Today’s Activity:

Go out and buy a new children’s Christmas book and read it to your children.

FREE:

Read a book you already have.

Note:

I’m sure your kids are already very excited for Christmas but why not add to the chaos by getting them more excited.

(Read about today’s activity here.)

Is it just me or does Christmas just seem stressful? I feel like I have so many things to do. I finished my shopping early so I could just relax and enjoy the holidays but then I decided to make bread for our neighbors and that also means making it for my mom to give to her friends. I know I don’t have to do it but I enjoy doing it…until it feels like it consumes my life. Then there were the good deals on photo books that I try to do yearly for my kids but I haven’t done them in 2 years…so another project. I haven’t even factored in all the parties and treats to make for the parties, plus Elese’s birthday. Don’t get me wrong…I sort of love when things are crazy but suddenly my responsibilities like doing laundry, church callings and getting the kids dressed before the very last possible moment seem to all fall to the way side. So even though I’m feeling a bit over whelemed I’ve decided to do my best to focus on the things that bring me joy…my family.

Steven gave me a nice massge this morning to help me calm the heck down.

Then Elese walked around with her photo book from two years ago saying…”This book has songs in it.” (It doesn’t), then she was singing “When I was a baby…I love you when you a baby!” Then she asked, “Mommym can I sing this on the piano?” So that brought enough joy to me that right now, as she is crying and screaming, I only want to scream just a little, rather than alot.

Then there is Max and his love of creating blue prints to our future home on his etch-sketch. Although it does get me a little down when I realize that we could never afford a bat cave for our home it is still very fun to see him taking an interest in grown up things. And that is what got me through the last hour of helping him with a school worksheet.

Fortunately Steven has a shoot coming up that should be very enjoyable for everyone but him…because he will be working…but  at least we’ll have some time together without the stresses of home.

So it is my wish to all of you that you can find joy in the small things during this stressful time of year.

Often times (OK, most of the time) our children focus more on their gifts than the real reason for Christmas.  Take some time today to remind your little ones why we celebrate Christmas.

Note:

If you don’t celebrate Christmas in your home then teach your children a little bit about the holiday that some of their friends may be celebrating this month.

Evaluate:

I found this great scripture advent calender.  Depending on your religion it may not work for you but I’m sure you could find something similar.  Every morning we have been reading a scripture about the birth of Christ and singing a Christmas song.  I can instantly feel the spirit of Christmas in my home as my children sing along with us.  What things are you doing in your home to help remember the true meaning of Christmas?

Go look at some local Christmas lights tonight.

Note:

If there aren’t any big displays in your area at least go for a drive around some nearby neighborhoods and ooo and ahhh together.

Reminder:

Are you collecting buckets?  We are going to be making Ice lights so collect as many buckets as you want lights.

Go shopping!  Who can resist Black Friday?  If you can, or if you have every year before now well resist no longer.  My in laws got me hooked on this great day!  We go every year and usually meet at 3:30am!  I know, crazy, right?  Well the deals are great but the memories and going out for breakfast after are even better.  You could get all your Christmas shopping done in one day!

Note:

If you’re not an early bird don’t worry because lots of the sales go on all day.  You can choose if you want to involve the kids in this activity or not.  You could always bring them along with you so they can purchase their sibling and/or cousin gifts.  Make this a fun day and if you go out at 3:30am then be sure YOU get a nap!  If you don’t get the paper check out this great website to learn about all the deals going on today.

Evaluate:

Now that I’m home safe and sound here is the story of my thrilling day!

Aloha High School

The Man Who Came to Dinner

Dec. 4, 5, 11, & 12 7:30pm w/ a 2pm matinee on the 5th & 12th

Honk!

March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20 7:30pm w/ a 2pm matinee on the 13th & 20th

Canby High School

Steel Magnolias

Nov. 6, 7, 12, & 14th

Other November Events

Turkey Trot at the Zoo

Christmas Events

Christmas Festival of lights

Nov. 27- Dec. 30th

My job has been done for me.  I found this GREAT list of Christmas Events going on in Portland Oregon so check it out!

Boise High School

Bowser the Too Proud Tree

Nov. 23-24

Delco High School

The Nerd

Nov. 9-11th

Misc. November Events

Canyon County Christmas Show (208) 939-6426

Nov. 20-22nd

Downtown Boise Tree Lighting Ceremony(208) 472-5251

Nov. 27th

In the ‘Nick’ of Time”

Booth Barn 208-234-7360 Pocatello

Nov. 27-28

Coeur d’Alene Festival of Trees

208-666-8733

Nov. 27-30

Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show

208-765-4000

Nov. 27-Jan 1

Christmas Events

Christmas in the City

November 28th – December 24th 2009

For a detailed list of evetns click here.

Saint Alponsus Festival of Trees

November 25th -29th 2009

Boise Centre on the Grove

For more info go here.

Winter Garden Aglow

Idaho Botanical Garden

Here’s more info.

Evergreen high School

Port Townsend High School

Misc. November Events

Christmas Events

Zoo Lights

Learn more here.

Winterfest

Thanksgiving – New Year’s Eve

For more details check here.

Victorian Country Christmas

December 2nd-6th 2009 @The Puyallup Fairgrounds

Here is some more info.

In the dark of the morning around 3:30am I awoke to a slim fast and the Late Late show with Jimmy Fallon. I skipped my hygienic rituals and ran off to the store. Toys that R Us was my first stop with a line 10 miles long. It had opened at midnight and my friend who had been their since 10:45 was standing in line with at least and hour wait. Waiting in line was not an option so I had to skedaddle to get the Best Buy for my laptop computer. I arrived a half hour before the madness began. My laptop was specifically not a door buster so I waited with patience in my warm car. When the line started moving I ran to the end to find that despite the words in the add they had given out golden tickets for my most needed desire. I sort of complained to the guy at the door and then he told me that if the blessed shoppers who had the ticket to computer bliss did not pick it up by 9am then it just might be mine! I left feeling hopeful but also disappointed, could I get back at nine? Would someone decide not to buy this great find?

At 5:15 I headed to wait for Target to open but when I arrived the shoppers had gone wild and my next hot item that belongs in the house of Weston had all been put in the carts of the shoppers that knew the store opened at 5. Disappointed again I went off to Wallmart to meet my in-laws who got me hooked on this mess. I got what I needed and was holding out hope that sometime before Christmas I’d find another good deal. Deep down inside I thought, oh well, I will spend $700 less dollars on this fateful Friday. We went back to Target and got the less exciting things that I needed and stood in the check out line. While waiting I noticed a shopper that held my desire! I asked where he got it, if he’d been there since 5 and he said, “Why no, a nice lady didn’t want it anymore and gave it to me.” While waiting in line I eyed this man and wondered why I wasn’t there when they wanted to give this away. I hoped he would decide that this items wasn’t for him and he’d hand it right over before the lines end. When what to my wondering shoulder should appear than a tap for the NICEST teenager dear! “The QZ you wanted…”she started to say…”someone just set it down over there to give it away!” I ran and grabbed this 32″ QZ with a huge smile from ear to ear! My SIL and MIL clapped their hands with joy, my day was looking up, a miracle had appeared! I told this young girl she was now my BEST FRIEND and that when I next go to yoga I would focus on her so happiness would come her way. She blushed and said your welcome…OH what a NICE girl!!!

Off to the Navy that surely isn’t young we went for a sweater for my SIL’s dear son. I found a few things and was still feeling euphoric when my cute little friend from Target walked by. I thanked her again and then we were on our way to Roberts for some more fabulous holiday shopping!

After Roberts we headed to Best Buy with a prayer in our hearts that I could replace my computer that had recently died. I waited in a line for the non-claimed door busters listening to the crazy people behind me say, “What is this line for? I don’t want anything particular but ooo ooo ooo, this line looks like fun.” I hoped some random person wouldn’t get my laptop. The adrenaline was kicking in as I wondered “Do they have anymore?” After thirty minutes I was told that if no more that 3 people in front of me wanted this same laptop that it would be mine! After another 15 minutes and the people in front of me having 3 cards declined I waited for a manager to void their order and I walk out of the store with joy in my heart and a laptop in hand!

I ended the day with a yummy breakfast at MiMi’s with great company followed by a trip back to Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Payless for a few more things. I thought this day would be a bust but it ended up GREAT! Ah the suspense of black Friday is better than any amusement park (other than the drastic price difference…laptops and QZ’s cost much more than a ticket for a ride!).

I unloaded the car and took a short nap…

…and now I sit here with my brand new laptop. I’m still hygienically challenged but what good is a shower when your beaming with excitement!