Prepping for Christmas 2025

  As I was reading BillieJo's blog post for today she said something that really stuck with me, "This is the only Christmas 2025 we will celebrate."  Wow!  That's pretty powerful.  Yes, we do have Christmas year after year but this will be the only one of the year 2025 and the only one that will be everything that it is.  With having a mother in late stage Alzheimer's who also battles other health issues I do keep in mind that this could possibly be the last Christmas we have with her.  In fact, it could even be the last one I have with my father or my husband's parents, or anyone for that matter, since none of us know when our time is coming up.  I know that sounded morbid, maybe, but you know what I mean.  This is also the last Christmas we have before my son goes off to college.  He'll be home next Christmas for break but it will feel very different.  Christmas no longer feels as it used to and some traditions have changed (like Santa Claus - my kids don't believe anymore) but so much is still the same.  Every year we celebrate the true meaning, the birth of Jesus.  We'll attend our church's Christmas Eve candlelight service and then wake up on Christmas Day to open gifts.  That moment I have in the morning with just the four of us is special and it won't be long before my kids will be doing that in their own homes with their own families.  Every Christmas will continue to have some of the same traditions but then some changes as well.  Change ... ugh, I don't do well with change at all.  

But I won't think of the past or even the future.  In one week we will be celebrating the Christmas of 2025 and I will do my best to make it as wonderful as it can be.  No stressing over what I can't control.  Like, finding out one week before the holiday that my sister-in-law decided she did not want to host dinner at her house, which had been tradition for years.  It's okay, I understand the financial burden of it all but now I have to take time to clean and organize a house that isn't very clean at the moment and doesn't have a lot of space to hold guests.  I know, we'll figure it out.  I'm also not finished with Christmas shopping and, as usual, I'll be stuck in the middle of crowded stores trying to get it all done.  But, like every year, it will get done.  We haven't watched all of the Christmas movies I've wanted to because everyone has their own busy schedules and we all need to be here and there and by the time the kids are home they are exhausted.  It's okay, we've already seen a few movies and we'll squeeze some time for a few more.  

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior, the one who brings peace to the world.  What would Christmas be if we didn't surround ourselves with peace?  This holiday season I am choosing peace over stress.  

And yes, you can spot my children's school pictures for this year.  Every year the pictures in those frames change but this year is my son's last.  That picture will remain.  My daughter's will change three more times.  

Time doesn't stand still but for the next week it's all going to be about Christmas 2025 and I'll cherish every moment while it's here.  

Another Snowy Day in PA

 On Saturday evening the snow began to fall and it continued throughout the night.  We woke up on Sunday morning to a few inches blanketing the ground.  I do find snow to be very pretty - from the inside of my house staring at it from the window.  Because Sunday was church and my husband teaches a boys Sunday school class we had to go.  I'm glad we did.  As always, the sermon was well spoken and filled with Biblical teaching.  We learned that the executive pastor is leaving and starting a church of his own further north.  It came as a shock and a sad feeling but we do understand the importance of going where God leads.  

The drive made for beautiful scenery.  These pictures don't do justice.  

Our husky, who I've already stated is not one who enjoys the cold, white stuff, seemed to have a little fun with it.  Maybe she's finally realizing she was bred to be a snow dog.  She spent a lot of time outside and then indoors for a nap in between play.  

Because of low temperatures and morning icy roads the school called for a two-hour delay.  It was nice having a slow start this morning and then I made it through the van run.  All but one student made it in today.  In less than two hours it will be time to bring them home.  So, I'm using the little time I have in between to get laundry done, some housework and, of course, taking a minute to write his blog.  

Are you in an area of the country that has seen any snow this weekend? 

On The 12th Day of Christmas ...

 

My apologies for not being consistent in blogging.  I'm quite envious of those of you who post on a specific weekly schedule.  I'd like to do better since this blog is a fun way to meet others and also have a special place to jot down some of the things happening in my life, as well as what I may be feeling at the time.  It's nice to have a place to look back on.  Sometimes I will look at old blog posts and think to myself oh, I've forgotten about that.  

So, here we are, 12 days until Christmas and just like this time every year I am not prepared.  I always find myself rushing to buy gifts while telling myself I'm going to start shopping earlier next year but then ... here I am getting ready to do it all again.  Christmas shopping seemed a lot simpler when my kids were little and enjoyed playing with toys.  There were so many options when it came to toys and dolls.  Now, they are a teenager and young adult and what do you get for a teenager and young adult?  Moreso, the practical things that are needed like electronics, books, and gift cards.  That's all I can think of.  It's also frustrating to not know what to get my husband and I certainly don't know what to get my parents because those two don't need anything and usually just give the stuff away to someone else.  I try not to stress, because Christmas should not be about stressing over gift buying, but instead remembering the greatest gift of all - Jesus our Savior.  

This morning I woke up to a quiet house while Rob and the kids left to do a one mile race nearby.  I'm the only non-runner in the family and I'm okay with that.  Then my son will be off to work for a few hours and when he returns I'll be taking the kids coat shopping.  Yes, it's mid-December and they have yet to have a new coat.  Teens these days usually don't wear them but it's needed.  They outgrew their other ones and I did not realize that soon enough.  I will try to sneak some gift buying as well.  

Happy Saturday y'all!  

It's Too Cold Outside

 I guess it's that time of year again.

In all three years as a school van driver, at about exactly the same time of year, this shiny light appears with a LOW TIRE warning.  Yesterday came that day.  I knew I'd be okay to risk driving both morning and afternoon runs and then my husband so kindly checked and added air to all four tires.  He said every tire was low.  So, I will see if the light comes back on and if it does I will definitely run in to the bus garage.  Last year one tire actually needed to be repaired so it could be that again or it could just be what happens to tires when the air gets cold.  

And lately it's been COLD.  

I consider myself lucky to be part of the country that experiences the weather of all four seasons but this is my least favorite of them all.  I'm sure I've already told you that, though.

In better news it's FRIDAY!  I had to wake up earlier than usual to take the girl to her swim practice before school.  I did my morning van run and will spend time getting things done around the house until it's time to leave again to bring everyone home.  I'm hoping for a relaxing and cozy night inside tonight and I will suggest we watch a Christmas movie.  Home is my favorite place to be, especially in this season.  

Tomorrow will be our first experience at the school's swim invitational.  Since my daughter is still new to swimming she won't be competing yet but I did sign up to help at the snack bar.  I'll admit that I am not really looking forward to it.  I'm clueless as to what to expect.  I'd much rather spend a Saturday at home or maybe do some much needed Christmas shopping but this is something my daughter really wanted to get into and it's only right that I support her through that.  Sunday will be church and my daughter is going to her friend's/our next door neighbor's 15th birthday party.  15!  I remember the day they moved into the house and on that same night was when her mother went into labor.  Times moves so fast.  I'm sure I've said that enough times, too.  

Enjoy the weekend and stay warm!