Our Christmas Visitors

We were blessed to have some very special Christmas visitors from Maryland. Our cousins, the "M" family !

*

While they were here in Tennessee, we had a grand time ... we baked cookies and then decorated them, we played card games, rode bikes, played with the "kittys" outside, went for walks, were taken on tractor rides, and more.

*

Thank you for coming to visit M family !! We are already missing you and are looking forward to your visit this summer !

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(above) Our Cherubs and the 4 "M's" decorating Sugar Cookies.
Miss A and Cherub 6 "taste testing".

Little Miss M sitting in her Momma's lap.

Little Miss M was in change of Quality Control. (HA !)

Everyone was hard at work.

Some of the finished cookies.

Dumma and GranMickey ... or Aunt B and Uncle M ... depending on whether a Beck or an "M".

Miss A, very pleased with her Make-up Kit.

Later, she and Little Miss M put on make up

... lots of it ... and each little lady looked ADORABLE

with their pink noses and purple eye lids.

(Momma M and Little Miss M in the background, along with Cherub 2)

One evening we went out for pizza.

Miss B, who is the oldest M, rolling and cutting cookies.

She was very precise !

Cherub 2 helping Little Miss M to roll and cut the cookies.

Miss B's lovely smile !

Miss B and Cherub 3 playing Uno.

Miss A really enjoyed helping Cherub 2 roll and cut the Sugar Cookies.

Master L spent a lot of time playing with the Thomas Train Set.

Having 3 sisters, he was very pleased to play with Cherub 1,

Cherub 3, Cherub 4, and Cherub 6 (our boys).

Cherub 2 "mother-henning" Little Miss M ....

they were nearly inseparable during the M's visit.

How sweet !!

Fourth Week of Advent

Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent

*
Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we beseech Thee,

and come; and with great power come to our aid,

that, by the help of Thy grace, that which is

hindered by our sins may be hastened

by Thy merciful forgiveness.

Who livest and reignest, with God the Father,

in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

Amen.

A Sneak Peek

The 2008 Christmas Photo of the Cherubs .... our only regret is that we could not have done it on a sunny day, but we have not had a sunny day in .... well .... forever ?!?!?

He's Not A Baby Anymore ....

... but he will always be MY baby.

He promised !

(above) When he was 3yo ....
On Cherub 6's "real" BIRTHday ...

Showing his "Picture Smile". Age 3yo.

On a walk in Great-Pop in November 2008.

Age 5yo, "hamming" with Cherub 5.

On Dumma & Gran-Mickey's boat ... age 4yo.

On a "Just Big Guys" camping trip with Dad and Mr. Potts

and quite a few other boys. (age 4yo)

Age 4yo ... when grandpa gave him his first Tonka Dumptruck for his birthday. This is the only toy Cherub 6 still has (after our housefire) because it was outside in the mulch. This little truck has been a workhorse --- moving weeds and rocks, mulch, and petfood. Rarely does a day go by that this truck is not "working".

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, CHERUB 6 !!

A Quote

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

-- C. S. Lewis

Christmas Preparations

We are slowly moving along with our holiday preparations. But we still have quite a lot to accomplish. Of course, part of the problem might be that the list keeps growing, despite much "crossing off". HA ! We hope to get all of these things accomplished; most before our company arrives on the 19th. But, if we don't .... oh well.

When the New Year begins, we might need a vacation from our Christmas Vacation. HA !

Make Christmas Ornaments x 65 (DID NOT happen this year - maybe next year ?!?!)

Paint Guest Bathroom

Paint Hallway

Paint Master Bedroom moved to the week after Christmas

Paint Master Bathroom moved to the week after Christmas

Paint Girl's Bedroom moved to next Tuesday, after our company goes home

Make Advent Wreath

Jesse Tree Readings (daily)

Paint Family Room

Paint Dining Room

Put up exterior Christmas Lights

Put up Christmas Tree

Decorate Christmas Tree

Interior Decorations

Take Cherubs shopping for their "Gift Exchange" DONE

Shopping for gifts

Wrap and Label Gifts DONE

Package gifts for mailing DONE

Mail gift packages DONE

Compose Annual Newsletter

Print Newsletter, address labels and return address labels

Take Annual Photo of the Cherubs DONE

Have photo printed for sending DONE

Assemble In Envelopes - newsletter and photo DONE

Mail newsletters with photos DONE

Grocery Shopping & Errands for Christmas

Bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookies DONE

Bake Peanutbutter Kisses DONE

Bake Mint Chip Cookies for DadToCherubs DONE

Bake Chocolate Peanutbutter Chip cookies DONE

Bake Squash Bread DONE

Bake Banana Bread DONE

Bake Blueberry Muffins DONE

Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bake Sugar Cookies for decorating DONE

Bake Gingerbread People Cookies for decorating DONE

Cookie Decorating Party (with family from Maryland) DONE

Bake Peanutbutter Cookies

Make Fudge DONE

Assemble Bags of "Treats" ; Distribute to neighbors DONE

Deep clean Children's Bedrooms DONE

Deep clean Playroom DONE

Deep clean Kitchen

Deep clean Master bedroom (for company)

Take Daisy to the Groomer DONE

Take Bella to the Groomer appt on Dec. 27

Deep clean School Room

Copy necessary History pages for 2nd semester moved to January 2nd

Print Maps for History and Geography for 2nd semester

Sing Christmas Carols (a lot !) DONE

Read Christmas Favorites (books) DONE

Watch Christmas Favorites (movies) DONE

Prepare Christmas Eve Dinner (breads, veggies, ham, turkey, fruits, desserts)

Update (Monday, 12/22):

Our TO DO list is complete ... or close enough at least.

All that is left to do is enjoy tomorrow, which is the day before Christmas Eve.

And then we will make our big holiday meal on Christmas Eve ....

enjoy our faimly time together, and wait for Santa ....

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

Concerning Chicago, and Politics In General

Aesop said:
-

"We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office."

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I thought this was ... priceless. And that it was too funny not to pass on.

Have a great day !

The Third Week of Advent

John's disciples said to Jesus, "Are you 'He who is to come' or do we look for another?" In reply, Jesus said: "Tell John what you hear and see: the blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, and the poor have good news preached to them..." Lk. 3:10

O Jesus, I rejoice at the signs that say you are near. Your power is everywhere if I could see it.

Yet my eyes often see only darkness and what has yet to be done. I believe in you, yet when I look around evil seems so strong and goodness so weak. If you have come, why is there still so much suffering and why do the poor still despair? Where are your miracles today?

Your grace, O Lord, is more fruitful in my world than I imagine. I know your power is everywhere around me, if I could only see it. Show me today where the blind see and cripples walk.

Make my vision sharper than it is.

Which Christmas Character Are You ?

According to this "quiz", I am Rudolph
"OK, so maybe you won't go down in history for having a glowing nose or being heckled by the reindeer gang (thank goodness), but like your Christmas counterpart, you're a good friend who'll stick with the people you love through thick and thin. "

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Click here to see which Christmas Character you "are". http://www.quiztron.com/tests/christmas_character_quiz_59838.htm

Not This Time

DadToCherubs worked all night, peeking from time to time out the windows. He was waiting for the snow ....

But the snow never arrived. Not even a single flake.

Needless to say, there are a lot of disappointed Cherubs here today ... not to mention grown-ups too ! Oh well. Maybe next time ?!?!

Could It Be True ??

In between painting, I have not been able to check the weather forcast. And from the windows, I have seen rain and rain, and more rain.

I am now waiting for the paint in the dining room to dry, and just checked the weather ....

Issued by The National Weather ServiceKnoxville/Tri-Cities, TN

5:22 am EST, Thu., Dec. 11, 2008

... ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL POSSIBLE TONIGHT...

A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE DEEP SOUTH WILL CONTINUE TO SLOWLY MOVE NORTHEAST... WITH A LARGE AREA OF RAIN SPREADING OVER THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS TODAY. COLDER AIR WILL THEN RAPIDLY MOVE INTO THIS EVENING. THE RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW. MOST OF THE AREA SHOULD EXPERIENCE SNOWFALL BEFORE THE PRECIPITATION TAPERS OFF AS THE SYSTEM EXITS THE REGION. GROUND TEMPERATURES WILL INITIALLY BE WARM... HINDERING SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS AT THE ONSET. HOWEVER... ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS MOST AREAS. THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL TENNESSEE VALLEY COULD SEE UP TO AN INCH OF SNOWFALL. THE NORTHERN VALLEY AS WELL AS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA... THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF EAST TENNESSEE... INCLUDING THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU... AND EXTREME SOUTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA SHOULD SEE 1 TO 3 INCHES. HOWEVER... THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SLIGHTLY HIGHER AMOUNTS IF THE COLD AIR PUSHES IN SOONER THEN EXPECTED.

A Little Late

We began out Fall yard clean up some time ago, and then it rained for a few days, followed by a few weeks of mostly chilly weather. And, we never quite got back to it.

The yard needs to be mowed one last time, just so that it looks "neat" and tidy ....

There are a few piles of leaves left, to be hauled to the garden and spread ...

And in all of the rain and breezy days, there are more than a few sticks and limbs lying about. So, since today is supposed to be our last "warm'ish" day for a while, after school we will be heading outside to finish what we started ... a late Fall CleanUp. Besides .... the yard will look nice for the holidays ... and afterwards. And if some precious snow should fall, we will be ready to enjoy the least dusting to the utmost because our sled trail will be mowed SUPER short, so as to allow our sleds smooth gliding on any flakes that fall. (We sooo hope it snows this year !)

* * * * *

Tomorrow we have a cold front moving in with more rain, and it appears that it will be quite chilly outside for a while. So, while it is chilly, the yard will be "finished", and we can focus on painting the dining room, living room, and the girls bedroom ... all before the holidays. (stay tuned .......)

Artist Study

“The Nativity at Night”

oil painting

by Geertgen tot Sint Jans

late 15th century

An Award

A Home Science awarded this to me. Thank you very much !

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Here are the rules for this Pass-it-Along Award:

(1) Link to the person / blog that gave this award to you.

(2) Post the graphic on your blog.

(3) Pass the award on to up to 10 other blogs you consider cool.

* *

Here are the blogs I am awarding:

(1) Dewey's Treehouse

(2) Harmony Art Mom

(3) Higher Up And Further In

(4) A Holy Experience

(5) Lapaz Home Learning

(6) Starry Sky Ranch

(7) The Bigger Half

(8) Like Merchant Ships

(9) Coach Mom Says

(10) The Long Thread (handcrafted goods in an age of mass production)

* *

And now, I am off to get another cup of coffee .... and then will focus on the day ahead.

Second Week of Advent

Prayer for the Second Week of Advent

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Stir up our hearts, O Lord,

to prepare the ways of

Thine only-begotten Son,

that through His coming

we may be worthy to serve Thee

with purified minds.

Who livest and reignest,

with God the Father,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God,

world without end.

Amen.

A Generation Immersed in Media

(article copied in full from http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2861 )

A new report indicates that the average child in America now spends 45 hours a week immersed in the media -- a multiple of the hours spent with parents or in the classroom.

Commonsense Media, a group that advocates for better programming in the media, commissioned and released the report. Researchers looked at 173 studies done on media and its effects on children and adolescents. The results are sobering. Taken together, these reports strongly suggest that significant exposure to the media is related, among other concerns, to behaviors such as smoking and early sexual activity, as well as low academic achievement and obesity.

As USA Today reports:

Parents and policymakers need to take action to protect children from being harmed by TV, the Internet and other types of media, a report says.
Researchers have done individual studies for years to learn how media affect children. A review released today, which analyzed 173 of the strongest papers over 28 years, finds that 80% agree that heavy media exposure increases the risk of harm, including obesity, smoking, sex, drug and alcohol use, attention problems and poor grades.

In one sense, this report should not shock any informed parent or observer. The report does offer something new, however, in its analysis of so many published scientific reports and studies. The sheer quantity of the data is impressive. One obvious point comes to the fore -- there has already been sufficient concern to prompt the development of the 173 separate studies considered in this report.

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel of the National Institutes of Health commented, "The idea that this is having a really measurable adverse impact on health makes it important to take this seriously." What isn't measured in these studies, of course, is the adverse spiritual effects of so much media exposure.

Beyond the question of quantity -- 45 hours of media immersion on average -- there is the question of media content. Anyone with the slightest awareness of media content knows the problems. Media of all forms and formats are saturated with violence, sexuality, morally troubling themes, alcohol and tobacco use, and the use of drugs.

Furthermore, the boundaries of acceptable content are being pressed back season after season. What was once limited to adult theaters soon makes its appearance in the mainstream media. Themes once off-limits to media in any form are now common on mainstream television. The emergence of the Internet, modern video games, MP3 players, and sophisticated cell phones offers yet more opportunities for increased media immersion and exposure to troubling programming and content.

Another relatively new phenomenon is the digital revolution and the transformation of media consumption from a largely communal activity to one that is more and more solitary. The television set used to be located in a family gathering place and families watched television together. No longer. Now, televisions are distributed throughout various rooms in most houses, and viewing is increasingly solitary. Millions of American children and adolescents have televisions in their bedrooms -- many combined with digital recorders, video games, and other components.

Add to this picture a virtual explosion in the number of children and teenagers with computers and Internet access in bedrooms. Today's children, equipped with iPods, cell phones, laptops, and portable video players, are seldom more than a few feet (if not inches) separated from media technologies.

Parents should look to this new report with interest and concern. The adverse effects of immersion in the media are now beyond refutation. Does anyone really believe that all this media exposure has no ill effects on children and adolescents?

Christian parents come to this issue with deeper concerns. Like other parents, we are rightly concerned about the dangers of obesity and other effects related to physical health and well being. Beyond this, however, we must be concerned with the effects of media exposure on the soul. Though perhaps impossible to measure by scientific study, we have good reason to be concerned that media immersion of this sort leads to a deadening of the soul and hinders the development of spiritual health and maturity.

Here are some suggestions parents might want to consider.

1. Limit the total media exposure experienced by your children. The statistic that the average child and adolescent is immersed in the media for 45 hours a week should be sufficient motivation for parents to hit the brakes and gain control of media exposure. Access to entertainment media should be a privilege earned, not a right assumed by the child.

2. Do not allow children and teenagers to have televisions and Internet-connected computers in the bedroom. There is simply too much danger in unsupervised media exposure, and too much temptation in terms of both quantity and content. No child needs a television in the bedroom, and a computer connected to the Internet is an invitation to disaster.

3. Make entertainment media a family experience. There is a massive difference in the experience of a child watching programming alone and that same child watching with a parent. Parents should be in unquestioned control of media decisions. Parents should also be eager to discuss what is seen with teenagers and children, helping them to grow in discernment and judgment.

4. Parents have to do the hard work of actually knowing what their children and teenagers are watching, playing, hearing, and experiencing through media exposure. No one said parenting was supposed to be easy.

5. Realize that a revolution has taken place in the lives of children and adolescents. The emergence of social media technologies means that children (and adolescents especially) now expect to be in constant communication with their peers. This is not healthy, sane, or helpful. All of us -- children and teenagers included -- need a break from this immersion. Put a charging dock in the kitchen and confiscate cell phones as the kids come in the door. That will send a message the old fashioned way -- in person.

6. Take a regular look at what your child is posting and what others are posting on his or her social media sites. Look at the instant messaging exchanges and emails. You are the parent, after all, and your child's access to these technologies should come with the open and non-negotiable requirement that parents see it all.

7. Remember that saying "no" is a legitimate option. I do not believe that saying "no" is always the right response. The media bring opportunities for good as well as for evil. Children and teenagers who are never allowed access to media technologies and entertainment will emerge into adulthood with no powers of discernment. But "no" is sometimes the best and only appropriate answer, and parents should always be ready to use it when needed.

Today's generation of children and adolescents is, by all accounts, a generation immersed in media. This new report reminds us that this exposure cannot come without real costs. Let's hope America's parents are paying attention.

__________________

See coverage in The San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post.

An executive summary of the report is available here from Commonsense Media.

We will discuss this report and the issue of media immersion on Thursday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program.

A Blog Thing: A Blue Christmas Tree

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace. You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy! You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better. You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that. Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorchristmastreeshouldyouhavequiz/">What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian

We are not avid movie watchers.

However, on Tuesday morning

we waited at Blockbuster

for the new Narnia movie

to be available on DVD.

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And despite a small crowd,

waiting in the cold,

we secured a copy to bring home.

*

So, last evening,

after dinner and chores,

we got into our PJs.

*

We snuggled on the couch

together,

to watch the much-anticipated

PRINCE CASPIAN.

*

WOW !!

Another wonderful Narnia movie ....

adapted of course from the

incredible book series

by C.S. Lewis.

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Most from Beck's Bounty have said

(after watching a book-made-movie):

"The book was better !".

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However, this time we were all

pleasantly surprised that the directors

stayed "very close" to Lewis's book,

rather than taking excessive creative liscense.

There were a few moments, but a "few" changes

were likely necessary for adaptation to film.

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We highly recommend it !

The Beginning Of Advent

Advent Prayer
Come, long-expected Jesus.

Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power

of Your Father and ours.

Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord

who enlists me in God's own work for justice.

Come, long-expected Jesus.

Excite in me a hunger for peace:

peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself.

Come, long-expected Jesus.

Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy.

I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.

Come, long-expected Jesus.

Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right

to bring to the manger of my Lord.

Raise in me, too,

sober reverence for the God who acted there,

hearty gratitude for the life begun there,

and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.

I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail.

Amen.

( A favorite; copied from http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayer.php?s=57 )

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow !

SPECIAL WEATHER SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Issued by The National Weather Service

Knoxville/Tri-Cities, TN

3:50 am EST, Mon., Dec. 1, 2008

... SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS POSSIBLE OVER THE REGION TODAY AND TONIGHT... A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER THE GREAT LAKES REGION WILL BRING BREEZY WINDS AND A MIXTURE OF RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REGION TODAY AND TONIGHT. RIGHT NOW... IT APPEARS THAT TEMPERATURES WILL HOVER IN THE MID TO UPPER 30S IN THE VALLEYS TODAY... WHICH WOULD CREATE A MIXTURE OF RAIN AND SNOW WITH LITTLE OR NO SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS. GROUND TEMPERATURES WILL ALSO REMAIN WARM... WHICH SHOULD PREVENT ANY SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS. HOWEVER... SOME LIGHT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS AROUND AN INCH WILL BE POSSIBLE ON THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU AND HIGHER ELEVATIONS ABOVE 2000 FEET... WHERE TEMPERATURES WILL BE A LITTLE COOLER. MOTORISTS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION TODAY AND TONIGHT.

***

If the snow does not "arrive" here at home,

we might just have to go and find it !

Anyone want to come along with us ??

HOORAY !!

Right now I am going to the attic

to get the Snow Gear Bucket, and the sleds ...

just in case !

UPDATE: The flurries drove us "nearly to distraction" (borrowed from L.M. Alcott books !). All 6 Cherubs spent much of the day with their little noses pressed against the window glass, and had to be often redirected back to their school work. We stepped outside for a brief moment after lunchtime ~ long enough to catch some delicious flakes on our tongues. Alas, the snow flakes did not stick (the ground is still too warm), thus delaying until another day (or night - ha !) our sledding fun. Until next time .......

Black Friday

I am not a shopper ! Actually, I have never really been a shopper. I prefer to go in, get "it", and leave. I do not enjoy wandering in stores, looking for "deals"; and I am not a window-shopper. Goodness, I don't even read the sale ads in the newspaper beyond the occassional Grocery Store ad. HA !! DadToCherub's friends and coworkers just do not believe that he is married to a non-shopper woman, however. (HA !) If they only knew ... I not only hate to shop ... I do not even like to shop online, even while sipping yummy coffee and comfy in my PJs plus slippers. I just do NOT like to shop ... period.
-
That being said .... I have not shopped on Black Friday in many years. Actually I have only gone shopping on THAT day once before (6 years ago). I was pregnant with Cherub 6, and due in mid-December. So, like all good "nesters", I wanted to get all of the Christmas to-do list finished so that I did not have to worry about it later in December ...should we encounter a problem, or a time-crunch (which we WOULD have experienced, had we waited. Cherub 6 was born on December 18th, one and a half "miserable" weeks late !). DadToCherubs and I went out together on that Black Friday -- and it was TRULY AWFUL --- really really SUPER awful !! We still talk about it, with near-horror in our voices .... (hee hee hee)
-
Back to the present .... after a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday here at home with my parents and DadToCherub's father ...I was feeling brave, a bit inspired, and was filled with a "let's get this part over with so we can enjoy the holiday season" spirit (only felt so strongly by a true NON-shopper !) .... and did I mention that I was feeling VERY BRAVE ???
So, without much planning other than my basic "need to get a gift for so-and-so list", I decided to venture out on Black Friday to get at least some Christmas Shopping done. I decided to start out at 11am, rather than venture out any earlier. I hoped that most of the "Christmas Crazies" in search of those elusive "deals" would be a bit more sedate by the later morning hours.

Toys R Us was a mad house ... crowds in every isle .... the store itself resembling a war-zone, with toys strewn all over the floors, parents wandering blurry-eyed through the isles. But I got through it, finding everything I was looking for.

-

When I left Toys R Us after waiting in a long line and finally checking out, I noticed more than a few pitiful-faced Dads and Grandads sitting on the benches, looking timid and stunned --- shopping is generally not a man's favorite activity, so I can only guess that Black Friday shopping is certainly not something they look forward to. (HA !)

Hobby Lobby was a mass of inspired crafters searching for supplies, and was also full of Christmas-decoration shoppers. Yet, desite the crowds, it was rather calm. The check out lines were pretty civilized considering the sheer number of people waiting in them.

Barnes & Noble was wonderful !!! Busy, but not crowded. The clerks were very helpful, and were pleasant. I did manage to find quite a few lovely gifts there, and of course soothed my weary self with a nice Peppermint Mocha Coffee (with whipped cream !) and a giant sugar cookie with red sprinkles. The coffee and cookie were JUST what I needed. (as always - right ?!?!)
-

Next, I stopped at a large Christian bookstore (Lifeway) . Here the "spirit of Christ" was conspicuously missing in all of the grabbing, snide remarks, elbowing, and "shopping". Christian music was literally BLARING over the loudspeakers -- it was anything BUT restful at that volume !! The clerks were stressed, but even so, they should have been polite and helpful. Yet, they were certainly NOT polite or helpful !! I will say that "this" was one of the most unpleasant times of my whole day (said in retrospect) and I will not be visiting any Christian bookstores for holiday shopping again. Instead I will handle that part of my shopping online in the years to come. Who would have thought ... a store likely full of professing-Christians ... the spirit of Christmas .... hummmmmmmmmmmmm.

-

After that delightful experience (not !), I stopped here and there at a few "small" shops. These were calm and "sane", renewing and soothing my spirit for what was to come. (HA !)

Next, I drove to an offical "shopping center". Not a mall, mind you, but a collection of stores in one "shopping park". I could see WalMart in the distance -- with droves and droves of people coming and going. Needless to say, I did NOT go there ... you could not have DRAGGED me into WalMart.

-

OHHHHH MYYYYYY !! The crowds -- the drivers -- the lack of parking. This shopping area was not the best idea I had all day, but I parked and decided that I was " goin' in ". HA !

-

At this point, I parked, and sat in my car while debating just going home. While sitting, I looked through my list, realizing that I was almost finished .... so decided to stick to shopping for just a little while longer. I looked back at the crowds, and debated a little more ... eventually summoning up the courage to get out of the car and head for the stores. Hummmmmmm.

Super Target was MUCH more daunting than any store I had been in earlier, considering the sheer size of it. The walls seemed almost alive, ebbing and flowing with all of the activity. By comparison, even Toys R Us was calmer. Long lines, a very crowded Electronics area, clothing strewn into the isles, clerks rushing in every direction, children have sword-fights with tubes of wrapping paper, babies crying, temper-tantrums from tots kicking and screaming in the isles, desparate calls from store personnel blaring over the loud-speakers ... but the Toy section was absolutely INSANE !! Shopping carts, adults with walkie-talkies, people trying to talk on cell-phones, crazed shoppers throwing "elbows" to make people move, more children throwing temper tantrums over "NO" responses from parents, and wayyyyy too many toys that made all sort of obnoxious noises. YIKES !!

-

Nope, Target was NOT fun. I got the few things on my list that HAD to come from there ... and headed to the registers, only to wait an hour in line. Can you believe that only half of the registers were "open" ... on Black Friday ... can you imagine ?!?! (That store manager did not plan very well !)

-

I survived ... but it was NOT a place for the timid, nor those with heart trouble !

-

Yet I continued to persevere. BRAVERY is a funny thing ... but it was waning.

My last stop was Old Navy .... and it was #3 of the worst stores, second only to Target (#2) and Lifeway Christian Store (#1). Crowds, buggies, people bickering, children screaming and crying, fitting rooms full of impatient people insisting that they wore sizes other than "matching" to their body sizes, clerks stressed to the max ... and a line for the register that took over an hour to get through. But .... I finished shopping in there .... finally .... personally vowing not to go back to Old Navy until next spring. HA !

-

When I arrived back at my car,

I was finished. Literally !

I had finished shopping, and was also physically spent !

What an absolutely exhausting day !!

-

I managed to purchase every single thing on my list for our immediate family. Yahoo !!

-

On my list are just a few small "very specific" things that I will buy closer to home before sending them "north" to extended family. So, there is only a small handful of gifts remain un-purchased.

-

I survived .... with my wits about me (despite being a bit shell-shocked) .... my body intact with without injury (but there were several close-calls) ... and I can still "face" myself in the mirror because my dignity remained intact. HA !! I even had money left over. (This fact alone would be yet another shock for DadToCherub's friends and coworkers - ha ! But they would never believe him. HA !)

-

If the stores look this bad during a TOUGH ECONOMIC YEAR ... I cannot imagine what a GOOD ECONOMIC YEAR would be like. YIKES !! I am curious to see the "Black Friday Numbers" come on the news Monday .... to see if retailers end up having a good year, or if they have the bad year that forecasters predicted. I wonder .......

-

I am, however, still curious how people manage to keep any Christmas Spirit at all when they are in the stores from midnight to midnight on Black Friday, bickering over "deals" and "steals", living out those "wild tales" that we read about in the newspapers on Saturday and Sunday.

-

Glad it's not me.

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And if you are one of "those" type people I saw in the stores on Saturday ... please cross us off your gift-giving list. We certainly do not want it nor need it badly enough that you should sacrifice your dignity, heart, soul, body, and mind.

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Yikes !

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Happy Holidays !!

The Battle For Thanksgiving

http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/Our_Fathers_Rock.pdf

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c/o Vision Forum