Note To Self

Dear Self,
I am writing to you this morning to express my concern about your attitude for the past few weeks. I am declaring it official on this grim December morning, that you, in fact, have become the Grinch. I am writing to tell you to KNOCK IT OFF.

Stop whining about all the stuff that still needs to be done. Stop whining about all the shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, and getting ready there still is to be done. Stop dwelling on all the things that are not going right in your life, and THINK ABOUT ALL THE ONES THAT ARE!! Remember that your kids will not remember this Christmas for all the junky toys and clothes that have been purchased for them. Remember that your family is HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND BLESSED. Try really hard to think about all of many, many blessings that you have and STOP THINKING about what you don't. Think about the fact that you have a roof over your head, food for your children and your husband has a job. There are many that don't even have these basic necessities in life, and you should be GRATEFUL.

I am tired of your bad attitude, and I'm sure that your husband and children are as well. Next time you feel the need to be BAH HUM BUG about Christmas, think about that moment last week when your 4 year old sang to the baby Jesus, or the moment that she reminded you that Santa was "awesome". Think about the fact that if you are doing what is right, you will be blessed in so many ways that you will be unable to count them all. Think about what Christmas is all about....not the material things, but the fact that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. It truly has nothing to do with all the other "stuff". And, if it comes down to it, remember that it will all be over in just a couple of weeks and you can have your normal, crazy, un-Christmasy life right back.

Try, Try, Try to straighten up. We're all tired of it.

One last item of business before your crazy day ensues: Stop picking at that plate of fudge that is sitting on the counter! Gaining 10 lbs. between now and New Years will not help your attitude improve. I know this from experience.

Sincerely,
Erin

Makes a Mom Smile

I was busy with a project a few days ago and I happened to look up and listen to Natalie - she had all of her Fisher Price nativity set mixed in with my nice set and was singing a newly learned Primary song about the Baby Jesus. Made my day....

Thanks, Santa!

Santa came early for me this year. Well, actually, he's been here twice now. On Black Friday, a beautiful Nikon SLR camera was brought home for me. It was lovely to look at, it took lovely pictures, but the price was, well, not so lovely. Although it would have been nice to keep, it just had too many features - I need something I can throw in my purse and use in a split second notice. This camera was not for me. Large and bulky, extra lenses, too many pieces to lose, too many features that I would never learn how to use. And, did you know that with an SLR camera, you can't view the picture that you're taking unless you're looking through the viewfinder? I know, I'm totally spoiled by technology, but I like not having to use the viewfinder and being able to see my shot on the LCD screen. And, this particular camera had a feature that just seemed trivial, but insane to me: The lens cap had no way of attaching to the camera! I was supposed to keep track of this itty bitty piece and not lose it! So, after having it a few days, the guilt overcame me and we returned the camera.

Since then, Santa has delivered this beauty:
I'm pretty sure that Santa had to be talked into it a little, but since I'm the one that actually uses the camera, I won the battle. It's got a great zoom, a tilting LCD screen, and best of all, the lens cap attaches to the camera! As a bonus, we didn't have to sacrifice paying the mortgage next month to have it. Now, I feel like I can carry on with my Christmas festivites, camera in tow. Thanks, Santa... I owe you one (**wink, wink**).