Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I can't believe that I have been out of school and I have blogged less than when I am in school. Our family had a wonderful Christmas. The kids got way too many things, as usual. But we always say that is why we had them, so we could spoil them. It doesn't help that their grandparents spoil them way beyond what we ever could. We spent a lot of time visiting with family, this is my favorite part of Christmas. So many people do not like the chaos of family but I tend to love being right in the middle of it. Call me crazy.
Now I am looking forward to the new year. I was filling out my new 2009 calender last night, putting in all the birthdays and other important dates that I didn't want to forget, and I was looking back at all that had gone on throughout 2008. There were deaths, births, anniversaries, ball seasons, dance seasons, me graduating and getting a job, cars had been bought and sold (Tim) and so much more. I can only begin to think of what things I will be looking back on this time next year. There will be more of all the things just mentioned and so much more that will be happening in the lives of us all, how exciting, the fear and excitement of the unknown. If I had to wrap up my thoughts for this year in a few simple words they would be:

Thankful
God given
Hopeful
Love

Happy New Year from the Preston's!!

Just had to share...the priorities of a seven year old

Earlier in the week our neighbors that live behind us thought they had a gas leak. They called the Fire Dept. to come and check it out. Come to find out they did not have a leak and everything was fine. The next night Carter tells me that he has packed a bag that he can grab in a hurry if our house ever catches on fire. I say, "That's a good idea Carter" and we go on with whatever it was that we were doing at the time. Today, I was looking for some of his shoes in his room and he comes in and tells me, "There's my bag I have packed", then he left the room. I looked in the bag, curious as to what his prized possessions where that had to make it out safe in case of a fire. In his bag I found:

3 band-aids
2 gauze pads
1 sample tube of Neoseporin
2 karate belts, 1 yellow and one white
1 Incredible Hulk blanket
1 pair of Nike football cleats
4 baseball caps
1 sandwich bag full of baseball cards

You just never know what is important to a 7 year old, really

Christmas is almost here!!!

My kids are getting really excited about Christmas almost being here. They have their countdown chains made and are tearing them off each night. We usually try to do some fun Christmasy (is that a word?) things the week or so before to really get in the spirit.
We went to "Winter Wonderland" in Springfield on Thursday night. It was really nice. They had scenes and a lighted path to walk along. They also had a mule drawn carriage that took you around the lake. And the best part of all was that it was FREE!
We will also go to Tim's work (Goodlettsville City Hall) and the kids like to run around all the decorations that they have there. We will make reindeer food and Christmas cookie a couple of nights before Christmas Eve. And who knows what else we will find to get into. It's just all-in-all a great time of year and I cherish these memories with my kids so much because I know they won't want to do these things forever.

Schools almost out!!!!!

I'm not sure who is more excited about school being out, me or my kids. The kids in my class have pretty much already checked out. It is getting really hard to keep them under control and on top of them being extremely ready to be out of school, they have mid-term exams this week. I'm sure they will do really well on those.
Anyway, my two kids are getting really excited too. I can't believe that Santa comes in 10 days. HG is 9 years old and I know the clock is ticking for Santa so I am really trying to hang on as long as I can. Carter is primed up for Santa and is really worried about this whole naughty and nice thing. Until next time...

Keepin' it real

My friend Brea often writes about being real. I love to read those because it is always a reminder of how we are all human and if we would just keep it real there would be a lot more clarity in this world. Well here is my most recent real moment...

My kids attend Greenbrier Elementary School they are in 1st and 4th grade. We rec'd a note that came home with each child asking if anyone would like to adopt an angel or if anyone was in need of being an angel. After a life lesson talk with my kids they each decided to adopt a child that was around the same age and was the same gender. So yesterday I was a Target getting some shopping done while Tim was sleeping and the kids were hanging out with Granna (Tim's mom). So I start looking for things for our little angels. Now keep in mind they ask that we buy an entire outfit for these kids, shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes. I go over all of the sale racks piece by piece trying to find the cheapest piece of clothing that doesn't look like the cheapest piece of clothing, then I go to the underwear and try to find the cheapest pack of underwear there is. I didn't get shoes there because there weren't any on sale cheap enough, I figured I could get some cheaper later. Is the selfishness making you sick yet? So I get home and like a ton of bricks hitting me, I realize what a selfish person I am. I would never be this bargain conscious with clothes for my kids. Here I am pinching pennies with things for these kids who really need my help. And for my kids (who need NOTHING) I don't give it a second thought. What am I teaching my kids? I shutter to think of the example that I am setting for them. My intention is to go shopping again this week with my kids and re-do what I have so badly messed up, which is the true meaning of giving unselfishly, the way that God has taught us to. This Christmas we are fortunate to have more income than we have in a long time. I am so ashamed that it has not been my thoughts to use that extra to help others. Lord, please help me to keep my eyes on you and the meaning of this season. Amen