As December Approaches (A Christmastime Ramble)

In less than 2 hours (in my current time zone, that is), it will be December. I know from a retail perspective the Christmas season begins as soon as Halloween ends, and I technically count it Christmastime once Thanksgiving is over, but with December looming only moments away no one can deny any longer that "the most wonderful time of the year" has arrived. I really do believe it's the best time of the year. I always look forward to it and as early as September we are listening to Christmas albums in our house. It's really the only time of the year I make an effort to decorate the house festively and actually enjoy the decorations (I don't so much love all Halloween decor, but I do some of that too without as much zeal). I love all the parties, the treats, the concerts and all around good will toward men that can be felt throughout the season.

However, as I have gotten older, read more about how the world works outside of my little bubble, opened my eyes a little more to the harsh realities some people face, I am left with a little sadness during the holiday season, well, and really throughout the year. I felt it acutely today as I sat in my comfortably-heated SUV listening to "Silent Night" while waiting for a red light to turn green. About ten cars ahead of me a man without gloves and an old coat stood on a corner holding up a cardboard sign. I couldn't read the sign, but of course I knew what it said already. Don't we all? It's a scene we're all familiar with. He didn't try to approach any cars or walk down the road in search of a driver who would roll down their window. I was wishing he would. We had some extra coins in our car that I could have given him. By the time the light was green I was caught up in a long line-up of cars and couldn't stop at his side. I actually thought about turning around though, getting back on the freeway, just so I could be in a location where I could reach out and give him enough money for just one meal, or a pack of cigarettes or even a bottle of whiskey, whatever would ease his suffering a little this morning. With the words of "Silent Night" still ringing in my ears I have to admit, I shed a few tears. I cried for that man and for all the men and women and children out there who don't have a wonderful Christmas season to look forward to.

Maybe that man was a conman. Maybe he had made a series of bad choices that lead him to be begging on a roadside. Maybe he's just receiving the just desserts of a life not well-lived. Maybe, if I gave him money, he would waste it on booze or drugs. Maybe he's mentally so unstable he doesn't even realize how sad his plight really is. How many things go through our heads when we see these kind of people, but who cares? Who cares if he is any of these things? Aren't we all beggars before the Lord anyway?

This is where my soul-searching always leads. I have so much. I have more than enough. I live an abundant life, for which I am truly grateful. However, where much is given much is required. I struggle to know how much to sacrifice in order to give to those who maybe don't have all I do. Our culture sometimes frustrates me because I see so much frivolity around me and I participate in it regularly, but sometimes with a guilty conscience. Would it really rob my family if we lived in a smaller, simpler way and gave more? I sometimes wonder if we wouldn't be doing our children a service to downsize our lives and use our excess to truly serve without thought of reward. Maybe they wouldn't get all the things our culture dictates to us we should be providing for our children, but we'd be giving them experience loving and serving. What else is there really?

Anyway, I don't mean to be a Negative Nancy for Christmas. I really do love so many Christmas traditions and I couldn't be happier that so many people slow down their lives for a month to think a little more about the birth of a humble man who made all the difference in the lives of each of us. Even for those who don't worship Jesus as the Christ, the good will and cheer throughout the season is incredible this time of year. My goal this season is to find ways to sacrifice and serve, hopefully doing my small, inadequate part to follow the Savior's example. I am sure I won't dispose of all the frivolity that surrounds this holiday, but I want to be more deliberate about how I spend my time and resources celebrating Christmas this year and every year.

Enough of the rambling. Now on to some music. Here are a couple possibly lesser-known Christmas songs that I absolutely love. They are worth a listen. Happy Christmas Season!






I actually like the version on the anniversary edition of The Forgotten Carols better, but the message is incredible either way.

Some Quick Notes about Fairly Unimportant Things

1 . It's been a while since I had a cold sore. The last time was actually a year and a half ago, when I got 10 at once. It was awful. I just got another one a few days and a second just sprang up, right under my nose to boot. It's going to look really hideous in a few days. I am not thrilled about this multiple cold sore thing that has started happening.

Now, on to more fun things....

2. I continue to love all things Harry Potter. Deathly Hallows part 1 did not disappoint.

3. I am so sad for Boise State, especially their kicker. After coming home from HP, we watched their tragic fall from grace in over time.

4. I am loving this come-from-behind Jazz winning streak. I need to watch more of their games.

5. I can't wait to go to The Messiah tonight.

6. Go Utes!

Picking Things Up Quickly

Today, Adie and I were discussing visiting San Fransisco because that is where the Little Einsteins live according to her. I informed her she'd already been there which made her really excited. Then, she said she wanted to visit Mickey Mouse. I asked her where he lived to which she replied, "Disneyworld." I told her yes and that I hoped she could visit him there one day, but she did see him in person recently at Disney on Ice. She then asked me if it will be the real one who will not be in costume when we see him at Disneyworld, and I thought she was referring to the fact that Mickey wore a number of different costumes during the Disney on Ice performance. However, I thought she believed the Mickey at Disney on Ice was the real one. She then mentioned that the Mickey on Disney on Ice was just a person dressed up as Mickey. What? You aren't supposed to know that yet. I don't remember telling her that. Unfortunately, little Adie dear, if you are disappointed by the Mickey at Disney on Ice, you're going to be disappointed by the Mickey at Disneyworld as well. She's really starting to pick things up quickly these days.

On an unrelated note, just because I don't want to forget this cute little phase, Chase points to every object that gives light - lights, stars, the moon, the sun, lamps, etc. and calls them stars. If you ask where the stars are he'll point to the nearest light and yell, "Star!" I never tire of it. It's adorable.

On another completely unrelated note, we are doing some Thanksgiving baking today and everything smells heavenly. Oh, how I love this holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Unmotivated

Does anyone want to take over this blog for me? Yes, I really do want to keep a record of our family's happenings, but it turns out, it's not something I ever prioritize and I'd rather take 5 minutes to write something pointless and random, like this, on here than post something a grandparent or friend would like to see. I still need to finish up the summer, and well, the fall. The more time passes, the less I want to do it. Ok, I just needed to get that off my chest. Now, back to not posting....

Toddles and Markers

Chase has being officially taking steps for about a month now, but we weren't about to call him a walker. He was slowly adding a few more steps per day, but mostly preferred to crawl, until yesterday. Now, he is all about walking. In fact, he already tries to run. He gets ahead of himself all the time because he wants to go as fast as he does when he crawls (and trust me, he is a fast crawler). Anyway, I love it when children first start walking. It is so dang cute! I have been so entertained the past couple of days just watching Chase take his little wobbly steps with his wide leg stance and his hands out to his side for balance. I also cloth diaper him so it's especially funny to watch him toddle around with this huge bubble butt. It makes me laugh. I tried to take a picture of him, but as soon as he saw the camera he was coming after it, so the shot isn't very good. I'll need to try for a back shot one of these days so you can see his huge toosh. It's adorable. He's such a good kid.


In other news, while folding some laundry upstairs today I left Adie sitting at the table downstairs, coloring with markers. I have come to the point where I trust Adie to not go color something she shouldn't. Today, she tried something new though. She colored a balloon with marker. What did this mean? The marker didn't stick very well to the balloon so she had ink all over her hands, arms, chin, forehead and then proceeded to touch the wall and handrails while she walked upstairs to show me her creation. I couldn't really be mad at her. I've never told her to not color on balloons, but boy was it a mess. I guess I still need to be a little more cautious with those markers, especially when I try to steal away for a few minutes to get some chores done. Here is a picture of her hands after trying to wash them for several minutes. It's not a great picture. She kept trying to dance while I was taking the picture so this is the best I could get, but you get the idea. Silly kiddo.

I worked so hard for that title

Well, one day I'll post some pictures of our happenings, but at least I am back on the blog. Here is a clever political ad from California. It's by a Hollywood director who now regrets having supported Senator Barbara Boxer. I don't know much about her, although what I do know isn't necessarily good. Actually though, the overall message is what I like most about the video. Get over the titles! To quote Brett's grandpa (or great-grandpa), "You're just as good as everyone else, but not one bit better!"

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

P.S. Thanks for all the great feedback on the hair question. I am not sure I am brave enough to try it, but I would be lying if I said it didn't intrigue me.

No Product Hair Washing?

Has anyone read about and / or attempted to ditch all their hair products and just rinse with hot water, thoroughly massage the scalp and brush with a boar bristle brush to maintain healthy hair? I am all about going back in time to find some kernels of wisdom we've lost with our mad cultural rush to make everything better. We are now discovering that a lot of the chemicals, treatments, etc. that our ever experimental culture told us would make us healthier, cleaner, better are actually quite harmful in the long-term either to ourselves or our environment at large. I am sure many hair products could fall into that category.

So, when I read an article on Yahoo today about middle-aged women having long hair that just happened to briefly mention the no-product hair maintenance method, I had to google a little further. I have read snippets here and there about such a phenomenon, but have not attempted it. I don't particularly like having greasy, dirty hair. However, it seems there is some good, at least anecdotal, evidence that would suggest it might be something worth trying, if you can stand to have about a 6 week period of greasy hair while your scalp's oils readjust.

What you do y'all think of this? Is it worth a try? It sure sounds natural, safe and cheap.