Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve! It comes the same time each year so it shouldn't be a surprise. What's surprising is how fast it gets here every year! 

Looking back, it's been a roller coaster year for us. I lost two incredible friends this year and a lovable uncle. I look back on wonderful memories and wish they were still here to make more. But without question, they are in a better place. Lola has no doubt convinced everyone in heaven to be a vegan and is leading daily yoga classes. Rick is definitely improving the style in heaven, creating some beautiful artwork, finding new friends wherever he goes and making everyone smile and feel more loved than they thought possible - even in heaven. And Uncle Donny? He is quietly watching it all with a twinkle in his eye.

I am thankful for continued employment for the two of us and continued health for the three of us. We are very lucky. Our daughter is half way through her senior year (almost) and has made her decision on which university to attend. Yeah! Not too close but not too far! Now it's on to the scholarship hunt!

The next 48 hours are going to be hectic for us and most likely for many other folks out there! I'm an introvert so the extra people in close proximity will eventually drain me. But it's all good!

My advice to everyone, including myself, is to relax, breathe deeply and enjoy the little things along the way.

We're ready, Christmas!! Bring it on!!

Keep on smiling!

(Photo courtesy of my talented daughter!)

'Tis the Season for Christmas Decorations

The photo below is from the Menards flyer. For those of you that don't live in the Midwest, Menards is a home improvement store, similar to Lowes or Home Depot. In my humble opinion, they have the best holiday decorations of any place around. 

Anyway, this particular ad really cracked me up. Take a good look. 

Joseph looks calm and serene.

Now take a closer look at Mary.

With her wide-eyed expression and her hands crossed up over her chest she looks completely startled like she finally took a good look in that manger and is saying, “OMG! Whaaat?  This isn’t even my child! The nurses must have mixed him up with some other baby in the stable. What will I do? Joseph, open your eyes and look! I asked you to watch him for 10 minutes!  10 minutes while I carted a bucket of snow down to the communal fire to melt it into fresh water.  And I come back and I find you sleeping and a different baby lying in our manger!! I knew I shouldn’t have come with you on this vacation.  I mean really Joseph … Bethlehem in the middle of winter? With me - 9 months pregnant? I told you to call ahead and get a room but oh no. Don’t listen to logic. You insisted we just play it by ear, without the boring drag of room reservations and security deposits. I should have told you NO from the get go. But I didn’t. I was too caught up in the whole “miracle” hoopla. Well I will tell you this, Joseph P. Carpenter. I am not amused. You get out there right now and you find my Baby Jesus!”

Okay, well at least that’s what pops into my mind when I look at it!!

Keep on smiling!

ADDENDUM:

And now for the male point of view.

From my perspective, Joseph is sitting there with his eyes closed praying...."God/son, will you please make this woman shut up.  I have been walking for days to give her this vacation while she sat on that donkey and complained.  Never a thank you, or a do you need to stop and let me rub your back and feet.  Nothing, just nag, nag, nag, complain, complain, complain.  Please let that star fall on my head.  I just need a little sleep."

Thank you male acquaintance for sharing YOUR sense of humor!!

And as always, keep on smiling!