Holiday Brain Dump

There are times when I may be capable of writing something deep and meaningful.  This is not one of those times.  This is more of a pass-me-a-hot-beverage-and-some-chocolate time.

Joy to the Whirled.

And before you get offended that I - a Christian - said "holiday" instead of "Christmas", it's because I just couldn't bear to put "Christmas" and "Dump" in the same post title, okay?  Alrighty, then.  ;D

Since my last scattered thoughts...

*  I tidied my office so it's not driving me to the Cliffs of Insanity

*  We had dinner with friends.  They don't have children and appear to enjoy ours, who tried to talk their ears off I think.  (Poor-unsocialized-homeschooler, you know, don't know how to interact with others.  *eyes roll*)  We had a great time, though they probably breathed a sigh of relief to return to their peace and quiet as we drove away.j

*  There was volunteering.  The boys CAP group helped the Salvation Army with their Christmas gift/food distribution.  Amazing how many families they help.  Good work, boys :D

*  We hosted our annual neighborhood Christmas party - about 30 of the 40 people we invited showed up... which was a houseful!  Lots of fun :D

* And, last Sunday before Christmas, we had our little chapel's annual Children's Christmas Pageant. And really?  "Pageant" is overstating.  Our pastor lovingly called it "happy chaos".  Or maybe it was "holy chaos".  Either way.  I love it.  Completely traditional.  Luke 2.  Wiggly little shepherds in bathrobes, and angels with tinsel halos all askew.  Preschoolers singing Away In A Manger.  The wise men wearing adorable crocheted? knitted? beards that must be itchy, given their facial expressions ;D  It was wonderful.  Again.

* And then this morning.  Morning of destiny.  Tate is the proud owner of a learner's permit.  Be still my heart.  We have another budding driver in the family.

* In other news... while I'm not quite as upset as this author poses to be, I surely agree with her sentiments on misplaced apostrophes.  Here's a little tip on How to Make Your Last Name Plural.

* And another link... if you're like me, you love Christmas carols.  Especially the traditional ones (wish we sang them more often!)  But there's one song that never sat quite right with me.  I love the music, but I just couldn't get comfortable with all of the lyrics to O Holy Night.  Well, turns out I'm not the only one, and for good reason.  Dan Phillips explains.

*  While you're praying for us as Tate learns to drive, bear in mind that Gunnar has just started violin lessons, and has just progressed from (relatively quiet) plucking to using the bow.  ;D

*  Seriously, though, please pray for my cousin's family.  His son took his own life about a year ago, so this is already a difficult time of year.  Then yesterday they were out for a walk with his MIL and FIL, and the FIL's dog ran into the street.  FIL ran after it, and was struck and killed.  I can't even imagine.

And that is why we need Christmas.  Why we need a savior.  O come, o come, Immanuel.

Wishing you comfort and joy, and all things merry and bright.