Yall Ready for Christmas?

I was just sitting here thinking. Am I ready for Christmas? And the first thought is "have I bought all the gifts that I need to buy?" And as I'm going through the list of people and gifts, I'm realizing that this isn't what I should be thinking about, all-consumed with. Ya know? I'm sure we've all heard the stories and have been lectured by our grannies and papas... along with moms and dads, Christmas isn't about the gifts. It's deeper than that. There is so much more to it than presents.

The things I love about Christmas are the simple things. I love spending time with family. I love getting to know each other all over again over a game of "Pictionary" or "Scattergories" ... even a new one that I learned "Farkle". It's the time spent in each other's company that is important! You learn new things, you are reminded of old things. It's just the best!

I love driving around looking at the Christmas lights decorating the houses, garages, driveways, trees and all the other characters that are strewn about one's lawn. (Granted, I don't want my yard to have that over-kill look!) But I enjoy looking. I just wish it weren't so dang cold out! Brr! And not to mention slippery!

I love giving gifts. Not only that, I love giving GOOD gifts! A gift that is unexpected, a gift that says "I know you" and "I love you" and one step further, a gift that says "Your happiness is important to me".

See, I'm reading this book "Eat, Pray, Love". And so far, I do recommend it. I'm not even half way through, but it has a lesson in there for any of us. (Bet you can't just get away with learning just one lesson!!) I do think you should try reading it. The only thing I've found unnecessary is a few cuss words - I'm thinking about getting my white out and covering those words. Just because I don't feel that I want to read them. Even though they were important for Elizabeth Gilbert to put them in there, to show her emotion. I just don't feel that I want that when I read back through. Maybe I'm just being too sensitive to it. ?? Who knows.

Back to Christmas thoughts... I love looking at my Christmas tree. I love to put it up and touch each ornament. Remembering - who gave this one to me, what year I bought this one, what year we (me or the kids) made this one... I love that. I try to buy one ornament each year. One that is special in some way, one that reminds me of my year. This year's ornaments (yes I got two) are just adorable! One is a frosty-glass snowman is nestled amongst some spirals and he is just the cutest thing! The other is .... *wait for it.... wait for it....* A STARBUCKS CUP OF COFFEE WITH A SNOW GLOBE!! Yep, it sure is!! And if you look just right in some of our family pictures in front of the tree, you'll see it there! And yep, I love it! And yes, I look for it when I sit down on the couch, in front of the tv. It's there. Winking at me from afar, as if we share a secret... little does this little cup of coffee know, huh!!

Some things that makes me happy... Well, for starters a nice cup of creamy coffee! At Starbucks, I must get either an Almond Latte or Cafe Mocha. I can also do a Vanilla Latte .. Oh who am I kidding, I'll just take it any old way! Okay, back on track here... I like a nice hot cup of coffee to wrap my hands around. I like a nice book to read, a warm, snuggly blanket to cuddle under. I like Christmas music playing in the background, while I occasionally look up to find my tree glistening at me, seemingly glowing brighter at knowing it's caught my eye! And let's not forget, I like my cat snuggled up on my lap, purring - safe and secure curled up in a ball, adding the extra warmth that I need! Yep, these things make me happy. And all it costs really is about $4.00! That's cheap entertainment, man!

And one other thing, I would like to just say my "new" friend, Melissa, you have inspired me today. Your kind words and thoughtfulness has sparked my creative juices! I am very thankful for you today! I make a point to be thankful for at least one thing in each day. (There are millions! But at least one has to be given special attention! So that He knows that I'm watching! I'm paying attention! I'm living this life and I'm thankful for it!) So, here's to you, Melissa! Welcome back into my life! It's been a ton of years, but it seems like it's only been a second!

Merry Christmas, my friends and family. Please know that I love you and I am thankful for each and every one of you! I can't list you all here right now. Just know that you've all been in one of my "Thank you, Lord" conversations!

Oh, and one more thing. There are two sites that I visit daily! They're both adoption-related sites. One is my sister in law, Amy. She and her husband adopted Silas last May from Ethiopia.
http://bottomlysandethiopia.blogspot.com/
And the other is my friend, Lori - who I met through Amy's blog. I just followed her link one day, and I'm hooked. I comment alot (hope she doesn't mind that!)
http://ourownrooney.blogspot.com/
But if you have a heart for Africa, Ethiopia, Adoption, or even just to know some really good people, please visit these blogs. Leave a comment when you feel led to do so. I've taken some inspiration from these girls! You'd be blessed if you do the same!

Happy reading! Merry Christmas! I pray that some day I am a part of your "Thank you, Lord" conversations! (And be sure to let me know!!!)