If only. Those are hard words to hear—If only. It's easy, at the close of the year to say those words. If only I had called sooner... If only I had kept going to the gym... If only I wouldn't loose my temper so easily... If only I hadn't said... If only...
Today we are not going to participate in the if only's.
Push those two nasty words away. Banish them from you thoughts... if only for today.
No more regret for the goals not accomplished. No more pain for things lost. Banish that unhealthy thought process. Then go eat some chocolate. I hear it cures ALL things.
Today is the day that the post holiday blues usually drop in for their annual visit. The year is coming to close, and whether we realize it or not, we are balancing our own personal books—tallying up the profits and losses. Will we be in the red or the black? It's easy to get caught up in the “if only syndrome”.
Today, kick those post holiday blues to the curb, and just BE. Be grateful for what you have and who you are with. Just BE.
Every year, we have a slumber party-- the whole family-- by the tree. We pop popcorn, have a fire in the fireplace, watch movies and lay around until everyone is in dreamland. (then I sneak upstairs to sleep in my bed-- all alone!) The kids love it!!
Tonight, have a slumber party next to the tree! It is a great family tradition-- even if you don't have kids
Today, take time out of your busy schedule to attend church services. The reason for all this celebrating isn't Santa... It's Jesus Christ. You can not find Him in the malls. You will find Him at church.
If you haven't delivered your Christmas Chocolates to those lucky people who have to work today, then make plans to do so. Then, step away from the computer. Turn it off. And go spend time with real live people! Make a memory or two with your loved ones.
Every year on Christmas Eve Day, I make these yummy treats and we take them around to our friends! I usually eat more than we take, but its always fun for the kids to have something to occupy their time.
Today, deliver some treats to your family or friends.
**Don't forget those chocolates we have been saving to give out as big Thank You's to the people who have to work... Remember? (police, gas station attendants, Doctors, nurses, blockbuster employees...) Really, it will become a favorite tradition of your family. I promise! **
There is a paragraph from a book that runs through my mind constantly about this time of year-- every single year:
"As he lay there shivering, an unbidden thought crept into his consciousness. He felt the first stab of a new, adult anxiety that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
I love that paragraph (I LOVE the whole book, really) because it captures perfectly how I feel.
And, I'm feeling that way now.
The gifts are wrapped. The cookies are made and the stockings are ready to be stuffed. Will it be enough and further, will it be accepted?
I know in my heart of hearts that, of course, it will be. But, that doesn't stop me from worrying. Did I miss that secret item that my child didn't tell me about, but hid it away in the recesses of their heart?
monchichi monchichi, so soft and cuddly!
I did that one year with a Monchichi. I wanted one so bad, but I never told anyone. When asked what I wanted I said something predictable for me -- like a soccer ball. I never played with dolls, but Oh! I wanted this doll so bad I could feel it to the core of my bones.
I wrote about it once and how it was the ghost of my Christmas past that still haunts me. Oddly enough, that post is also my most Googled post.
Weird.
I went back that year to get the silly little critter, and it was gone. I felt like a silly twelve year old girl again.
I saw that stupid thing again at Target this past week and started arguing with myself all over again. I even got a little misty eyed as I looked it up and down-- and actually played with it in the toy aisle of Target.
Of course I bought the silly Monchichi this time around and I'm actually putting it my Christmas Stocking.
But, I still worry.
Will my child be that 40 year old wiping the tears from their eyes as they stand in the toy aisle and look at that one toy that had been their secret desire? That one toy they had wanted more than anything?
I hope not.
I can see why children are spoiled-- and feel so entitled. I want them to be happy, and while I know that things aren't what make them happy, I want them to have those secret desires of their heart.
And so now is the time I start to worry-- Will it be enough and will it be accepted?
Experience has taught me that yes, all will be well.
But until the day has come and gone, all I can do is wait. And worry.
My parents gave us this pretty slick Karaoke machine that has video AND the bouncing ball with the words. My kids love to hook that puppy up and sing at the top of their lungs. I think this is why Rock band has been such a success over here in Crazyland-- we are karaoke fools.
Have you taken time out to sing the holiday carols yet? NO? People! Let’s sing! Tonight we are going to sing carols with our families. You can just sit around your living rooms and sing OR you can bundle up and go serenade the neighbors. Everyone loves to be sung to and if they don't then they are the Grinch! And their heart needs to grow two sizes bigger-- like quick!
My parents take turns spending the holidays with each of my sisters and I. There are two of us that live a plane ride away, and when my parents travel to their homes on Christmas Eve, they carry boxes of Chocolates to handout to the weary airport workers. It has become our family tradition to give these small tokens of appreciation to those who make it possible for us to travel. Or stay home.
Today, we are going to buy some more chocolates-- (It's just like what we did at Thanksgiving.) You choose when you want to deliver them—Either Christmas Eve or Christmas day. Trust me. Your family will love this holiday tradition!! Remember its way more fun to pick people you don't know who are working those days!
My mother guilt has been working on over time lately.
Thing 1 came to me a while back and said "Mom, I feel really sick!"
Do you know what my response was? "Suck it up,cupcake! You're taking College classes in school and you can't miss school for every little sore throat you get!"
Turns out I should have listened to her.
Several days later she came home from school, completely panicked: "Mom! I still have a sore throat and now I have a giant lump-- right here! Feel it!"
I still didn't listen to her.
That is until the spirit hit me upside the head the next day while I was doing the dishes.
That's right. I sent my sick kid, with a lump on her throat, back to school.
As I was doing the morning dishes I found myself thinking about Thing 1 and what a great kid she is when a thought ran through my brain so fast, I almost missed it: "You would miss her so much if she died."
Suddenly that lump she had told me about the night before came stomping back into my consciousnesses. I had my child dead and buried within 10 minutes. I saw the funeral and dang! She had a lot of people there-- crying for the loss of such an amazing child.
To say I was freaked out would be an understatement.
I sat and sobbed as I looked out my kitchen window because I knew the Lord was warning me. She had it, and I knew it.
Then I decided that NO. It wasn't God, but just Crazy Estelle that tries to convince me all the time that my kids are dying.
But, just to be on the safe side, I made a Doctors Appointment for her, and they worked her in immediately. Which sort of freaked me out some more.
As we sat in the Doctor's office, we were both nervous. Neither one of us said it, but we were both thinking it.
After a thorough examination the Doctor declared Thing 1 to be Cancer Free, however, she did have a very nasty Staph Infection in her lymph nodes. Which is apparently, very scary.
(Great! Just what Crazy Estelle needed-- More Ammo!)
They put her on some super heavy duty antibiotics-- which actually made her more sick. As if that was even possible.
Here's the thing: My kid was prepared to go to school-- barfing, fever, and almost dying (not really)-- just so she could take her three tests that she had that day. She had Jefe and her Grandpa come and give her a blessing so she would be well enough to go take her tests.
That kid has faith. And, is just plain good.
I need to start believing my kid when she tells me she's sick. Because if she's telling me she's sick, she's usually REALLY sick.
Today, we are going to cross off two more "musts" on our holiday lists. Now we all have time to sip a nice cup of hot cocoa and watch the snow fall or time to read a happy, holiday book or listen to a holiday concert.
I had the opportunity to be apart of a readers theater presenting the birth of Christ through the eyes of the Women in his life. It was extremely touching and moving. They had the Mother of John the Baptist speak about her son, and his role in The Plan; The mother of Joseph-the Carpenter spoke about her son, and his kindness with the Christ child. The Mother of Mary spoke of her daughter, and her worthiness to be the mother of the Savior of the world. Then there was the wife of the Shepherd, and the wife of the Inn Keeper, and they spoke on what it was like to see the baby Jesus.
Lastly, they had Mary, the Mother of the Christ Child speak and bear witness that her son was our Savior. Her Son lived for us, and He died for us. It was so moving to hear these women—Women who were a part of Christ's life—speak and bear witness of HIS divine life. I had never thought of this wonderful story from this perspective.
Today, we are going to read the Nativity story. I know that most of you save the Nativity story to be read on Christmas Eve, but lets read it today and try to imagine how Mary felt. Think of the roles that the women in Christ's life played. Let's read trying to see it from the point of view of Christ's Mother. How would you feel if this were your role to play? If this were your child? I promise if you do this, you will never read this story the same way again .
Every year in Chicago, they do a series of stories on the mysterious person that gives very valuable gold coins to the Red Kettles. This mysterious person donates bunches of these valuable gold coins every single year-- all over the city. It's always fun to see the stories, and watch the excitement on the faces of the bell ringers as they talk about finding the gold coins in their pots!
These bell ringers are everywhere and I know you've seen them, too! This would be a hard job, and probably a job that shows you the true character of people. How many people just pass on by, not even making eye contact with them? How many people ignore them, refusing to give ANYTHING? Do you see the bell ringer? Do you make eye contact and give when you see them?
Today, give more than just your spare change to the bell ringer. It is the quickest way to a holiday pick-me-up that is legal.
You know that at any other time of the year, I am Johnny-On-The-Spot about getting those cans out-- even going so far as to flag down the garbage man begging him to wait-- on the other side of the street-- while I run them over to him. In my Pajamas.
I don't know what it is about the third garbage day in December, but I just can't seem to remember it. I must be conditioned to forget about it, because I have. Every single year for the last four years.
Every year we ride into Christmas with no room at the proverbial Inn. Nothing. Nada. Over crowded to the Max.
Every single year I promise up one side and down the other that I will NOT forget next year to get the garbage cans out. I will tattoo it on my forehead, if need be, so I won't forget. But I do. Every single year.
I about died this afternoon, as I was lazily hanging out with my sister, when I saw her neighbor carrying stuff out to the garbage can. The bells and whistles sounded louder than a nuclear siren. I let out a scream that could be heard across three counties and bellowed:
I FORGOT THE GARBAGE AGAIN!
I may have scared the snot out of my sister. Who knows. I was too busy wailing and gnashing my teeth.
I can't believe I have done it, yet again.
Christmas is next week and Garbage day falls on Christmas Eve. Here's hoping they aren't taking the day off and will come to my rescue. Otherwise, it's going to be a long and trashy week.
I'm sorry, and here's hopping you won't give me a lump of coal instead of that sweet present that I KNOW you got for me! {wink wink}
I'm shopping around for something to do that no one will like. - Jerry Garcia
Christmas means that I have to do the one thing that I loathe doing-- shopping.
I hate shopping. I hate spending money. I hate stupid people. Christmas time brings out all three.
I have been shopping non-stop for the last three days and today have decided that I would rather chop off my arms and beat myself to death with them then go back out there.
I hate her and wish she would get blown up by an IED or something.
*****
I have been using the "you better be good, for goodness sakes or there will be no presents for you" threat.
It's not working.
{sigh}
*****
I have been watching all of The Sing-Off online. The first time I heard this first video, I actually cried. Like a baby.
This second one is just wicked awesome. The harmonies are so tight!
This last one is fantastic because making key changes like they do, and staying on key is wicked hard! Besides, I love this song-- even if it is totally cheesy! It reminds me of being in Junior High School skiing at Brighton.
I have to admit that this kind of music is my weakness. If I could join a band like this, I totally would.
I have a group of gals that I sing with on occasion and when we harmonize, we sound TIGHT! The last time I sang with them I had someone tell me that they thought I was mouthing it because they couldn't tell which voice was mine. That is the nicest compliment anyone could give me.
Then, this is the best arrangement of this song ever.
I keep finding more and more videos of this kind of music that I like... and I could post them all night long. Just check out these two here and here and here. Because seriously, Dude! That is some of the tightest harmonies I have ever heard and I absolutely love that last one because it is the slickest arrangement of maroon 5 I have ever heard!
*****
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Catch ya on the flip side!
1. Little Less Conversation - Tonic Soul Fa
2. It's Alright - Huey Lewis
3. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
4. Signed Sealed Delieverd I'm Yours - Straight No Chaser
5. Leaving On A Jet Plane - Justin
6. Chocolate - Penny Loafers
7. The First Noel - Mariah Carey
8. I'm Your's (Live) - Jason Mraz
9. Happy Xmas - Sarah McLaughlin
10. Last Christmas - Taylor Swift
This time of year would be a crummy time to be in the hospital. Especially if it were your child that were really sick. Unfortunately, that is the case... There are lots of families with sick kids in the hospital this time of year.
Today, we are going to contact our local children's hospital or our local Ronald McDonald House to see what kinds of donations they need or what a specific family needs. This season is about giving to others, so lets do it!
In our old church that we went to in Chicago, we had a guy that would get up to the pulpit during testimony meeting and punctuate his sentences with Elvis Presley impersonations. Then before he would end his testimony, he would do some Woody Woodpecker sound effects.
No. Lie.
Sacrament time was a blast, because you never knew what you were going to get!
We had another guy that would get up every month and tell us how many times that month he had “fallen” and used drugs or drank. It was uncomfortable—but fun. And REAL.
We even had people get up and accidentally swear over the pulpit!
Now?
Nothing.
There is no need for those seat belts to be fastened people, because it's predictable and almost—dare I say it? – Boring!
(did you hear the whoosh of unsubscribe being hit?)
I get bored in Sacrament meeting now.
I know. I am bad.
Jefe and I use Moxie as an excuse to leave particularly boring meetings, or ones where people are sharing just a little TOO much information.
You know the ones right?
So, even if Moxie is being good as gold (which is usually what it is), we take her out because we are bored.
(Save the lectures.)
I know that I should be sitting there, following along in my scriptures. Praying. Thinking of Jesus.
But, in reality I am trying to keep World War III from breaking out back there in the back. You know—"The Terrestrial Kingdom"?
(Also known as The Over Flow.)
Most Moms will sit there in church with rapt attention, ignoring the increasing noise level.
Not me.
If my kids are being naughty? They get in trouble.
Did you know that for every minute we pledge to spend with our family, McDonald's will donate a penny to your local Ronald McDonald House? They will! How easy is that to do something good for families in need? Spend time with your family! You can pledge to play a game with your family, or bake cookies together. You can make holiday crafts or watch a movie. Just grab this handy dandy widget, make the pledge and then ACT.
Spending time with your family AND giving to those in need without even leaving the comfort of your own home? That's crazy awesome!
Last year the SLC Ronald House had 1,800 families stay there. That was over 5,000 people that they helped house while their children were in the hospital. What a huge blessing this charity is to others.
Today, we are going to pledge to spend some quality time with our families. Let's do our part to raise money for this wonderful cause. Grab the widget and help spread the word!
Especially now that I have a smart phone that can handle multiple email accounts.
The only problem is that I get really stupid email. REALLY STUPID email.
I mean who wants the "Clean out your colon in 90 days" or the “I cute. You be my boyfriend” email.
Seriously. Do your market research people. I don’t play that way.
I also get lots of email from the “solicitor” who is trying to settle the estate of my long lost Nigerian Uncle who wants to leave millions of dollars to me. Or how about the one from the former FBI agent who has suddenly gotten a conscience and her “Christianity” won’t allow her to associate with all the heathens in the FBI. She just wanted to alert me to all of the wrong doings of the government and if I will believe her, she has a huge sum of money she will send me from The New York Bank of Mellons.
I am not kidding.
Somehow I have gotten on the email list of Staples Headquarters and every week I get an email from them letting me know about all the job opportunities available. The first time I got it I was all excited because I thought they were headhunting me. Nope. It was an email to let me know they had a Cashiers position available at a store about 10 miles from my house. Would I be interested in applying?
No. Thanks for asking.
I really like the melt your fat away emails and the enlarge your man parts emails. That last one always baffles me. I’m a girl for heaven’s sake.
And, that’s just the spam email.
I get all sorts of crazy stupid forwards that people send along. I’m always baffled at the crap that people forward on believing every single word. If it says it’s true, and your neighbor across the street sends it to you then it must be true, right?
For Example:
1. If you are approached in the parking lot of a gas station by someone selling perfumes run for your life—they are going to poison you with ether cotton balls.
2. If you are going to your car in a mall parking lot, look under your car because rapists hide under there and slit your ankles and then drag you off and violate you.
3. Before you pump your gas, check the gas handles because creepers put needles full of sedatives in them on the handles so it will poke you, drug you and they can drag you off to then violate you.
4. If you notice someone following you while driving in your car, you just have to dial #77 in any state and you will immediately be connected with highway patrol dispatchers.
5. Don’t shake hands with strangers because you will get injected with a knock out drug and then dragged off and … Yup. You guessed it. Violation.
6. Watch out when you go to the malls because you could possibly be murdered by people being initiated into Gangs.
7. Watch out for people handing out key-rings. You know like the ones you get from companies for free? Yeah. They have tracking software in them that makes it so they can track where you live and then come and violate you.
8. If I will sign this petition and pass it on to all of my contacts, then Bill Gates will FOR SURE share a portion of his wealth with everyone that signs the petition.
9. I HAVE to sign the petition—especially if I’m a good Christian—to stop the FCC from banning all religious broadcasting in the US. Including, and not limited to: Touched by an Angel, Music and the Spoken Word, Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen and General Conference
10. That “it was on the news and in an email so it’s totally true” if you forward this email on to everyone you know you will be participating in a Microsoft study and they will totally pay you. $243 for the first forward $242 for the second and $241 for the third. In one week I can earn over $25k just from forwarding emails. Dude! The guy who wrote it was an attorney—so it MUST be true!
Seriously, if I believed everything that was sent to me, I could write a book and call it “Everything I Know I Learned From Reading My Email” Not only would I be rich but I would be a freaking basket case.
I just have three words people. THREE WORDS: snopes dot com
I will be honest. I actually had to look that one up when I started hearing it.
Now? I just look flat out dumbfounded as I ask the teenagers "What in the SAM-HILL Did you just say? All I heard was: "aksdjfkajoijfljkjdkf < boys > ajsdkfjlajlskdjflj".
They always laugh "Oh Motherboard! You’re so funny!"
I guess this is a sign that I am "fo sho" getting "C.T.D" or circling the drain.
{Sigh}
Language has sure changed since I was a teenager.
"Hun! Nut-uhh! Like don't have a cow, but that Dude was totally checkin' you out!! Gross me out to the max! Gag me with a pitch fork!"
I post this exact same letter every year on my blog. Someone sent it to me in an email YEARS ago, and I love it!
I actually really mean it, too.
Especially the last line.
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my four children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my son's boy scout uniform with staples and a glue gun. (really. I did!)
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month two pregnancies ago.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with three kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season:
Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.
It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
~Motherboard
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel ALL my requests if you will keep my children young enough to still believe in Santa.
This is the week when our list of Holiday "shoulds" become as heavy as Jacob Marley's chains. You name it, we try to accomplish it during this time of year. Why? It's a crazy way to "enjoy" the holidays!
Today, realize that you can't do everything. Not now, not all at once. Not in the next thirteen days. Period. And, guess what? It's OK.
Pick one thing, and cross it off your list.
Fa get about it. You'll feel better. I promise.
Imagine my shock—nay, Horror—when I asked my children what they wanted for breakfast, and they actually responded. As if I were their waitress/short order cook.
“Hello. My name is Cindy and I’ll be your waitress/short order cook this morning. What can I get you?”
"Yes, Thank you. I'll have a pancake for breakfast, he'll have eggs and toast, and she wants a tuna sandwich and she would like macaroni and cheese."
I try to come up with a life changing "gift" that I can give the Christ Child every year. Something from me-- to him. This time of year makes me want to try a little harder to be a little better.
Today, we are going to come up with our one gift
that we can offer to the Christ child...
Think about what one thing you can do better.
And then lets try a little harder to be a little better.
Every year, there are a few books that I always have to read. They are fast and easy, sappy- feel good Christmas books that make me happy... and focused. I know exactly what happens in them... and yet I read them every single year. Secret Santa by Anne Poelman Osborn and The Christmas Jars by Jason Wright.
Today, I recommend that you try to read one of these books! They are fast, easy reads and are wonderful stories to get you in the proper frame of mind. However, any of your favorites will do as well. What are they?
We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are. - Anais Nin
There isn't a truer statement on human behavior than that one up there. Our realm of how we behave, or interact with others and, frankly, judge others is based 100% on the way we live our lives. We only have our experiences to draw upon-- so subconsciously we assume that everyone else does things or thinks things exactly like us.
That's why, when something is completely irritating in another person, it's because it's that one thing we see in ourselves that we really don't like.
Think about that the next time you find yourself wanting to rip apart a person who isn't present. What is it that is irritating you, and then look for it in yourself. You just might be surprised.
---
There are 15 days until Christmas and I haven't even started shopping.
I have nothing wrapped under my tree nor do I even have one thing purchased.
Jefe did order our parents their gifts, and have them shipped on December 1st-- so I guess that's one good thing.
I just have been so busy with life that doing the one thing I hate to do more than anything else in the world (aka: shopping) I have avoided it like the plague. My Christmas money is sitting in an envelope in the kitchen window.
(please don't come rob me.)
-----
My business partners and I have been working furiously for the last 3 months on a project that I am really proud of-- The Return to Family. We have partnered with famed Christian Artist, Liz Lemon Swindle and have put together an Art package that will help you teach Core Values and Principals of Integrity to your children and grandchildren.
I received all of the paintings on Wednesday and to say how thrilled I am with the outcome would be an understatement! They are beautiful and! AND!! They are all signed by Liz herself! At the end of the year you'll have a collection of signed Liz Lemon Swindle prints and all it will cost you is giving up one trip a day to McDonald's to get your large diet coke! $21.95 a month and you will get a signed painting sent to your home every single month.
I got to be on Studio 5 to promote the project. It was a last minute gig. I found out the day before, and had just enough time to get my nails done-- which was a good thing.
You can watch me, but please don't judge. And, I'll confess something to you -- I haven't had the courage to watch it yet.
1. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
2. Baby It's Cold Outside - Martina McBride
3. Mouthwash - Kate Nash
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
5. I Need All The Friends I Can Get - Camera Obscura
6. It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas - Johnny Mathis
7. Como Yo Te Ame- Stereo 3
8. It Ain't Over Til It's Over - Lenny Kravitz
9. Back To Manhattan - Norah Jones
10. Southern Girl - Amos Lee
My family has a tradition of wrapping up children's Christmas stories. Then each night in the month of December, the kids get to pick a random "present" from under the tree, unwrap it and we read the story. It is such a fun tradition. The kids get so excited to open each new book (they are actually the same every single year) and read a story before bed.
There is still time for you to join us! There are 15 days left until Christmas...
If you don't have 15 Christmas story books, your local library does.
Today you are going to wrap them up and then start with us tonight. Even if your kids are older, or gone... its a lovely way to spend the evening!
One of our fondest memories as a family was the year we did a Secret Santa for a family that needed some extra TLC. They didn't need the presents, they just needed to know that someone-- anyone-- was aware of them, and loved them. The best part of that years Secret Santa? Almost getting arrested as we tried to be sneaky and deliver the presents.
Every year, my kids ask us if we can do a Secret Santa. They loved picking out just the right present for our secret family... and wrapping them and then the delivery!
Today, see if you can't think of someone in your life that could use a little TLC.
Maybe the gifts will be much needed, or maybe they just need to know someone else cares.
Either way-- its a wonderful tradition to start with your family!
I bought U2 tickets from some dude on Twitter back in May. I paid a ridiculous amount of money for an obstructed view, but was thrilled to death to get any sort of ticket to the sold out concert. It was going to be my reward for working so freaking hard on the CBC.
Then Jefe got in his wreck and was in surgery on the day the concert should have happened.
Which actually worked out good for me because U2 was accommodating enough to reschedule the concert.
Something about Bono and back surgery.
Whatever.
They just were making sure I could attend the event.
They love me like that. Or so I imagine in my head.
I was thinking about the concert a while back and realized I hadn’t seen my tickets in a while. So, I started searching.
And searching.
AND SEARCHING.
People.
I have lost my U2 tickets!
I actually cried.
Buckets.
I am a 40 year old grown woman, and I was sitting on the couch crying like a 15 year old love struck teenager. I was yelling at everyone that came in to comfort me. I may have actually accused of Jefe of throwing them away because he was jealous of my love for Bono.
(I know. Can you say PSYCHO?)
(I’m Sorry Jefe)
It was pathetic really.
The thing is U2 is my favorite band of all time. Like ever. I have every single album—actual CD’s and now mp3’s —that have ever been made! Including all the B sides and hard to get, rare Live Albums from concerts and crap.
Every single, major moment in my life is punctuated with songs from U2. I can tell you where I was the first time I heard pretty much every single song. And, they are like a fine wine—they just get better with age.
Not that I know anything about wine and it getting better with age but whatever, you know what I mean.
My girlfriend told me about how when she was working in DC on Capitol Hill she actually got to meet Bono and she immediately thought of how jealous I was going to be. She got her picture with him and everything. Do you know what the first thing was that I asked her?
Did you make out with him?!!
Serious.
I’m sick. I know.
I wanted to live vicariously through her having kissed Bono.
She laughed and said something to the effect of I knew you would ask me that, and I just got so flustered! I felt like I was seventeen again and we were sitting in my car listening to our dream boat swoon to us.
I can’t even imagine! Bono put his arm around her!
To her credit, she did tried to make me feel all sorts of better by telling me that he’s actually really short.
{face palm}
I woke up from an awesome dream tonight of me being at a U2 concert with my family and us dancing like wild Gypsies. Then I remembered with a crushing blow that I have lost my tickets. I actually got up out of bed to come and check if they had any seats at all open—I am willing to sit on a flag pole at this point—but all they had was a $599 VIP package.
As if.
I tried not to shriek too loudly and wake up the entire house—it is 3:30am. So instead I pulled up my favorite U2 songs to listen to and I may have cried. Again.
Sometimes, music brings me to tears. It has only happened a handful of times. But when it has, it has been memorable and powerful.
The first time I remember it happening was when I heard Bono sing Live during his sound check at the University of Utah concert in 1996. I was sitting at the stoplight at Guardsman's Way and Bono started an acoustic version of "With or Without You" that could be heard everywhere.
I promptly burst into tears.
Jefe looked at me like I was on drugs and rolled his eyes. He may have muttered something about how this was going to be the longest night of his life.
Whatever.
Seeing U2 was the #1 item on my Bucket List and I was finally going to be able to cross that off. It was a dream come true for me.
(Oprah was #2 and I’ve crossed that off, too!)
(I still get a little emotional when I hear Bono live... and I still want to marry him.)
I had really wanted to take Thing 1 to the concert with me. (shh don’t tell her.) It would have been her first concert and what a better way to start your concert career than by attending U2?!
She is as big of a U2 fan as I am and it actually makes my heart swell with pride. Particularly when I hear her schooling her friends on the awesomeness that is U2. She is a U2 Evangelizing Convert—and is always as flabbergasted with how many teens her age have no idea who Bono is or the amazing sexiness that is his voice.
So, let’s all feel sorry for Motherboard and her lost U2 tickets. Heave a heavy sigh of sorrow with me while we watch my two most favorite videos of them. You have to watch/listen to them back to back to get the full magnitude of what is the awesomeness of U2.
I wish I were that girl he’s snugging!
Best version of this song EVER. The introduction to it is sheer musical genius!
Anyone know a guy who knows a guy who can sneak me into the concert?
I’ll drive to Katmandu if it means I can see them live again.
There is a delightful childrens book entitled "Too many toys: A Christmas Story". We read it every year and then go through all of our toys. Our goal is to fill up 2 garbage bags of our toys that we can then donate to charity. My kids get really excited about finding things they used to love to give to other children to love. It teaches kindness, thoughtfulness and charity.
Today, go through your toys and try to fill a bag-- of any size--
with toys that you can donate to charity.
Honestly, those in need will be very, very grateful!
Every year I look forward to the Lights on Temple Square. We try to hit it early in the season—simply because it’s warmer that way—and it’s usually on Thing2’s birthday. We hit the lights and then storm the nearest restaurant and order jumbo trays of appetizers and endless mugs of hot chocolate.
It’s an enchanting time.
Or so I remember in my minds eye every year AFTERWARDS.
Like in July.
Here are the highlights from this years excursion to Temple Square:
1. It rained. A LOT.
2. I forgot Moxie’s binky.
3. I forgot Moxie’s Stroller.
4. I forgot my camera.
5. My car is apparently too tall to park in the underground parking at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I know this because we got stuck and the parking attendant had to come and back us out. While we blocked traffic. Good times.
6. I couldn’t find any parking so I had to park 4 blocks away on an abandoned side street and walk to Temple Square. In the rain. Packing Moxie, who was screaming because of # 2 and #3.
7. One of the kids—and they know who they are—spilled their entire 21 oz Sprite all over my coat —which was a sticky, gooey, wet mess—that I then had to wear. IN THE RAIN. And freeze.
8. Moxie threw a fit on the side of the road while I shook out the 21 oz of Sprite from my coat. She threw a fit in the JSMB; in front of the reflection pool; in front of the fountain; in front of the Assembly Hall; all through the Luke II narration at the South Visitors Center; in front of the Deseret Book Windows and then again all the way back to the car. FOUR BLOCKS AWAY. THAT WE HAD TO WALK TO IN THE RAIN. (Freaking stupid #2 & #3.)
9. Moxie insisted on carrying her own “brella” that she wouldn’t let anyone open and she proceeded to knock two grown men in the go-nads, another one in the rear and a kid in the head as she carted this “brella” around that was twice her size.
10. I had to take a reprieve in the new and improved Deseret Book. So Moxie and I sat on the couch while Jefe ran to the Drug Store to see if he could buy a binky, because seriously? She had been SCREAMING for the blasted binky for over an hour. While we were waiting she proceeded to empty the book shelves. And, you know what? I let her. Because for the first time in over an hour I was warm. And she wasn’t screaming. Sorry Deseret Book.
Seeing the lights on Temple Square? Check.
I’m sure in July I’ll think it was a wonderful, family bonding time. Today? I’m just glad it’s over.
Every year I get the grand idea that I am going to make our Christmas cards. From scratch. I have visions of beautiful papers dancing in my head with amazing photos of my children on the front.
Then the season takes over, I get overwhelmed and my amazing homemade Christmas card idea tanks. Every single year. I think I can count on 1 hand the amount of times I have sent out Christmas cards. For Reals.
This year, however, I finally surrendered. I will not stress myself out to the max trying to have the coolest Christmas card on the block. I found my favorite photo of my kids and uploaded it to Wal-mart. They have this handy-dandy create a Christmas card program, and man! It's slick! They won't be award worthy, but this year they are done.
Today, if you have your cards, sit down and address them. If you don't have them, take 5 minutes and create one at Wal-mart --or if your a Wal-mart hater-- Costco and Sam's Club also has this feature.
You can pick them up tomorrow and then you'll be done!
I hate to have cold feet. Even worse? I hate to have ugly socks.
Today we are going to go and buy us some fun socks.
Not boring old white tube socks (or whatever is the "norm" for your socks)
Step out of your comfort zone, and get something fun. And warm. Cause, cold feet stink!
I have a habit of sighing. Loudly and often. I was once in a meeting with my friend when I let out a rather loud, long sigh. I think I may have embarrassed her a little, but the meeting had been going on for an insanely long time-- because everything had to be "professional quality" from us volunteers.
Sighing is a way that we can keep from screaming,
and to keep our heads from spinning 360 degrees.
Today take a long, deep Sigh.
It will save your sanity.
Sigh when the crowds are getting to you.
Sigh when you're stuck in traffic.
Just sigh.
Breathe in slow and deep... then let it out-- slowly.
It's cleansing.
And besides all that-you may just embarrass someone- and wouldn't that be fun?
I try to come up with a life changing "gift" that I can give the Christ Child every year. Something from me-- to him. This time of year makes me want to try a little harder to be a little better.
My family has a tradition of wrapping up children's Christmas stories. Then each night in the month of December, the kids get to pick a random "present" from under the tree, unwrap it and we read the story. It is such a fun tradition. The kids get so excited to open each new book (they are actually the same every single year) and read a story before bed.
I bought U2 tickets from some dude on Twitter back in May. I paid a ridiculous amount of money for an obstructed view, but was thrilled to death to get any sort of ticket to the sold out concert. It was going to be my reward for working so freaking hard on the CBC.
My girlfriend told me about how when she was working in DC on Capitol Hill she actually got to meet Bono and she immediately thought of how jealous I was going to be. She got her picture with him and everything. Do you know what the first thing was that I asked her?
Seeing U2 was the #1 item on my Bucket List and I was finally going to be able to cross that off. It was a dream come true for me.
Sighing is a way that we can keep from screaming,
