Nice thought--but I couldn't go thru with it. Well--I didn't want to "actually' cancel Christmas...I just wanted to "cut back" on the EXCESS of it all.
With our trip to Florida in January, which will cost us some major cash (which we have the $ saved for), I thought we needed to definitely scale back on the gifts for everyone. This was back in October that I presented the idea to the family, and all reluctantly agreed. They knew it was for a good reason, and could live with it.
As we got closer to the holiday season, I became the villian of the family--the scrooge--the wicked witch of the North Pole. What, for God's sake, would the kids have to look forward to this Christmas--or so they thought? Why can't I enforce the true meaning of Christmas to my kids. It's not about Santa and presents. It's about the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!
Did I sense a possible mutiny in the works? OK--OK--fine--we'll continue with the usual tradition. Make the lists already!
As the kids get older, the wish list items become pricier. BRK wants nothing other than an XBox 360. If he can't have that--forget it. His life is over! No pressure--right? Compromise. A contract is prepared and signed by all parties. Ben pays $150. Parents (aka Santa) pays the remaining $150+. If nothing else, he was easy to shop for.
AMK changes her mind, depending on which way the wind is blowing. First it's a tv for her room, then a basketball, then an iPod, then music cd's, then an electric scooter! Of course we need to keep things equal. HDTV/DVD combo--only if Santa tells Abby to reimburse her parents $100--since the tv was over their limit, and she had agreed to chip in some of her $, since she knew that was an expensive gift. (Am I ruining the spirit of Christmas, by making my kids chip in their own dough to help buy their own Xmas gifts? Hell no, I'm not! That's the only way they'd get these extravagent gifts!!!)
So--I didn't cancel Christmas--as I threatened to do. What would Jesus do? MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mom & Daughter Quality Time -- "Hooking"
Our newest mother/daughter bonding time--hooking--a latch hook rug! What were YOU thinking? Get your mind out of the gutter! AMK (aka "Icebox") and I have been completing a latch hook rug kit together. Icebox is crazy about crafts, and I can never think of any cute ones to do together. So--we were at Michael's over the weekend, and I came across the latch hook kit section. All varying sizes and prices (up to $50!). We settled for the $10 kit with the pic of a doggy. The "cheapo" kit didn't even come with the tool! Add another $2 for the tool, and we had our craft. Actually, it has turned into $ well spent.
OK--how tough can the kit be? I remember growing up that my sister used to do them all the time. In fact, that's the story I told Icebox to get her to agree to try it. So we get home, I open the box and start reading the instructions and viewing the diagram. I bet it took be 30 min. before I figured it out! (I blame the fact that I'm left handed, and almost all instructions are meant for right handed people!) Not only could I not figure out how to hook the yarn through the hole, I also got the yarn colors confused, and started on the wrong spot on the grid! But--eventually we were on a roll...
For the last few evenings, Icebox and I have spent our downtime "hooking" right before bed. We take turns. One follows the pattern, sorts the yarn pieces, and lays them out; while the other one maneuvers the tool, grabs the yarn pieces, and hooks away. We've got quite the routine going. It's really fun to watch how the picture it developing before our eyes!
It might be an old-fashioned pasttime, but this type of hooking is LEGAL! I would recommend it to all mothers and daughters. Sons, too!
OK--how tough can the kit be? I remember growing up that my sister used to do them all the time. In fact, that's the story I told Icebox to get her to agree to try it. So we get home, I open the box and start reading the instructions and viewing the diagram. I bet it took be 30 min. before I figured it out! (I blame the fact that I'm left handed, and almost all instructions are meant for right handed people!) Not only could I not figure out how to hook the yarn through the hole, I also got the yarn colors confused, and started on the wrong spot on the grid! But--eventually we were on a roll...
For the last few evenings, Icebox and I have spent our downtime "hooking" right before bed. We take turns. One follows the pattern, sorts the yarn pieces, and lays them out; while the other one maneuvers the tool, grabs the yarn pieces, and hooks away. We've got quite the routine going. It's really fun to watch how the picture it developing before our eyes!
It might be an old-fashioned pasttime, but this type of hooking is LEGAL! I would recommend it to all mothers and daughters. Sons, too!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time Flies...
25 years ago...
2 1/2 decades ago...
A quarter of a century ago!
1983--the year I graduated. Yikes! The reality hit over the weekend...at my class reunion. I was one of 50 graduates from Mason City Newman High School. A handful of us toured the high school prior to our get together. I guess you would call it a "campus" now. In addition to the high school, they've also converted part of the building to a middle school, and built on a brand new elementary school, preschool, and daycare. Combination of healthy endowments and aggressive alumni fundraising. It's paid off. If we lived there, my kids would go there--without a doubt.
OK--so the reunion itself-- it was a blast! Loved seeing lifelong friends, and old classmates. 24 of 50 in attendance. Pretty decent, it you take into account that we threw it together in a few wks. Three highlights to share:
1) The star football player who dated the homecoming queen, who married a girl from the public high school, who drank heavily, (and still does) did drugs, got divorced, and was an alleged member of a KKK-type cult was there. He's unmarried. (Shocker!)
2) The relatively quiet, shy, seldom noticed, non-athlete, who God called upon her to live his life through her service as a "nun" teaching at a catholic grade school, who decided 5 years later that maybe this wasn't her "gig" so she "kicked the habit", who finally decided to become a pharmacist and shack up with her "life partner" was there. (She did not bring her wife).
3) The smart, sweet, beautiful, salutatorian of our class, who graduated from Drake Law school, married a lawyer, moved to California, and lives happily with her lawyer husband and three children in a more than modest home was there. She's still beautiful, charming, and smart. She's smart, I say, because she married a rich husband and because of that she doesn't have to work. What's really neat about her story is that she came from a rather disfunctional home. Both of her parents were alcoholics. In fact, her father died of alcoholism. It makes her success all the sweeter.
Those who didn't attend: the lesbian college basketball coach; the other lesbian who's occupation is unknown; the ob-gyn (he, who never dated girls in high school); the lieutenant colonel in the armed forces; & the friend who just had a baby (at age 43--yikes!).
We've had a reunion every five years. I've made it to every one. Enjoyed them all. It's interesting to see who grows up and who never does. I am thankful for one thing though--that I never married anyone in my class. Now I know why I never even DATED anyone seriously in my class. Although I get frustrated with my guy, Prug, I couldn't help but praise him that night, and tell him how much I appreciate what he's done with his life, how he's been a great husband and father, and how successful he has become in his profession. However, I know that if I was HIS classmate, I'm sure I wouldn't have dated HIM either--let alone MARRY him! He's so lucky!
2 1/2 decades ago...
A quarter of a century ago!
1983--the year I graduated. Yikes! The reality hit over the weekend...at my class reunion. I was one of 50 graduates from Mason City Newman High School. A handful of us toured the high school prior to our get together. I guess you would call it a "campus" now. In addition to the high school, they've also converted part of the building to a middle school, and built on a brand new elementary school, preschool, and daycare. Combination of healthy endowments and aggressive alumni fundraising. It's paid off. If we lived there, my kids would go there--without a doubt.
OK--so the reunion itself-- it was a blast! Loved seeing lifelong friends, and old classmates. 24 of 50 in attendance. Pretty decent, it you take into account that we threw it together in a few wks. Three highlights to share:
1) The star football player who dated the homecoming queen, who married a girl from the public high school, who drank heavily, (and still does) did drugs, got divorced, and was an alleged member of a KKK-type cult was there. He's unmarried. (Shocker!)
2) The relatively quiet, shy, seldom noticed, non-athlete, who God called upon her to live his life through her service as a "nun" teaching at a catholic grade school, who decided 5 years later that maybe this wasn't her "gig" so she "kicked the habit", who finally decided to become a pharmacist and shack up with her "life partner" was there. (She did not bring her wife).
3) The smart, sweet, beautiful, salutatorian of our class, who graduated from Drake Law school, married a lawyer, moved to California, and lives happily with her lawyer husband and three children in a more than modest home was there. She's still beautiful, charming, and smart. She's smart, I say, because she married a rich husband and because of that she doesn't have to work. What's really neat about her story is that she came from a rather disfunctional home. Both of her parents were alcoholics. In fact, her father died of alcoholism. It makes her success all the sweeter.
Those who didn't attend: the lesbian college basketball coach; the other lesbian who's occupation is unknown; the ob-gyn (he, who never dated girls in high school); the lieutenant colonel in the armed forces; & the friend who just had a baby (at age 43--yikes!).
We've had a reunion every five years. I've made it to every one. Enjoyed them all. It's interesting to see who grows up and who never does. I am thankful for one thing though--that I never married anyone in my class. Now I know why I never even DATED anyone seriously in my class. Although I get frustrated with my guy, Prug, I couldn't help but praise him that night, and tell him how much I appreciate what he's done with his life, how he's been a great husband and father, and how successful he has become in his profession. However, I know that if I was HIS classmate, I'm sure I wouldn't have dated HIM either--let alone MARRY him! He's so lucky!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A bittersweet Thanksgiving holiday...
NORMALLY, I would look forward to this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The families gathering together, the great food, the fun stories, and a little pre-Christmas shopping. This year is quite a bit different. A normally happy, joyous holiday has a big black cloud hanging over it.
My sister, Lori, is not here to share in the holiday. She died 4/11. 7 months and 15 days ago--my view on life is forever changed.
These two upcoming holidays--Thanksgiving and Christmas were my sister's favorite holidays. Lori--being the matriarch of the family, would graciously host Thanksgiving for our family--the Wentworths; and her husband's family--the Krugers. Lori LOVED to cook and bake--she was a natural in the kitchen. That was her comfort zone. She and Mike ALWAYS served a "banquet" of food for the holidays. They knew how to make us feel welcome and very comfortable. We NEVER left their house hungry.
This year, that's all changed. Our first Thanksgiving without Lori. Big sis Melody, bless her heart, is trying to carry on in Lori's absence by hosting Thanksgiving at her house--which is nice, but not the same. I'll post alot more about the relationship between Lori and me in other posts, but for now--all I will say is, I still miss her so...
A nice diversion from Thanksgiving w/o sis, is my 25th class reunion on Fri p.m. I'm SO looking forward to this! Of the 50 Class of '83 graduates from Mason City Newman High School, we expect about 25 or so to attend. I can't wait to see who will be there. Great topic for an upcoming post...
OK--Thanksgiving on Thurs. Class reunion on Fri p.m. Saturday brings a bittersweet gathering/celebration for a friend. Sat p.m., I'll be attending a benefit for a great guy who I got to know through my husband. Mike Samuelson died tragically in June at the age of 41. Mike left behind a beautiful, kind wife, and two adorable young sons. A great group of Ogden friends planned a benefit to raise $ to establish an ISU ag business scholarship in Mike's name. What a fabulous tribute to a genuinely nice guy. A bittersweet celebration. I am SO looking forward to seeing all who come out to show their love and admiration for Mike and Leanne. I thought my sister's benefit in April was huge. $44,000 was raised on her behalf. I'm a guessing Mike's benefit will top that mark quite easily.
So--I guess I'll be feeling a mix of emotions this holiday weekend. Despite our family's grief over the loss of Lori this year, we still have alot to be thankful for. I am very good at hosting my own little pity party at times, but then I snap out of it, and realize I DO have ALOT to give thanks for--each and every day.
My sister, Lori, is not here to share in the holiday. She died 4/11. 7 months and 15 days ago--my view on life is forever changed.
These two upcoming holidays--Thanksgiving and Christmas were my sister's favorite holidays. Lori--being the matriarch of the family, would graciously host Thanksgiving for our family--the Wentworths; and her husband's family--the Krugers. Lori LOVED to cook and bake--she was a natural in the kitchen. That was her comfort zone. She and Mike ALWAYS served a "banquet" of food for the holidays. They knew how to make us feel welcome and very comfortable. We NEVER left their house hungry.
This year, that's all changed. Our first Thanksgiving without Lori. Big sis Melody, bless her heart, is trying to carry on in Lori's absence by hosting Thanksgiving at her house--which is nice, but not the same. I'll post alot more about the relationship between Lori and me in other posts, but for now--all I will say is, I still miss her so...
A nice diversion from Thanksgiving w/o sis, is my 25th class reunion on Fri p.m. I'm SO looking forward to this! Of the 50 Class of '83 graduates from Mason City Newman High School, we expect about 25 or so to attend. I can't wait to see who will be there. Great topic for an upcoming post...
OK--Thanksgiving on Thurs. Class reunion on Fri p.m. Saturday brings a bittersweet gathering/celebration for a friend. Sat p.m., I'll be attending a benefit for a great guy who I got to know through my husband. Mike Samuelson died tragically in June at the age of 41. Mike left behind a beautiful, kind wife, and two adorable young sons. A great group of Ogden friends planned a benefit to raise $ to establish an ISU ag business scholarship in Mike's name. What a fabulous tribute to a genuinely nice guy. A bittersweet celebration. I am SO looking forward to seeing all who come out to show their love and admiration for Mike and Leanne. I thought my sister's benefit in April was huge. $44,000 was raised on her behalf. I'm a guessing Mike's benefit will top that mark quite easily.
So--I guess I'll be feeling a mix of emotions this holiday weekend. Despite our family's grief over the loss of Lori this year, we still have alot to be thankful for. I am very good at hosting my own little pity party at times, but then I snap out of it, and realize I DO have ALOT to give thanks for--each and every day.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
OK--I'm ready...
This is it. I've finally gotten the nerve/ambition to start my own blog. I feel like I'm coming of age, exploring a new frontier, entering a new world. I hope I like it--and I hope YOU ALL like it.
To all you seasoned bloggers, allow me some time to allow my creative juices to flow. It might take awhile to squeeze out the sweet nectar. Be kind and be gentle...
Most likely, my posts will not be daily, maybe not even weekly. I'll post when I have something worth saying.
Who do I want to reveal this site to? Do I want everyone to know, or do I want it to be my secret, guilty pleasure--allowing me to shed layers of myself that I don't want family and some friends to know about? I guess that's for ME to decide.
For now, I'll make sure I remain conservative, and low key.
I hope you enjoy my thoughts, views, stories, and insights. You don't have to agree with me, but I hope you find some value in what you read.
To all you seasoned bloggers, allow me some time to allow my creative juices to flow. It might take awhile to squeeze out the sweet nectar. Be kind and be gentle...
Most likely, my posts will not be daily, maybe not even weekly. I'll post when I have something worth saying.
Who do I want to reveal this site to? Do I want everyone to know, or do I want it to be my secret, guilty pleasure--allowing me to shed layers of myself that I don't want family and some friends to know about? I guess that's for ME to decide.
For now, I'll make sure I remain conservative, and low key.
I hope you enjoy my thoughts, views, stories, and insights. You don't have to agree with me, but I hope you find some value in what you read.
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