Monday, November 30, 2009

Traditons. Celebrating Once Again As We Did Before. Perfect.

We are creatures of habit and I think I really love it.

Thanksgiving has generally been the same around the "Faithful House" for the past 10 years. The in-laws come from Chicago on Wednesday, we pack up the sweet potato and green bean casseroles along with a plate of Norwegian Christmas Cookies, and head 10 minutes to my parents for Thanksgiving Lunch with the family.

Following lunch, we watch the traditional cousin "Play" written and directed this year by Miss M and performed by all the kids. It's comical, heartwarming, and fun to see them all "act" and ham it up for the parents and grands. Miss A announced earlier this fall that she was beyond being "Plymouth Rock", a part with no lines or movement. Instead, she did a great job "reading" her part with her favorite big cousin helping out!

It's wonderful! It is full of laughter. Our celebration is a big enough gathering to feel like a holiday, but no stress of the weird relatives from Cleveland. Not that we have relatives from Ohio. In fact, my entire immediate family counts up to 12 these days and we all live within a mile of each other. Thankfully, my husband's family adds another 6! Do you sense the crowd!

We joke that we hold a family reunion every weekend we are together in the summer at the Lake House. That's how small we are.

We have a great relaxing day watching football and working on the Christmas puzzle. I get to knit away without distraction. Perfect!

Friday, we learned to make Norwegian Krumkake Cookies with Bestemor's Krumkake Iron and, while they were not perfect, we did it and now can keep this tradition alive. They also tested quite good!

That evening, it was off to the Train Museum for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and visit with Santa. C joked that he was going to ask Santa to make him taller and faster! Guess when you are 12, what else do you need. There were cookies with lots of frosting, fake snow falling everywhere, and a beautiful tree. It was perfect!

Saturday, we enjoyed a yummy lunch out at Texas Roadhouse and a visit to a quaint Scandinavian Gift Store not to far away. The girls brought along their American Girl Dolls in the Norwegian Bunard Outfits that Bestemor had made for them and the shop owner was quite impressed with them.

We didn't venture too far off course this Thanksgiving. It was pretty much a repeat of Thanksgiving's past. You know what though, it was perfect. We had much to thankful for and we were able to celebrate around the table with all those who mean so much to us.

That in itself is reason to celebrate and give thanks!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

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Love this song. Love the message behind the words.

Thank You God for another wonderful year, for a wonderful family, good health, daily provision, love, grace and blessings upon blessings. I am grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Rushing Thanksgiving and Missing the Blessings

Why is that we are in such a hurry? I'm just as guilty as the next person, but it seems like we are in such a rush to get through something, finish tasks, and get to the next "thing" that we are missing the little joys of life.

For instance, Christmas lights and trees are up and shinning all over town. I get that in the Midwest sometimes you need to put up the outside lights before mid-November for fear of snow and cold, but do you need to turn them on before Thanksgiving?

It's like Thanksgiving is the ugly stepsister. Forgotten. Pushed Aside.

Have we become a Nation so consumed by the commercialization of Christmas that we are willing to pillage Thanksgiving in the process and view it only as a day off to gear up for the really big day of shopping on Friday.

Isn't Thanksgiving suppose to be a day we set aside to give thanks to our God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us as a people, a country, and a family?

I love the excitement of Christmas, but I like it to start after first taking time for gratitude and thanksgiving. I'm sometimes embarrassed to think that our country can no longer take the time to really focus on the meaning Thanksgiving itself. It is the only non-commercial gift giving holiday left. It is the only one really set aside for us to give back to God and thank Him for His abundance.

Maybe that's the problem. There is not a gimmick with Thanksgiving. There is not a man in a Red Suit or No Candy to give away. There are not any presents to buy. It takes from us rather than gives to us. It takes us setting aside time to list off our thanks.

It makes me sad to think that Thanksgiving plays second fiddle to shopping and bargains. I am sad that stores will be "Open All Day on Thanksgiving" to catch those ready to get a jump start on the "Holiday Season".

Guess I'm a little Old Fashioned. I like my Thanksgiving to come first with Advent and Christmas coming later. It seems to me that Thanksgiving Turkey with a side of Black Friday Pie is a little unappetizing. Now College Football is something that I really enjoy!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Stop Changing the Parenting Handbook: I Can't Keep Up

After 10 plus years of service I'm retiring my Ear Thermometer today in exchange for the new Temporal Artery Thermometer that our pediatrician recommended yesterday. You just swipe it over their heads and, instantaneously, you have the most accurate temp.

M had been sick the past three days with a sore throat and low grade temp. She was isolated from the family and spent countless hours in her room watching the new Nancy Drew movie over and over again. Even though she had other shows to watch, she loves to re-watch her favorites. When she was really sick at two and half, we watched the new Freaky Friday movie no less than 17 times! I can do the lines. Trust Me!

Back to reality.

We went to visit the doctor to rule out the dreaded H1N1 and found out she had a virus. The big news was that I've been taking the temperature of ear wax instead of body temp for years. I guess the ear thermometer is inaccurate and not consistent. That is why one ear is not the same temp as the other; it has more ear wax.

Sad thing is that I know this same doctor's office 10 plus years ago took the temp of my tiny babies by ear and recommended I do the same. Now the rules have changed. I don't remember getting an updated version of my "Parenting Handbook." Did you?

When C was born almost 13 years ago, babies slept on their sides. We even had the fancy Baby Propping Pillow to keep him on his side. By the time A came along seven years later, it was back sleeping and tummy time during the day.

This parenting business changes too fast. I can't keep up. Not only do I have to worry about electronic overload, fruits and veggies, and washing behind the ears; but now I have to wonder if the other tricks up my parenting sleeves are out of date in addition to the Ear Thermometer.

You won't however ever convince me that watching Disney Movies and sipping on 7Up when you are sick are out of date. While I prefer the original version of the classic movies, I do let the "new fangeled " version of the show in too. Guess that makes me modern and up to date!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Dear Borders Bookstore A Word of Friendly Advice







Dear Borders Corporate Office:



My youngest adores Fancy Nancy. She thinks Fancy Nancy Books are Stupendous (that's a fancy word for great). When I got the email from Borders Bookstore saying there was to be Fancy Nancy Special Event, I knew this would be a "must do" for our Saturday morning. The boys were off at a Boy Scout event so we planned to make this the "fun" for the day.

We invited a few friends to come along. We got on our "Fanciest Outfit" with necklaces, bracelets, and even a little glitter on our face. Miss A was all ready for a fancy time. I'd bribed the older girls that they could hang out in the Cafe and enjoy Hot Chocolate during the event and then we'd all go home for a play date.


We arrived 20 minutes early to just browse and I was shocked at the number of cars in the parking lot. I assumed that maybe people were getting a jump start on Christmas Shopping.

Arriving back in the "Kids Area," there were already lots of little girls in tiaras, boas, and bows. Pink and purple dresses and lots of glitter. Miss A and her friend Abbey would fit right in with the crowd.

I grabbed a few seats for the girls and then waited. More and more girls arrived. There was no one from the Borders Staff in the Kids' Area to greet us or inform us of the plan. No table of Fancy Nancy Books. Not even the brand new Christmas Book: Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas.

In fact, the two big girls M and her friend went in search of copies for us to buy. Not an easy task.

Finally at 11:05, when the crowd had grown to nearly 75 girls (need I say restless) and half as many parents, the two Borders Employees came forward. No supplies, no microphone and what appeared to be a shabbily put together plan.

A lovely women with the speaking voice of a quiet mouse attempted to read the Original Fancy Nancy Book to the girls. She then offered that there would be a door prize, a coloring page, and a craft. Oh yes, she had a box of 25 to 30 crayons and about the same number of coloring pages to pass out.

For the next 20 minutes, it was unorganized chaos. Not enough supplies, nowhere to color, no space to move, and no one who stepped up in charge.

In many ways, it was heartbreaking how the hour progressed. Little girls with fancy clothes and eyes filled with excitement who were just waiting there for the action to begin, for pages to color, and for the craft to start.

Parents, who were obviously disenchanted, continued to carry on very loud conversations with each other. Kids running amuck between book shelves.

My girl scout training almost got the best of me and I so wanted to step up clap my hands and get the girls to listen quietly, read them another story, and maybe introduce the "new" Fancy Nancy Book to this waiting, eager audience.

But I held back.

When the "Froot Loop Bracelet" craft began I quickly informed the girls that they could make one, but under no circumstance could they eat even one little bite. When a child threw up all over the floor nearby, I was glad that we were almost "outta there" and was followed by lots of Purell.



However, there was still the "Free Fancy Nancy" gift every girl was to get on the way out. When the Borders Employee causally mentioned she'd catch us (all 100 plus) on the way out, I decided to start the line. Yep, I grabbed the girls, walked towards the door, stopped a few feet from the door, and informed all behind me this was the line.

Miss A and her friend got "Fancy Nancy" Binoculars and then we headed off to the Cafe' for their promised Hot Coco while I ripped off their bracelets and washed their hands yet again.





While we did leave with the new Fancy Nancy Book and another Fancy Nancy I Can Read Book, it was only because I had promised first.
Borders lost some of my respect today. They did not take into consideration the hearts and minds of Fancy Nancy Lovers. They didn't treat their littlest customers with respect.

Today's Fancy Nancy Event was not planned well. They should have had tables waiting with colors and paper, a microphone for story time, reservations so as to limit the numbers, and for marketing purposes, stacks and stacks of Fancy Nancy Books ready for purchase.

So Borders Marketing Department, if you'd like some help planning your next "Fancy Story Time" Event, give me a call. I've got some ideas that would help you and the customer out and make you more money and create some excitement so that your youngest customers and their moms will want to come back time and again.

Signed,


A book loving momma !

Friday, November 13, 2009

I Told You We Were City People

FYI this is not the goat from the Zoo. I didn't get a good picture of it. But the message is the same; just a more attractive setting for Mr. Goat.

Miss A and I went to the Zoo on Thursday with some friends. It was a crisp Fall morning and perfect for a walk around our fabulous Zoo. We had a great time and felt like we almost had the place to ourselves.
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Gotta love Zoo Passes! You can go for a few hours and not feel guilty about not seeing the whole zoo. We focused on what the kids really wanted to see. We got to see a really cute baby Gorilla wearing diapers and rocking with a grandma wearing gorilla fur. I even allowed A to go to the Petting Zoo.

I hate petting zoos. The smell is too much for me. Considering the fact that we are currently avoiding areas like the Children's Museum and Indoor Play zones for fear of catching H1N1, it's amazing I'd let her be exposed to hand, foot, and hoof disease and all those lovely animal bearing illnesses. So cheers to me or maybe I'm just easily influenced by friends and their adorable little boys who wanted to pet the goats.

I will say however that it was in that little petting zoo that I realized once again that we are city folks.

Miss A was a little shy touching the goats unlike her friend who was letting the goats kiss his cheek. It was too cute.

She would wander up to a goat and smile and walk away until she saw three little goats sitting in a feeding trough (don't think I'm not wanting to share a nursery rhyme right now involving a troll) filled with hay. The little goats were in the hay staying warm and just hanging out. Miss A walked up to one and said in all sincerity, "Look this one has a price tag".

Yep, that's right! She thought the goat's tag was price tag. I'm not sure if this is a signal that she shops too much or that we are raising children who need to get themselves to a farm right away.

My friend and I were cracking up! A price tag! Poor Miss A was somewhat embarrassed and began to cry a little. Not my proudest mom moment. I just couldn't help it. It was just too funny. When I told my husband about it later, he laughed just as hard which regrettably started some tears again.

I redeemed our petting zoo moment however when we saw the Zebu in the pen nearby. A real live Zebu with a hump and all. You see we could have used that Zebu last week when it was letter Z week at school and we could come up with zilch for show and tell. What a great picture I could have gotten of Miss A and real live Zebu. Maybe in kindergarten!!

City Folks. Yep that's us!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

With Grateful Hearts: Veterans Day


In Honor of Veterans Day and the Brave Men and Women Who Serve our Country…

The United States Flag: What the Folds Mean

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the characters of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

Last year this poem was read at my children's Public School for a Veterans Day Ceremony in which my Girl Scout Troop participated in a Flag Ceremony and Flag Folding. The Principal read this poem out loud for the entire school, staff and teachers.

Thank You for your service. Thank you to your families for their sacrifice. God Bless You and God Bless America.


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

We Are City People






We are raising city kids. When I say that, I mean my kids do not have any knowledge of country life, living on the land, or what it means to have real chores early in the morning.

I realize that my husband and I are city kids, too. My husband has often said if you looked up "city boy" in the dictonary, there would be his picture staring back at you. He grew up on the East Coast and Houston so his big city roots are deeper than mine. However, I grew up in a midwestern city that is surrounded by small towns, corn fields, cows, and all rural life that you can imagine. You would think that would qualify me to be a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll!

I should know something about country life. I should be able to gaze upon a field in the midst of harvest and know the crop that is planted there. To be honest if it's not corn I have no idea. Soybeans, wheat, alfala they all look the same to me. Cows they all look alike too. Yes I know some are black, brown and spotted but I don't know what is a hefer, agnus or milk cow.

In college, I had dreams of marrying some big rancher, living in the western part of my state where cows outnumber people, and becoming a famous author. I romanticized how much fun it would be to have a big farmhouse miles from neighbors and raise a huge amount of children. We'd drive to the "big city" for necessities once a month and then stock up for the long winters.

Reality is that I married a Texan who owns a pair of Justin Boots, but never wears them except for "dress up " and works in an office building driving results around instead of cattle.

While I wouldn't trade my life and family for anything, I occaisonally wonder if I'm missing something. Shouldn't I have some knowledge of farm and ranch life? Maybe it's time our family took a little tour of a farm, took a trip to a dude ranch, or took off for a jaunt through the woods on horseback instead of leather seats in a minivan so we could see a different lifestyle upclose and personal. OK, maybe the dude ranch is a stretch, but you know what I am saying. I wouldn't have to get the "spa" package!

Never has the knowledge that I am raising "city kids" been more obvious to me than this past Saturday when we went to see the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football game (should I say NU crush OU) . Before the game, we let the big kids hang out at Husker Nation tossing footballs, practicing their kick offs and just enjoying the "big game experience" before the actual game. It was there on that little field that I saw my son, C, try to rope a calf.

Hello City Life! He was so out of his element. The younger rancher-college student tried his best to show C how to hold the rope, how to use his wrist and arm to gather the rope, and swing it around. It was like showing an eskimo how to water ski.

Let's just say that it's a good thing C is planning a career in the areospace/engineering industry and doesn't have big dreams of owning a ranch ....

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Great Family Movie: A Plumm Summer

We had a family movie night last night and saw a great flick that your whole family will enjoy. It was our 16th Wedding Anniversary and we decided to celebrate "family style" with a homecooked meal Chicken Meatballs ala Smitten Kitchen (Yummo!) with Sparkling Apple Cider for the kids and Berringer Wine for the Adults ( in rememberance of our honeymoon trip to San Fran and Napa Valley).

Our movie pick was Plumm Summer a movie that got horrible reviews from the critics, but got rave reviews from our family. Set in Montana in the 1960's, this movie reminded me of a classic Disney tale from childhood. A story about a children's television icon that is kidnapped and how some young dectectives try to solve the mystery. It's a thrilling who-dunn-it family friendly flick.

The movie had a great story of redemption, forgiveness, friendship, and family triumph. There are some tough scenes to watch that dealt with alcoholism and the damage it causes to a family, but the underlying message of courage, hope and forgiveness make this a great topic of discussion later.

All three kids loved it and it was movie that my husband and I enjoyed watching as well. There were closed eyes for scarry parts, cheers and claps for great moments, and oohs and aahs over the "romance." Just what the doctor ordered for a family movie night.

Classic lines from our movie watching party:

Miss A: " She was involved from the beggining mom, I knew it"

Miss A: "That was a great movie, even if we didn't have popcorn."

Miss M: "I just love movies like that, don't you."

Mr. C: "Why don't they make movies like this anymore?"

There is just something about snuggling up as a family and watching a movie together!

FYI: Family Video Stores are running a special until November 24th : $1.00 for all New Releases for 5 Days!! (No they aren't paying me to say that, but they could if they wanted too)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I've Seen The Future of Government Run Health Care and It's Not Pretty

Today, I saw first hand the future of a government run health care system. It scares me to death. While I tend to keep my political views quiet on this blog, I cannot remain silent on this important issue facing our country.

I caught a glimpse into what it might mean to me and my family if the government runs our health care system. I saw what it might mean if the government decides who gets care, how that care is dispensed and delivered, and when and where it is available.
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You see, I want my youngest to get the H1N1 "Swine Flu" vaccine. My oldest has already had the swine flu back in July and while the rest of us escaped it then, I'm concerned that if Miss A got the swine flu she might have a hard time fighting it off. She has a tendency to get really sick when she's sick as in two cases of pneumonia and a case of mono in the past three years. This fall she's already had a case of croup which our doctor treated aggressively due to her tendency to get pneumonia.
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My Pediatrician's office does not have the swine flu mist or shot. My own family practice doctor doesn't either. They both recommended the free Flu Shot Clinic today at a mid-town church today. It's suppose to be for high risk patient such as kids, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues.
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After a quick checkup with the Ear Doctor and a visit to the Library, A and I were off to get the shot. I should have guessed how silly my dreams of us just walking up and getting the shot were when the Ear Specialists laughed at me and said I should call my pediatrician back and ask again for the shot at his office. His nurse added, "I think there were 4000 people lined up before the doors opened."
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Yes, that's right, 4000 people lined up an hour before the clinic opened to get 5000 vaccines during an 11 hour clinic.
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A and I drove by at 10:30 this morning and there were at least 2500 people standing outside wrapping around the entire church building. There were police and squad cars everywhere. People in line had chairs, books, strollers and were bundled up against the 45 degree weather.
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At the rate of 500 shots an hour, we'd be there 8 hours if there were 4000 people waiting. I later learned that by 12:30, only 1400 people had been vaccinated. The line was still from here to eternity.
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Here's my thoughts on this:
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1. Is this really the most efficient way to get the vaccine out to small children and at-risk adults by having them stand outside in the elements for hours on end?
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2. Why didn't they distribute these shots to the Doctors and let them run clinics in their offices and have people sign up in advance for time slots. That's how we do it with the seasonal flu shot.
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3. Don't the people in line have something better to do with their time than wait hours on end? What about jobs, other kids, responsibilities?
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4. If the government knew about the Swine Flu last spring and was deeply concerned about the effects, why did they make so little vaccine?
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5. Is this what the new "Health Care System by the Government" is going to look. Waiting in endless lines, unknown quantities of the medicine available, and the public health worker doing the job of doctors and nurses?
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6. Is our society really reduced to standing in line for hours on end because it is either the only source available for the shot or because it is free? Isn't there a more productive use of our time than this?
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7. Why were there so many able bodied adults in that line today? If the shot was primarily for children, why do news reports show that nearly 2/3 rds of those in line had no children with them. If they were really at risk adults with underlining health issues, should they be standing around for hours? Don't they have doctors that could have already provided them with the shot? Can't we as a society come up with a better way to help these individuals then making them wait?
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My husband said welcome to the "future of health care." The line was long today because the government has scared us about the effects of the Swine Flu and then double sworded us with not having the right amount of vaccine to combat it. We've ingrained into the less fortunate that their time is not worth anything. They can wait in lines for unemployment benefits, thanksgiving baskets of food, Salvation Army Christmas gifts so what is one more line. Let's show them some respect. Their time is valuable, too If our government doesn't realize that for these folks then how can they be expected to think anyone's time is worth anything.
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I would have gladly paid for the vaccine. I would have gone to a Flu Shot clinic at my doctor's office and wait my turn for an appointment. However, I will not stand in an endless line, outside in the cold, with a huge crowd waiting. I honestly think Miss A would have had a greater chance of catching something standing around waiting in that line than she does anywhere else.
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I realize that I'm blessed to have a husband who has a good job that provides health care coverage for our family. Health Care that we've have fully used in the past few years far more than we've paid into the system. But we've also done the responsible thing and chosen to take that Health Care Plan. We pay out of pocket the difference between the company contribution and the cost and it's not cheap!
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Until today, I've sat on the sidelines and had not thought that how the Public (Government Run) Option would really effect me that much. I thought I was sheltered by the great health insurance we currently have. However, today, I saw that it does effect me. If this is the future of health care in America then I'm worried. What will this government system do to the health insurance industry? What will it do to the Doctors and Nurses who have spent countless hours studying and practicing medicine.?
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My husband wrote a note today to our U.S. Senator telling him to please watch the local coverage on this Free Shot Clinic and the chaos that ensued.
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They say that the reason State Run Health Care works in countries like the UK and Canada is that their wealthy can afford to come to the United States for care when they need it rather than wait around for government approval or access.
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I have seen the future and I am scared. Consider this a friendly warning to wake up. Where do we think we can go when the system doesn't work for us? If we are the last line of defense for other "government healthy countries" we'll be stuck with no other option.
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There has to be a better way!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

WFMW:Holiday Themed/ 12 Days of Christmas Blessings


I'm so excited for the upcoming Christmas season. While I'm not one for much decorating or Christmas baking, I do love having Christmas traditions that we do year in and year out. Many of these traditions I will write about as they come up. Whether it is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Train Station in town or the delivery of gifts with Angel Tree, each event and activity we participate over the Christmas season we enjoy doing as a family as a way of giving a little back.

We know that our greatest gift came 2000 years ago at Christmas and we want to give some of that great gift away.

One of our families favorite will always be the 12 Days of Christmas Surprises that we've done over the past several years. I wrote all about this fun tradition last year (click on link above to read in more details) explaining how we drop presents in secret on the doorsteps of deserving families for the 12 days leading up to Christmas Eve. The gifts follow with the song the 12 Days of Christmas and try to incorporate some of the "hidden religious meanings" behind the Partridge, the Lords a Leaping, etc.

Most of all, we use these 12 days a way to bring joy to family who has experienced grief, loss of job, military deployment, accident or hardship in the previous year and could use a little extra dose of joy this year. Maybe you have a neighbor or friend from church who could use a little Christmas Joy this year and this is a wonderful witnessing tool for those families. Maybe you could get your small group, scout troop or neighbors to work together to come up with the gifts and deliver them in secret. The excitement and joy your family will get back in return is just an added bonus!

For the past several years, my Mom's Bible Study Group has adopted several families from our school community and delivered the 12 gifts. Let me tell you some of these ladies are really creative and have come up with some fantastic ideas for Ladies Dancing, French Hens and the ever present 12 Drummers Drummers. I tend to take the final day and bring a box of Ice Cream Drumsticks in a "drum box".

We leave a small note with each gift saying explaining the symbolism, wishing them a merry day and sign it from a group of "Caring Friends." Each note is printed to look similar so as not to give away the secret. This year, we are thrilled to have found printed Dayspring Cards with a 12 Days theme on the outside. I'll just calligraphy the inside with the message and "Day" and give to the gift giver.

On the final day, we will sometimes give our names away, but other times we keep it all a secret, enjoying the fact that they have no idea who we are.

Participating in the 12 Days of Christmas Surprises Works for My Family; for more WFMW Holiday Ideas check out We Are That Family.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Introducing Moses, Nurse M and Princess Belle

We had a great night of "Treating"
Let's just say the season of endless candy has begun!
It's going to be beautiful here today, so we are off for a family walk.