'Tis the Season

'Tis the Season.

I couldn't help, but give some consideration to consumerism during this time of year. In fact, I found myself reflecting on the idea that our economy really is based on consumerism, and apparently my Christmas shopping does have an impact. 

However, I couldn't help, but also reflect on the fleetingness of consumerism. It sometimes seems that no matter how much you have, there is always something more to want. Advertising does a good job of pointing this out, especially during the holidays. 

I was thinking, though, about how important Christmas presents were to me as a child, and how Christmas Eve was the longest night of the year. My parents had a strict rule that we were not allowed to wake them up before six a.m. to open gifts. I remember how my brother and sisters, and I would sit on the stairs watching the clock slowly tick by. 

In fact, one Christmas Eve my sister and I got up well past midnight, and cleaned our room in an attempt to pass the hours. Of course, back then Christmas and birthdays were usually the only time you received gifts, and the anticipation was half the fun. 

I've reached that point in life now where my wants are few, and coming up with a Christmas list isn't as easy as it used to be.  Last year Chuck and I decided to forgo Christmas gifts as we had spent hours decluttering the house just a month before, and it seemed kind of silly to bring more stuff into the house. However, this year we are celebrating a more traditional Christmas, and look forward to opening gifts on Christmas morning. 

"Possession of a few goods is important for a well-ordered life."

St. Thomas Aquinas

Before I Knew You

Before I knew you. 

I was looking at a picture of my grandson that popped up from a year ago on Facebook. I remember it was one of my favorites as it really captured his newborn adorableness. 

Except, I realized that I really didn't know him then. He was about a week old, and I knew I was crazy about him simply because he was my grandson. Now that I've got to know him better over these last two years my love for him is over the moon. 

As I watch his little personality shine through I find myself, not only laughing more, but pondering in my heart what he will be like as he grows older. He already has his own ideas about what he likes, what he doesn't, and how you should go about getting things done. 

What I have noticed about him is that even at two years old I would not use the word random to describe him. He is very focused and deliberate about what he chooses to do. His favorite thing are trucks, and tractors, and he seems to be able to entertain himself quite longer than I would have expected someone his age to do so. 

Although, his screen time is very limited his favorite show is Mighty Machines, which I like to refer to as the documentary of children's programming. He is quite fascinated by the live action footage of all kinds of vehicles; the bigger, the better. 

He loves to go to work with his Daddy, and help out on the ranch. He takes his chores quite seriously, and has been known to haul a mini-sized bale of hay over to feed the animals. We have a video of him doing just so, and as he walks away he wipes the dust off his hands as he returns for more hay. 

His talking is starting to take off, and he even can call me by name. I live for FaceTime, and his smile just lights up my day. He loves to laugh, play, hug, and even help his Mom whip up a batch of cookies. My blessings abound with this one, and cherish each time I get to spend with him. 

I just thought I loved him the day he was born, but little did I know how much that love would multiply over two short years. 

The Big Guy

The Big Guy. 

We got some sad news in our community this past week. Our beloved Santa Claus, known affectionately as "The Big Guy" passed away. 

Many of my friends with teenaged children have been visiting this Santa since their children were born. My own little grandson had had his picture taken with him twice already, and was scheduled later in the month for another. 

Perhaps for me my greatest memory of him was when my sweet daughter had her picture made with him when she was fifteen. You see it became apparent early on that Brittany was not comfortable with Santa. She even told me once when she was quite young that her reluctance was that she did not like his big beard. 

As a result we never once graced a Breakfast with Santa, and I never had a yearly photo of her with Santa. To be honest, I was disappointed because I had a certain romantic notion about childhood, and had envisioned it including Santa.

Fast forward about ten years. As is her practice, Brittany gives very thoughtful gifts, and her picture with Santa was one of my most treasured gifts from her. She did confide that she still felt the same way about him even years later, but she wanted to do something special for me. 

Although, I never knew the Big Guy personally, in fact I never even knew his name, he played an important role in the life of our community. This week many of my friends have posted their cherished pictures of this man who brought so much joy to many. 

Rest In Peace, Big Guy knowing that you made a difference in the world, and helped to spread Christmas cheer. 

Blogger Friends

Blogger friends. 

I really love to blog, and it has become a labor of love, and something I look forward to each day. That being said, it doesn't mean that there aren't times when trying to come up with an idea for a blog post isn't a challenge.  

Most of the time I try to be aware of what is happening around me, and to be open to inspiration. However, sometimes when I get too busy, or don't have enough time for reflection I find myself wondering if I should continue?

That's where a couple of my friends who blog really play an important part in my continuing to write. Their support and encouragement really help me get through any dry spells I might be experiencing. 

If I have technical difficulties or questions I can turn to them for answers.   In fact, one of my blogging friends, a friend from junior high, reached out to me the other day to offer some advice about a glitch that was preventing my photos from loading to Facebook. 

I appreciated her input, and it meant the world to me that she offered her help, as she too had experienced the same thing. Her advice helped to fix the problem, and my frustration over what was happening. 

My other friend, who I met through the thirty-one day writing challenge a couple of years ago, helped me create the "button" needed in order to participate this year. I feel quite certain that without her assistance I probably would have not followed through with the writing challenge. 

Having this small community of other writers is just another reason why I enjoy blogging so much. Knowing that you are not completely on your own in an endeavor can certainly make all the difference in your continued success. I feel quite blessed to have these two individuals in my life. 

Decisions

Decisions.

I was thinking the other day about how I deal with decision making, especially something of importance. What I discovered was that for me often times the best thing to do is to get the decision out of my head. 

In other words, if I write down the pros and cons of the decision, I seem to do a better job of deciding, and of feeling more at peace. I think sometimes I give myself too many options, and allowing them to juggle around in my brain just results with being overwhelmed. 

I've also learned that sometimes just sleeping on a decision can make a big difference the next morning. So learning not to to act or should I say react too quickly is really the better way to go. I remember one time making a decision based out of anger, and retiring that night determined to do one thing, but the next morning I awoke to realize the error of my ways. I was so glad that I had not acted upon my first impulse. 

Of course, I also seek council through prayer that I am headed in the right direction. As much as I think I'm capable of handling all situations, I know ultimately who is in control of my life. 

Knowing yourself, and what works best for you really is quite freeing. Although, to be honest I still have to remind myself of this, and not allow an important decision to get the best of me. 

It Takes a Village

It takes a village. 

I was reminded this weekend that many hands make light work. My grandson turned two this last week and my daughter planned a birthday party for the weekend. 

Mind you, she had just returned from visiting her in-laws over Thanksgiving in another state, is eight months pregnant, and lives in a small town where her favorite go-to store is an hour and a half away. 

However, her Amazon Prime membership and its two day shipping saved the day. She had gathered several ideas on Pinterest for a train-themed party, and set to work ordering the needed supplies. 

I came up a day early mainly to watch the little guy so she could grocery shop, and set up for the party. Chuck arrived that evening after working late, and the next morning he and my son-in-law took on the task of transforming the backyard. 

We were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day in the high seventies, a rarity even in our neck of the woods, so having the party outside provided plenty of room for everyone.

Chuck had made the railroad signs for the party, and set out to affix them to the house as well as lay a set of tracks with duck tape welcoming everyone to their home. 

Brittany made cupcakes, and decorated them into a number two shaped train track complete with little train cars on top. Will, my son-in-law worked his magic on some pork roasts providing pulled pork and coleslaw for their guests. 

Brittany decorated the table to Pinterest perfection, and I ran to pick up the balloons and ice, and pitched in to help with the preparty cleaning, as well as my favorite job of all, Mimi duty. 

What began as questionable at 9:00 in the morning pulled together beautifully by 2:00. 

The turn out was great with friends and family enjoying the beautiful day together. Our little two year old was showered with an abundance of tractors and trucks, and spent most of the time digging in the dirt testing them all out. He did devour two cupcakes, as chocolate seems to be his new obsession, along with anything with wheels. 

The party turned out beautifully, and although my sweet daughter was tired at the end of the day her vision, and mad party planning skills did this Mama proud. Happy Birthday little guy!

Maintenance

Maintenance. 

In Weight Watchers after you have arrived at your goal weight you go onto what is called maintenance. Basically, you are given a few more points each day as you are no longer trying to lose weight. 

I'm in maintenance right now, and I'm beginning to get nervous. You see when it comes to losing weight I'm a champion, albeit a slow weight lose champion, but successful none the less. I can honestly say that I can stay on the program for months and months, and never waver. However when it comes to moderation that is where I struggle. 

It may sound strange, but Gretchen Rubin describes it as either being an abstainer or a moderator. I definitely fall in the abstainer category as it is sooo much easier for me to just say no, and do without, than to open the floodgates of moderation. 

I handle the routine and stricter guidelines of dieting so much better than I do the freedoms of moderation. Except, I know I don't want to regain my weight so I'm looking for answers as how to do better on maintenance.

With the holidays approaching I don't want to miss out on the special treats of the season, but I also don't want to gain back the pounds I have worked so hard to lose. I think I need to recommit to following the guidelines of the program. Making sure I continue to track, and not

miss any meetings should be able to help keep me on the road to success. 

"Consistency creates success."

Amy Johnson-Mrs. Plant