Adventures in gift giving and receiving

Christmas time just seems to get crazier every year. More parties, more events, more school projects, more everything. I'm trying to keep the focus on the real reason for Christmas, as opposed to the Santa-fication of the holiday. Sadly, it's hard to do. Everywhere children are bombarded with images of Santa, asked about their "lists" and primed to expect gifts. This situation is breeding greed in our children.

As a society, we seem to have fostered a reality where gift-giving and receiving is no longer appreciated, but expected. How can a child be truly grateful, when they receive so much? Instead they are overwhelmed and have trouble processing the generosity that has been bestowed on them. Why can't we turn around and give to those who are truly in need - of water, of food, of clothing, of shelter? Our lives are so rich, so full of everything we need. It is time to start sharing some of our prosperity. Think of what it would be like this Christmas without your home, your bed, safe water to drink or sufficient food to eat. If we all just gave one gift to a child who truly has nothing this year, what a difference that would make.

http://www2.worldvision.ca/gifts/app?mc=3221603

Adventures in fundraising

So I'm organising our church's fall fundraiser. Yep, I know what you're thinking; "Well, it's about time. That woman just sits around all day and does nothing. It's about time she did something useful." That's me! Good thing I've found something useful to do with my days...

We've decided to put on a pub night for the fundraiser, putting the "fun" in fundraising. Lol. Such an old joke, and still a bad one. For the evening, I managed to convince 'the band' to reunite for another gig! And I have to say, they are amazing. They will be doing two sets while our parishioners puruse the silent auction, buy some beer and make some merriment. I'm so grateful that I have such wonderful people in my life who would agree to help out in this manner. These are all very busy men, yet here they are, performing for our church fundraiser.

Which brings me to the reason I felt the need to write this evening - my wonderful hubby. Jonathan is such a rock, such a wonderful person, such a loving and generous soul. I'm sure I don't tell him enough how fabulous he is, but I wanted to make sure that I wrote down just how much I love him. Given the chance, I would marry him a thousand times over. So how about it Jonathan? We've already been married twice, are you up for another 998?

Adventures in candy hangovers

The day after Halloween. My kids have a hangover. Not the traditonal type obviously, but one that involves too much sugar, not enough sleep and way too much excitement. Not to mention the fact that Halloween seemed to stretch on for about two weeks this year! Is this a sign of things to come? Does Halloween just get longer each year, until the girls are too old to revel in the pure craziness of this self-indulgent holiday?

Sometimes I feel like I am losing myself in this whirlwind of childhood. Where is the career-oriented woman that used to work 12-hour days? I now work longer hours, with less pay. What a stereotype! My favourite are the blank looks I receive when I am asked what I do. I'm a stay-at-home-Mom, I say. Yes, I try to stay mostly barefoot, and a good majority of my time is spent in the kitchen (and no, I'm not pregnant). Two kids is a lot, but thanks for asking.

Guess I'll just get back to eating bon-bons and lazing around in my pajamas. I must have tons of time - here I am blogging.