Russia and Latvia?

Over the past month I have apparently had more readers in Russia than in the U.S. (as well as a few readers in Latvia.) I have no idea what I could say that anyone in Russia has any interest in.  If you are in Russia and reading this, please leave a comment and let me know who you are, how you found this tiny unadvertised blog, and why you are reading it.  Curious minds are really curious.

In other news, the Christmas tree is up and decorated. Lou was able to have a sleepover with friends from church.  Tithing settlement is checked off.  I made it on time to be a guest reader in the S-Train's classroom. I've found an internet site with quick but effective exercise routines and I've been exercising most weekdays.  When I drive for seminary now, my former workout people have all decided to sleep in in the cold weather.  The exercises are easy enough that I can write the routine down and do them at church while I wait.  It's quick but effective.  I've found some new muscle groups that I'd forgotten about.
And last but not least, a few more things are crossed off the Christmas shopping list.

I am realizing that I am more of a homebody than I thought.  I don't like going to run errands, even when I need to.  Somehow I'd rather stay at home.  Who knew?  Not me.  Maybe it's because I just don't like shopping that much. 

But it's looking like the Christmas shopping is getting more and more practical.  I was all set and getting fun things for the masses.  Because this is pretty much when my kids get any big impractical stuff just for fun.  But then real life is being a party pooper and insists on sticking its nose into the picture.  One child just put a hole in the knee of one of the two pair of jeans they like.  One child's tennis shoes have a sole that peels back half-way off the top.  One child needs a backpack and another looks sadly unkempt in her jacket that is plenty warm, but won't wash clean no matter what heavy duty cleaner I spray on it or how long I soak it.  Isn't the old saying for Christmas something to wear, something to read, something to play with, something you need.  Wearing and needing are going up and up on the list the closer we get to Christmas!!  A part of me just wants to shoot a big old raspberry at real life and say too bad so sad I'm getting my kids all the fun stuff they want.  Just because. 

But really, that's not my style. Everyone will get something fun, and we'll get at least one game or something fun for the family, but I can't just do more bigger and cooler stuff while neglecting needs.  But it worries me that there is too much focus on the stuff.  Mostly because I want to make Christmas morning happy. 

But what I want more than anything is a way to help my kids get the Christmas spirit.  We've missed a couple of service opportunities already because of life sticking its nose in.  Any good ideas?  I'm encouraging them to think about what to do for each other and also encouraging hand made gifts from materials we already have.  After all, the creativity seems to make the gift as much as anything.  But I'm still looking for good ideas to get us in the Christmas mood. 

I think sometimes it's almost harder as kids get older.  There seems to be some sort of concert or activity almost every night.  I'm glad we are so involved, but I'd like a spot of time for that good old Christmas spirit to hit everyone square between the eyes. 

The S-Train is probably doing as well as anyone.  He has made, or is making at least one present per person - so far.  And from what I can see there are more on the way!

And a little child shall lead them. . .



My favorite thing for getting in the Christmas mood is coming up!!!!  Unfortunately it's not one for my littlest kids.  There is a Messiah Sing-a-Long in the area next week.  I can't wait!  We used to "do" the Messiah every spring in my ward in Ohio.  So I'm pretty familiar with quite a few of the songs, and they bring back happy memories, even if I've forgotten half the notes or the timing.  I can fake it.  Or listen intently.  I love singing the parts I know well with a big group.  Apparently lots of other people feel the same way so that there are sing a longs all over the country each year.  You come out of the experience filled with stars and music and the wonder of the birth of Christ.  No one tells the Savior's story better than Handel.  The majesty of the music raises our souls.  I'll always be grateful for an amazing conductor and pianist who taught us some of the greatest music in the world in our little choir.