For Today:

Outside My Window: Christmas Lights are on!!! How holidayee!!!! Rob just walked out and the bells on the front door started playing Christmas carols. I love it!!!!!

I am thinking: That I really shouldn't be shocked about anything Bobby drags home anymore, but last night round about midnight, here comes a scooter. A SCOOTER........what in heaven's name is that boy gonna do with a scooter? He can't wait to show it to his grandmother, she always told him when he was little that he would get a scooter as his first car, lol!!! First he bought a 4-wheeler. Then he bought another 4-wheeler he liked better, so he gave the first one to a friend who was supposed to make $100 a week payments till he paid it off. Then some kind of crazy story about the friend needing the money to buy his girlfriend a Christmas present. Now, this morning, Rob tells me that the friend traded the 4-wheeler for the scooter and something else before he ever paid Bobby off. Then he gave Bobby the scooter as payment in full for the 4-wheeler. Need I tell you that Bobby's friends are just as CRAZY as him, lol!!!!

That's okay, I tell him to get it out of his system before he gets married, cause all that wheeler dealer stuff will stop when he has REAL bills to pay!!!!!!

I am thankful for: the fact that Sarah's fevers have finally stopped. The unique way we have figured out to be able to change her bandages with just one person. It's not pretty, but hey....whatever works!!!!

From the Kitchen: Pork Chops of some sort, and maybe another dessert (close your eyes Rob, you didn't see this!!) He's trying not to gain his weight back but I keep baking goodies, lol!!!

I am hoping: To get to Wal-Mart before the rain starts. Don't know when that is supposed to be, but I'm trying to get out of here by 7:30.

I am reading: A Life that says Welcome, Through the Bible in a year, NightLine Devotions for couples.

I am creating: A new "Normal" for Christmas this year. Since we won't be having our 2 parties on Christmas Eve, I have to come up with something else to fill the time. It'll probably be baking goodies, which I never have time to do right before Christmas.

I am praying: that Sarah continues to heal. That she won't have to have the second surgery. I'm amazed at how fast the wound is closing, and I'm hoping the Plastic Surgeon will hold off and see if it closes completely. I'm praying for several family members and friends who are having family difficulties. I can't imagine being at odds with my family, and I know it must be sooo hard. I just pray that everyone can put their hurt and anger behind them and move on. One day it may be too late.....

I am hearing: The Clock ring out 6 times, and a car going down the street. Otherwise, silence, yay!!!!

One of my favorite things: All of my Snowman decorations. I almost got rid of the dining room stuff, but Rob talked me out of it. I'm so glad he did!! I did pare down the other decorations, there's just no sense in having 30 Christmas storage buckets!!!!

Around the house: Still have to put the Snowman Shower curtain up before Sarah has to take a shower today, and still have presents to wrap. But right now, everybody is sound asleep, even Rebels, so it's just me and the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It's sooo pitiful.......

A few plans for the rest of the week: Wal-Mart this morning. Maybe the mall. Gotta shop while my Mom is here to be with the girl. I need to address Christmas cards, finish wrapping presents, and put away the empty Christmas buckets. Other than that, who knows. A date with my hubby would be nice......

A Cup of Encouragement: There is so much beauty and wonder in the world around us. Sometimes we get so busy we don't take the time to notice. When your life is stressful and your problems seem overwhelming, remember that pleasure lies in your heart. Your attitude affects your perception! Take time to reflect on the small blessings in your life. That bag of groceries, an encouraging phone call, a special friend, the love of your spouse. It's all the small blessings that add up to an abundant life full of grace and mercy, and reflective of God's love for us.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8

Here is the picture I am sharing: I had LOTS of pics to post, but it won't let me for some reason. I guess I'll post them to Facebook :-(