Christmas Assault

Over the last few years, I've begun to get progressively more grouchy as the Christmas season approaches, partly because the commercial aspect of it fires up in October and continues until January. By the time the actual holiday rolls around, I'm overcooked on Christmas tunes, decor, promotions, and commercials.

Last year I found myself craving a return to simplicity and spirituality. I can tell I'm on the same path again this year, as I've noticed myself bristling at the sound of jingly bells and the sight of blow-up lawn art.

I despise lawn art, especially Giant Jesus.

I don't really have a plan yet to salvage the season .... I think I'm just trying not to go postal about it. Last year I enjoyed the ward's Christmas program. The music was amazing. Even though I suck at singing, I think I'm going to join the ward choir.

Things that Must Go & Stay

What must go?

1. Beginning the Christmas season before Halloween or Thanksgiving.
2. ShopKo.
   
3. The White House ripping on Fox News.
4. Whiny kids.
   
5. All the chatter about health care.
   

What must stay?

1. Gerber daisies.
2. The last few leaves on the trees.
3. 30 Rock.
4. Teaching Abby to read.
5. Beanie hats.
   

Just What I Thought

I clapped wildly.

Yelled irreverently at the t.v.

Made all sorts of racket.

Remember? All the commotion was over the talk The Love of God given by President Uchtdorf during this fall's LDS General Conference in which he articulated the crux of the thing (THE big thing) that has been bugging me for years: that there is a difference between God's commandments and socially created expectations.

As promised, I looked up his exact wording the minute November's Ensign came. So, here ya go folks, with italics added to the part that really resonated with me.

How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ? The Savior Himself provided the answer with this profound declaration: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with him.

But this may present a problem for some because there are so many "shoulds" and "should nots" that merely keeping track of them can be a challenge. Sometimes, well-meaning amplifications of divine principles-- many coming from uninspired sources-- complicate matters further, diluting the purity of divine truth with man-made addenda. One person's good idea-- something that may work for him or her-- takes root and becomes an expectation. And gradually, eternal principles can get lost within the labyrinth of "good ideas."

Anyhow, hearing this settled me down a little ( just a little). But what it really did for me was give me more clarity about the commandments I should submit to and the social expectations I can and should dismiss without any mental grumblings or spiritual guilt.

Ahhh, now I think I can reside in the heartland of maternal expectation and live to tell about it.

What's Up?

I've been slackin' on housework, shopping, bills, and errands because I've been so busy

Reading
Running, biking, swimming
Doing genealogy
Attending the temple weekly
Blogging
Canning peaches, applesauce and apple pie filling
Napping
Quilting

Isn't it great?

These past few months have been so enjoyable.
It's a good time in my life right now.

unlike like the hard times.
depressing times.
the stressful times.
the overwhelming times.
the chaotic times.
the toddler times.

It probably won't last.
Nothing good or bad ever does.

But for right now, I'm enjoying it.

Stuff I Say Way Too Much

Do you ever feel like a broken record? I do.

Do you think whining is going to change my mind?

Just take one bite.

Put your shoes away.

Don't lash like a lion.

Kays aren't quitters.

Oh, no you're not.

You need to budget your candy.

Get ready for bed...... NOW!

Is your homework done?

Take Mia potty.

Who made this mess?

Clean up your mess.

You'll be grounded if you don't clean up that mess.

Is your homework done?

Don't write on the countertop.

It's almost dinner time, so get out the refrigerator.

Who threw this towel on the floor?

What do you guys say?

Ye-Haw

Cowgirl Kate showed up to help bottle applesauce.

Countdown

19 DAYS


until


the braces come off



(picture me smiling a big metallic-ish smile)