What shall I Write?

A few blogs ago, Todd (that writing nut down the hall from me) was waxing poetic about all that he has written this year. Ya da Yada ya. I can in no way compete with the plethora of articles, books, and blogs etc. that he has created in 2008. (My body requires sleep.)

So, I thought of one thing that I could write and maybe even beat him to it. Goals.

I wrote down my goals for 2009! Yep, after the Christmas letter was mailed my spirit was heavenly inspired to cast a vision for my future endeavors. (Actually, the real truth is that my husband got excited about writing down his goals and the bathroom mirror seemed lopsided without my goal list prominently displayed on it.)

Every year (usually sometime around New Year's) my goals are jotted down in my journal or on my desk at work. But this year- they are typed up (in various categories) and put on the bathroom mirror. The idea behind this technique is to visually see them everyday and be more mindful of the steps required to make them become a reality.

Financial, Body, Mind, Spirit, Motherhood, Marriage and Creative are the categories with several goals listed in each area. Whew- I have a LOT to do and be next year!

What are your goals for 2009? What do you hope to accomplish in the next 12 months?

Write them down, get focused, and maybe we can catch up with Todd one day on our writing...

HA!

Adventing, we go!

Preparations last week paid off and we had a lovely party Sunday night. I was a bit unsure about the ham- I am much better at turkey, I think, but no one has reported any sickness of any kind!!
Now, more Advent stuff to do and be about- staff parties, visit with Santa, Christmas at the Zoo, and this weekend, we will be baking our Christmas cookies! (Have you noticed my oven is earning it's keep?!)

In spite of our hectic pace, I am becoming more and more appreciative of the depth and breadth of Advent's meaning. We are awaiting the final coming of Christ in his final glory. Thus, Advent puts us in touch with profound hope, expectation, and waiting.

And as I hear about loved ones suffering, cancer affecting families, wars, and strife, child abuse & neglect- I am even more excited about Jesus' final birth into this world- because evil will have an end and suffering will be stop. Justice will be distributed. The dead will be raised- and all will truly be well in God's holy and righteous sight.

So, even though I am keeping busy with the fun and festivities, but my soul is fed in quiet waiting prayers of the Hope that is to Come!

Thanks be to God!

Preparations...

Gotta purchase four gifts and wrap them, bake and decorate a cake, bake a loaf of yummy pumpkin bread, clean the house, set the tables for 13 guests, and get a ham in the oven by Sunday afternoon... I hope I can get'er done!

Our daughter is thrilled about the prospect of opening presents before Christmas. And she enjoys baking as well.. so that is what our weekend (besides worship) will include!

Prepare the way of the guests!

Blue Devils, Boilermakers

We have a Blue Devil and a Boilermaker in my house... guess which one is happy today?!?!

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=3626775

Drinking Problem- Solution #1

I was graciously informed over dinner last evening that yesterday's blog entry was

too depressing and that I needed to return to light hearted material.

In that vein...

Over breakfast today while watching a marvelously colorful sunrise (did you see it?!)- my daughter and I devised a plan. We have been hatching plans ever since her creative and imaginative gene was tickled during a wrestling match over water color paints.

Our plan involves solving Duke pup's drippy drinking dilemna. And the plan involves straws. Swirly straws and bendable straws. Yep- you can guess where this might lead and we did indeed go there. My four year old giggled, no, actually I think it was a cackle, while I described the step by step process.

First, we need to get Duke to hold a straw in his mouth and NOT EAT IT. (giggle) "What about tape, Momma?" (giggle) "What about glue, Momma?" (cackle)

Once the straw is secured in his mouth, we need to teach him to use the straw I told her. "I'll show him, Momma." And at once she got out a straw and put it in her leftover milk from her cereal. Then, she stood in front of Duke, saying (in between slurps) "Watch, Dukie, Watch me." He wagged his tail in rapid rhythm not at all sure what was happening but, thoroughly enjoying the attention he was getting.

ha ha ha ha! I cannot go on... by the way he was still dripping drips from his water dish.

I hope that was light hearted enough for our readers out there...

Where We Live

Finally, in the 16th draft- the 2008 Christmas letter has been put to rest- bed- or print. Now, is the second most difficult task of the annual Christmas card/letter writing gig: collecting all of the correct addresses for people.

Last night I waded through my old address book and discovered all sorts of names of folk who won't be getting a letter this year because they are now deceased. (Who knows? They may enjoy not receiving a letter this year. Maybe I can write- Heaven - as the address and the US postal service can deliver it like they take Santa's mail to him at the North Pole. Or is that too much mixing of church and government?)

Because I can now 'see dead people' in my address book it has become painfully obvious how outdated this ledger is. Another clue to how out-of-touch of my address book is that several couples listed A to Z are now divorced. Ouch.

I had no idea that addressing Christmas letters would be an exercise in grief work! Whew.

And the turkey was...

...juicy! Hip Hip Hooray!

We had a terrific holiday- great weather, good conversation, yummy food, delicious pies etc.

Now, onto the next feast!