The Adventures of Arthur

There are so many gimmicks attached the holidays and our family usually foregoes them. I try really hard to spend time talking with the kids about the joy of giving and the significance of the season being a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus. We certainly get caught up in Santa Claus and the festiveness that goes along with Christmas, but try not to go overboard.  There is one gimmick that got us and I am so glad.
My kids are seven and nine and have never had Elf on the Shelf. It seems like you need start this before your kids can even read and to do it for always. I missed the boat on it a long time ago and thought the opportunity had passed.  Then I saw the flux of ideas on Pinterest (of course) that show the Elf doing all kinds of wacky things and had to give in. The Athlete and The Princess are just on the cusp of being too big, but they have the best sense of wonder and enthusiasm that makes this perfect for them. We’re having such a good time this week with our new pal, Arthur and the added bonus of The Princess getting out of bed without being asked so she can search for Arthur is fan.tas.tic.  And hearing her say the word "hilarious" is pretty great, too.

I hope your days are merry and bright, too!

He came in for a crash landing and got stuck in the dining room chandelier

Using a holiday photo as a canvas to improve his art skills

He borrowed the dog’s reindeer ears for a dress up party with the Christmas bears



Benefits When Your Employment Ends

The header on the file that's currently on my desktop reads "Benefits When Your Employment Ends".  It does not make me smile.

For a girl that works PRIMARILY for the kick-ass benefits package that header is not comforting.

The good news: I did not lose my job.  I am still employed.  Very.Good.News.

The {less than} good news: my very stable US company was acquired by a growing company based in Canada.  They are committed to aggressive growth and development and not as committed to health insurance, stock options and retirement plans.

Less than good news (for me).  There is a lot of upside to the transaction and I truly am grateful to still be employed.  But let's face it.  It's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.

The cover page of the 38 page file also says this -

For U.S. employees whose employment transferred as a part of the sale/purchase of your company effective December 7, 2011.  The PESP portion of this document constitutes part of a prospectus covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The Stock Plans portion of this document constitutes part of a prospectus covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

I am more interested in decking the halls than rolling over my pension.  Please say a prayer that E and I make good decisions for our family this month and still take time to enjoy the magic of the season.  I don't want to miss a moment of merry.  Even Arthur the elf is counting on us for a safe landing.

Birthday Blessings

Today would have been my Nanny's 92nd birthday.  New Year's Day will mark the fourth anniversary of when I held her hand for the last time and I miss her terribly.  If I could call her today and wish her a happy birthday I would be sure to sing in my clearest, happiest voice.  No one ever made me happier or feel better than my Nanny did for most of my life.

When I pray with my children and tell them of the Lord's goodness I ALWAYS think of her.  She was so faithful and steadfast.  She would enjoy their enthusiasm and love for God so much.  Psalm 23 was her favorite scripture.  It reminds me of her.  Just like hummingbirds, butterflies and homemade waffles.  They were all uniquely her to me.  Happy Birthday, little bird.  I love and miss you so much.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
 
Amen.

Ten Things - November 2011

I'm late to the party (notice a trend?) but I somehow feel like if I don't admit that another month went by then it won't really happen.  Not true.  I love joining Emmy to recount the months, every month.  Not matter how fast it went.  But this one hurt a little.  Way. Too. Fast.

Ten Things to Smile About: November

The car service chauffeur agreeing to drop off the kids at school on my way to the airport. They were thrilled!

My super slick laptop and my sweet husband who went out at midnight on Black Friday to get it for me.  We can Skype again!! Thank you, sweetheart!

A 2 year old, a 7 year old, an 11 year old, a {darling} 4 year old, another 7 year old, a 9 year old and a 10 year old cousin having the grandest time together.  This makes me smile bigger than most anything that has happened to me lately.  I am so in love with each of these kiddos for what makes them uniquely special and I especially love how much they love each other.

A {free} fancy dinner and seeing Blue Man Group with E and some fun colleagues.

Emily from Jones Design Company offering fantastic holiday printables that I am using like crazy. You're gonna love her as much as I do.  I'm tellin' ya . . .

Telling myself that perfect is overrated (and believing it!!) and ordering my Christmas cards while they were on sale for Black Friday.

Celebrating my eleventh wedding anniversary with E.  I feel so lucky to still be IN love with the father of my children.  Truly.

Getting started on some handmade gifts

Enjoying the loveliest  Thanksgiving that I can remember in a long time.  Table settings, place cards, candlelight and amazing company.  The evening absolutely, positively made up for us not being in Hawaii this year.

p.s.  Anyone that can prepare a meal  for 31 guests that is elegant, delicious and beautiful and still look this great is a hero to me. Love you, Aunt Linda!!

Beginning the celebration of Advent and sharing the joy of giving with my children.  We have so much and Advent is the perfect time to reinforce with them that our bounty must be shared.  It IS the most wonderful time of the year.