, my word was PEACE. 2009, BALANCE. I used both of those words regularlyduring the course of the year - by either ending emails or blog comments with wishes of Peace & Balance, or by just extending Peace & Balance to people in short messages or posts.

Thinking back - I do feel more at Peace in life right now than I felt 2 years ago. I also do feel as if I balanced the demands of work and Mommyhood much better this year than last (it probably also helps that my kids are getting older and are able to function more independently - but I like to think that it is because the balance I tried to put out there managed to work. Who knows.) But I will admit that having a Word of the Year has been a great reminder to myself of the life I want to live. And taking this drive behind the hearse helped me think about my "words", both past and present.

So I put the challenge out there to you, now. To think of your Word for 2010. What do YOU want to follow in the New Year? What word do you want to keep in your mind? I've come up with mine already, and I'll share it with you closer to the New Year. Start thinking about yours. I promise - if you commit to thinking about the New Year by way of a Word - you WILL find yourself going out of your way to live by it. And if you are doing that - you are making a positive change for yourself.

So think about it. Feel free to share your thoughts, hope, fears, dreams and word. Do it for yourself - because you owe it to yourself to focus on your life the New Year!

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's HH Girl!!

Ok, time for another Non-Christmas related post . . . because sometimes everyday life is just too good not to share. You see, yesterday I had . . . . Helmet Hair. Yep, Helmet Hair (now affectionately referred to as HH).

I don't know what happened. I know it's football season, but I'm not even a fan (I don't even watch the games, I swear it!) Yet still, I had HH.

See. . .

Monday my hair was really "flat" and just blah (oh, no - another "blah"!) Today I decided to "Poof" it up a bit. But . . . HH occurred. Augh! The problem is that I am growing my hair out. Although, I'm not really sure what I am growing it out TO, you know? I mean, I don't know what my goal is in this quest for long hair. I know that I don't want hair like this. . .

. . . because while this person above really loves her long hair - it just kind of freaks me out. So, I know I don't want that.

Instead, I have this. . .

Which, quite frankly, is not making me happy.

And the color? Well, the dark brown I colored it here (click to be reminded), is already fading, I am now stuck with this . . .

(Unless I visit Walmart for my next $2.99 box of hair color.) But the problem is more than just the color. It's. . . the helmet. Hmm. . . not feeling pretty today. Have you ever had one of those "not so pretty" feeling days? Did it involve a Helmet? Just curious. But stay tuned . . . usually when I have HH days, I find myself doing something drastic and different with my hair. This might be a good thing. Then again, PG is out of town until Friday - so I might not have an opportunity to get away for a cut until he returns. Ah, well. I guess I just needed to share my latest hair issue with you. HH Girl - to the rescue!!!!

Christmas Story # 3 - My Top 20 Songs

So, PG had to leave super early today for a business trip to Atlanta (sniff sniff) . . . I'll be pulling out the ol'Starbucks Amore mug this week (sigh). The alarm went off at 3:30 AM, he was showered and out the door by 4:00 AM, and I was staring at the ceiling at 4:15 AM. . . . with a little song in my head. It goes like this . . .

Over the ground lies a mantle of white,

a heaven of diamonds shine down thro' the night,

two hearts are thrillin' in spite of the chill in . . . the weather.

Do you know that song? It is actually the opening verse of "Winter Wonderland". You know - the "Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. . . " song? Most versions do not include that little beginning verse. But when I was back in GLEE (eh-hem, I mean, my High School Show Choir), we performed the song with that little opening part. . . harmonies and all. And it was pretty much - perfect (I know, I don't like to use that word because I really think it puts too much pressure on the subject at hand. But in this case, I do remember our Show Choir performing it just . . . perfectly!)

Anyway, last night on Facebook an old high school friend posted something about the snow reminding him of Caroling, which then reminded me about our Glee Club performing at Christmastime, which prompted me to comment on his post about the above quoted song, which lead to him responding that we should all get together just to sing Christmas songs together, which made me wish that I had someone with me in this room so they could harmonize with me and sing this song with me, which lead to my 4:15 AM staring at the ceiling scenario of me in bed . . . with this song in my head. Whew. . . that was a mindful!

Anyway, so I started thinking about the Songs of Christmas which really speak to me. Do you have any of those? I do. . . . A LOT! So, allow me to share with you.

Favorite Song # 1: Has to be, hands down, the Bing Crosby/David Bowie version of Little Drummer Boy. I absolutely love this song. I remember listening to it back in the day when I lived at my parents home and shared a room with my sister. We would turn the stereo WAY UP when this was on the radio. I remember picking up the 45 (I'm REALLY old!) and being SO EXCITED to have that.

Favorite Song #2: This was close in running for #1, Band Aid's "Do they know it's Christmas Time" from 1985. Another memory of being in my room with my sister and jamming (YES, we were JAMMING to Band Aid . . . . is there anything wrong with that?) I think that was when I started my crush on Bono from U2. I remember thinking he was the hottest thing since . . . since . . . Scott Baio on Joanie loves Chachi (yes, I said that.) Oh, and George Michael - SO hot! Yeah . . . well, if I knew then what I know now. ; ) Still and all - it is a great song.

Favorite Song #3: Of course, the ever popular White Christmas. Once again, a memory shared with my sister. But this time we were not in our room at home "jamming". This time the memory takes me to Busch Gardens in, I believe Williamsburg, Virigina. One of the only times that just my sister and I vacationed with my parents alone, while my brothers stayed home that summer and worked. I was probably in my mid-teens. And my sister and I decided to go into one of those "Recording Studios" and make a cassette of our fabu voices. The only thing was, that we got the giggles while recording and hardly made it through the session. I don't think the guy recording us found us as completely hysterical as we found ourselves. I do believe we had to start over like 4 or 5 times. Then when we stepped out of the recording booth, they had our song playing on the speakers outside. Our Mom was "so proud of her girls" and my sister and I were both mortified and still hysterical, wiping laughter tears from our eyes as we walked out. I'm sure I have that tape cassette somewhere. I'll have to look for it.

Favorite Song #4 & 5: Has to bring me right to my Glee Club. Winter Wonderland and Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Something about all of those harmonies and actually singing with an ensemble. Pretty cool moments back then, that will always keep those songs in my heart.

Favorite Songs #6-18: Absolutely ALL of the songs on this CD: Peter, Paul and Mary: A Holiday Celebration. Probably not the most recognizable songs, but truly the BEST Classic and traditional songs that bring me to tears and send chills through me when listening to it. Makes me VERY HAPPY every holiday season. Give it a try, for real!

Favorite Song #19: not your typcial Christmas tune, but I could listen to this one over and over (and probably have at some dramatic time in my life). That is, Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg. Totally aging myself with this one, too. But I think it's a classic and still love it.

And NEVER to be forgotten, Favorite Songs # 20: What are you doing New Year's Eve? by my girl, Ella Fitzgerald. That voice that was like no other. Love her so much, had to name my daughter after her.

So there you have it - my Top 20 Christmas Songs. I actually started off this blog just thinking about the first 3, but then, how could I leave the others out? (That's just not right!) And I do think I'm about ready to sleep again. Unfortunately, it's now 5:45 AM and time to start my day . . . ugh! Thanks for going through this music stroll with me and I wish you Happy Christmas Music Listening today! Be back soon!

I traveled to Bethlehem today . . .

. . . at a little church here in New Lenox.

It was breathtaking.

I wept openly at the beauty of it all.

The tears would not stop streaming from my eyes.

Something touched my heart -

and in this moment I felt the true meaning of Christmas like never before.

A Christmas Carol - One to remember!

AMAZING!!! MAGICAL!! Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!

Today we went and saw "A Christmas Carol" in 3D at the Navy Pier IMAX theater in downtown Chicago, and it was all of the above - and then some.

You know the story - you've heard it, watched it and thought about it before. Let me tell you - this movie brought it all full circle to me today. I sat in this theater with my husband, daughters, sister, and brother-in-law, and I was in a state of complete disbelief that animated movies are able to look so completely real. I sat thinking about how talented and brilliant Robert Zemeckis is, to have created this film. I sat thinking about how gifted all the people involved in bringing this film to life must be - how I wish I had just one little teeny tiny itty bit of their creativity. Just brilliant. And Jim Carrey - he was awesome. I actually forgot it was Jim Carrey and became lost in this Ebenezer Scrooge. Just Fantastic. The movie did have a few "dark" moments in it, but my daughters (yes, even Ella) did really really well and seemed to enjoy the story. And so far (knock on wood) they are having no ill effects of it. It means alot to me for them to know of this story, because it's a special story to me.

"A Christmas Carol" has been a part of my own Christmas story for a very long time. Growing up, it was our family tradition to go to church the evening of Christmas Eve, and then visit my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin's at their home for a small Christmas Eve gathering. My immediate family would end the night and return home to our house (my parents house, that is), to find that Santa had already made his first stop of the night . . . . and left a pile of gifts for each of us. (I never noticed that my Dad had left my Aunts home for a short time during that Christmas Eve celebration, and quickly assisted Santa in leaving our gifts out for us. Sneaky, weren't those parents of mine?) We kids would then spend the remainder of Christmas Eve night opening gifts to the sounds of It's a Wonderful Life in the background (which was always on Channel 11 - WTTW - the local PBS station here in Chicago).

After all the presents were opened and the vacuum cleaner had returned our carpet to normal, A Christmas Carol would be starting on Channel 11. (SIDE NOTE: This was long before the time of DVD's, DVR's, TIVO's, or any of those other modern television contraptions. This was back in the day when you actually received a TV Guide in your Sunday paper, and would actually have to READ IT and PLAN on watching your particular program. I don't think my Dad would have understood, or would even want, a DVR.) Many a Christmas Eve was spent on the couch near my Dad, watching this story. My Dad was a fan of the Alastair Sim version. Mr. Sim was an absolute FANTASTIC Scrooge.

But I have to tell you - I think my Dad would have been amazed with the version I saw today. I think seeing it in 3D was pretty special, too. One particular scene had snowflakes falling and I felt as if I was standing right there - with the snow all falling around me. So amazing. I decided, during the 90 minutes of this film today, that this is truly one of my all time favorite stories. And I'm thinking that the book written by Charles Dickens (166 years ago - can you imagine?) might need to be given as a special holiday gift to all those I see this year. Yes, I think it is a MUST for holiday gift giving.

If you see it, or have already seen it, let me know what you think.

Christmas Story #2 - The COOKIES!!

I don't know about you - but one of the fondest Christmas memories I have while growing up in my family (next to the obvious celebration of the birth of Our Lord), is CHRISTMAS COOKIES!!!! And, dear Lord forgive us . . . my family really OUT DID themselves on the Christmas Cookie front. We are the family who bakes cookies through the month of December (usually 2 weeks prior to Christmas) and freezes them in festive cookie tins, then brings them out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning, and displays them in all their goodness on beautiful platters and plates.

I have 2 brothers and 1 sister, so growing up there always seemed to be alot of activity going on in our house, especially around the Holidays. Mom would actually have to TAPE the lids to the cookie tins closed, to try and keep my brothers from going into the freezer and snacking on her hard work. One year I remember Mom pulling out a tin of these delicious cream cheese filled crescents, and the tin was EMPTY! Not even a crumb was left! (Certainly did not make for a happy Mother on Chrismas morning, but we all laugh about it now.) I went through some fairly recent photos of some prior Christmas Holidays, and found just a couple pictures of our cookies to share with you today.

(2003)

(2004)

At first I laughed that we actually took so many photos of our cookie trays. (We actually take a lot of photos of our food in general - I'm certain there is a therapy session in there, somewhere!) But then I thought, "I see absolutely nothing wrong with taking photos of our cookie trays!" I mean, what's not to love about it? However, it looks to me like, in recent years, we tend to repeat all the "favorites" and do less and less new recipes. What is that saying - If it's not broke, don't fix it?

(2005)

I remember being a young child and joining my Mom in the kitchen as she baked and baked all December. My mom was (is) a remarkable cook. And her Christmas Cookie baking was absolutely outstanding. I remember she would make lists of all the cookies she'd plan on baking (just as my sister and I do now) and there would be 15 to 20 different types of cookies on them. Seriously! I found this great photo of me and Katie from last Christmas, baking baking baking:

(2008)

This photo reminds me of my Mom and me. Katie and Ella both LOVE spending time in the kitchen with me, either baking or cooking. They definitely appreciate the process of creating something yummy. This Christmas will be no exception, and I can't wait. Do you have any family favorite cookie recipes? Let's share! Next week I'll share with you our family recipe for Butter Krisps (my absolute all time FAVORITE Christmas Cookie!) Do you have an all-time favorite that you couldn't live without? Tell me about it . . . I'm looking to add to my list this year! (Maybe I'll have to make those cream cheese filled crescents - for old times sake!)

Let's Change the World!

Had another really cool moment today that I just had to share with you. This one is Non-Christmas related (can you believe it?), but has me feeling quite motivated to make the world a better place . . . starting right in my own home.

You see . . . Something REALLY COOL is happening in our house lately. Katie is reading. My first born daughter is reading. How cool is that? I mean, I knew that she would some day read. I knew that if she was anything like her Mommy, she would LOVE books and read all of the time. But I never really imagined how I would actually feel when she would start this process in her life. I guess I never really imagined how completely and totally amazed I would be to listen as she sound out words and how proud I would be of her as I listen to her read a story. I never imagined "The big brown bear was tall" would be such a stimulating sentence to me. But it is. It's the most beautiful sound in the world - the voice of your young child reading to you. Sigh. . . just amazing.

So, keeping that in mind, today I ran into our local Michael's craft store (just LOVE that store) to do a quick look at some craft kits for the Holidays. I spent a lot of time around the $1 section, sorting through all of the bins and carefully choosing great stocking stuffers (I found some AWESOME things there for Santa to leave!), when I stumbled upon a very little package that caught my eye. Lunchbox Love for kids. For only $1, I had to grab them. Take a look:


Aren't these the sweetest little sentiments? I know that I can make these in my own writing, and I actually have sent Kate to school a number of times with little "I LOVE YOU" notes posted on her PB&J. But these offer even more wonderful and great things to say to our kids. And it made me really really think . . . gees, sometimes I just hate it when things start me "thinking" ; ).

I started thinking about what it means to raise my daughters. And about how important it is to say these things - ALL of these things - to them. From thanking them for being great kids, to telling them their feelings matter to me. Saying these things to them will give them such self-worth, you know? Will make them realize that they are important - even if they are 6, or 2. Will remind them of what really matters in life.

I just went to website for the company who came up with this great idea, (you can connect to it here) and saw this quote: "Positive words can change someone's day, a life, and eventually the world." Take a moment and think about that. Read it again. So clear, don't you think?

I stopped watching the news years ago, because it was too harsh. Too depressing. Too focused on the bad, the negativity. People doing bad things to other people. Stories that I just don't want to have in my life. Tonight I started thinking about the people out there in the world who are just lost right now. Who are struggling with personal demons or with negativity that is just getting the best of them. I wonder if someone said, "Your feelings matter to me" when they were growing up. I wonder if they ever were told that they were important to someone. Don't you think positive words can change the world? I do.

So, that is my wish. To change the world one person at a time. And to start, by reminding my own children how wonderful they are. How special they are. And how much they mean to me. These little lunchbox notes will be the perfect thing to give to Katie, as she is reading more and more each day. I think I'll start with a simple card in Kate's lunch tomorrow . . . like, "Your feelings matter to me." And for Ella? Well, tomorrow I will tell her that her feelings matter to me - and maybe we'll work on writing I LOVE YOU on paper (she is doing really well with her "E's" lately!)

So my challenge to you? Spread some positive words to those you come in contact with. Whomever it may be. I guarantee - you will be changing the world if you do it. (I'll be back with more Christmas tomorrow. This was just too special to not share with you today!)

Christmas Story #1 - Santa and his Hot Air Balloon

Ok - Not to stress anyone out - but as of today . . . .Christmas is 22 days away!!! 22 days!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!

I tell you this NOT because I want you to run out and get your Christmas shopping done (you already know that I am trying to make this years Holiday about so much more than the gift part.) I tell you this because I can't believe how fast the days are going and Christmas is going to be here (and gone - sniff sniff) before we know it. So, this is what I am going to do - I am going to make it my personal goal to make every single one of the next 22 days the very HAPPIEST and BEST days that I possibly can. As if EVERY ONE of the next 22 days is Christmas. Let me explain . . .

You see, I can remember that feeling of "let down" that comes after every Christmas. Don't you? After all the lights are turned off and the decorations come down. After the radio stations go back to their usual line-ups and that winter chill really starts to set in. Bummer. But let's not go there yet, ok? Let's put all of that behind us, shall we? Today, and for the next 22 days, I want to enjoy this . . . the SPIRIT of this Season. Before it's over. I know - hard to believe this is coming from the same girl who just two short days ago was . . . . blah. But I don't know what happened. Somewhere in the midst of my "blahness" a little bit of Holiday joy found its way into my heart, and now I'm there. I'm ready. I'm in line and feeling it. (Fa la La la La la laaaa laaaa laaaaaaaa! Oh, gees, there I go again!)

To coincide with my "Making the next 22 days the Very Best", I really want to focus on the special moments of this time of year. I hope to share (as often as my brain allows) special moments, memories, and stories about this season. So, for todays special story, I give you "Santa Around the Globe."

One of the most prized home decoration items we have (that is - next to our nativity), is this:
Phil and I purchased this "Santa Around the Globe" decoration about 11 years ago - shortly after we were married. It was the very first Christmas decoration we bought "TOGETHER" (as husband and wife). We bought it from a lovely little Christmas Store in Long Grove, Illinois (I just LOVE Long Grove!) and I can remember the moment when we first saw it so vividly. I remember it was $49.95 - which, to a newly married couple with a small monthly income, was a HUGE amount of money. (It still is alot of money, and I would probably not make such a purchase today. But back then, we splurged!)

The Santa/hot air balloon end is battery operated, and the little propellar causes the Santa to "fly" around the globe. I remember standing in that store in Long Grove, looking at all of their little battery operated decorations (they had a few other styles that I can't quite remember), but THIS one just spoke to us. Standing at the register as we were being checked out, I remember thinking, "Oh My Goodness! I can't believe I am spending $50 on this decoration. I must be nuts!" Yep - I am!

It is always the very first decoration that goes up every year, and Phil is always the one to put it up. It's so funny how when we bought it, we didn't have any children. Now, our little girls sit on the couch in the living room (which is the room where this decoration stays) and they look up at the Santa flying around the Globe with the absolute brightest eyes, LOVING it just as much as Phil and I did when we first saw it. Absolutely Magical. They both just adore this decoration, and wait with great anticipation for Phil or I to turn it on, so they can dream of Santa flying around the world. How great is that?

I don't often have buyers remorse. Age has taught me that you have to live with the decision made in life, good or bad. Back 11 years ago, as a newly married couple, the guilt of spending $50 on a Christmas decoration might have been a little stronger and I know I carried that with me for a while. I have to tell you - it was the best $50 we've ever spent on anything for Christmas. And each year, when I see the box that holds this "Santa and Globe" as it makes it's way down from the attic, a HUGE smile appears upon my face. THIS is Christmas in our house. And I love it.

Sleepless Nights = Productivity at its Finest!

I love sleepless nights, don't you? Let me start this over . . . I don't love sleepless nights - unless, of course, you can find a little Christmas Spirit in them! Which is what I just did. (Fa La la la la la laaaa laaa laaaaaa!)

I found myself looking at the clock at 1:37 AM today - and then again at 1:43 AM, 1:53 AM and 2:05 AM. Then I stood up and decided to do something productive. I'm so glad I did!

Over the weekend Katie drew the most wonderful Christmas picture for me, filled with Christmas tree, stocking by the chimney, and presents. (SIDE NOTE: How in the world I could receive such an awesome drawing and NOT find some spirit this weekend is just beyond me.) Anyway, here is a little glimpse of her drawing:

Totally perfect - isn't it? (Which reminds me - when she gave me the drawing, I said something to her like, "Oh, honey! It's Perfect!" and she actually said, "Nope, Mom. It's not 'perfect'. But it's the best I can do!" Goodness - don't you just love it when your kids use your own words right back at you? Oh, and yesterday she told me she wants to be an astronaut, so she can go to other planets, and an artist. She said, "Mom, can I do more than just one job?" Seriously! The girl just warms my heart!)

Anyway, ever since she handed me that drawing, I had an idea to make it our family Christmas card this year. So there I was, at 1:37 AM this morning, laying in bed thinking about this drawing. And thinking about my "blah blah blahhhh" post from yesterday. And thinking about all of the wonderful comments my dear friends left me (THANKS!!! Leslie, Peggy and Cindi! I just heart you all!). And thinking about how blessed I am and about how funny the world is that here I was struggling and here these wonderful women were to lift my SPIRIT. And I guess I thought about all of that until I got out of bed, came down here to the computer, scanned Katie's drawing and started to work on our card.

I need some red cardstock before I can get it all together - but I just moved things around a little on her drawing and added a little sentiment. Once I stick that on some red cardstock, and place a photo of us by the tree inside, I think I'll be all set for our holiday card. What do you think?

Truly, productivity at its finest!

And you know what is best of all? I do believe, while looking at this wonderful drawing . . . I found a little Christmas Spirit. Not bad for a December 1 story in the Daily album, huh? And it's not even 3:21 AM yet! (Yippie!!!)

Ok, back to bed. I can get another 2 hours in before the alarm goes off! Love you all!