Happy Birthday greetings go out to our nephew, Paul, son of Bess and Nathan.  We hope his day was very special and that all his wishes came true.

Sid was home earlier than expected today--just a little after noon.  That was good, especially since he managed to get all of his tests graded and recorded for this period.  Of course, he still has to average the grades for the report cards (to be handed out AFTER the holidays), but he assures me he will have all of that done EARLY into the holidays.  That's what I always tried to do, not because of any high work ethic, but rather, because I didn't want to be thinking about that all of my days off.  That way, the time off can be more relaxing and enjoyable.

The month of December--this is NOT a lot to like in this month for our family.  We lost three members of our family in the month of December--my sister, Janet, in 1975, my sister-in-law, Cindy, in 1992, and my niece, Shelley, in 1997.  All of these beautiful people were taken from us long before we would have hoped, but we got through those terrible times.  This month is also a GOOD month for our family:  My sister, Janet, was born in this month in 1956; my sister, Silvia, had her birthday in December of 1941; Mom's birthday was in December of 1919; Josh and Leah were married in 1996.  So, my point in saying this, I guess, is that we must always expect some good along with the bad, but how we deal with these sad times in our lives can either make us or break us.  In our family, we grew closer to one another, comforting those closest to these losses as best we could.  We have grown from these experiences--and we never forget!

Christmas is just a few days away--and year's end follows shortly after that special celebration.  Where did the year go?  Of course, I realize that the older we get, the faster the year seems to pass, but perhaps it's also because we manage to cram so much into these 365 days each year--time is used up so quickly.  The kids have so many activities that involve the families, including the grandparents; kids are in school so much sooner, it seems, with so-called "little schools" cropping up all over the place, places where the children are actually being TAUGHT at a day-care center as early as 2 years old.  Just plain, old baby sitting seems to be a thing of the past. 

We have three grandchildren in "little schools"--Emma, Jack, and Channie--and these little ones are being presented so much more info than our kids were at that age.  I remember when Becky was 5 years old and kindergarten was an option that we chose NOT to take; she was  (is) very intelligent and knew so much already; we just didn't see a need for this.  Today, it's required!  How times change!  As a teacher, I sometimes wonder if getting kids IN SCHOOL at such an early age is good for them or not.  It's the same idea as in sports, when little ones play T-Ball when they are barely able to hold the bat.  I don't know--I just like to see kids stay kids a little longer--without all the competition and pressure that accompanies these activities.

I've been rambling on, it seems, but I've got so many things just rumbling through my brain tonight--none of them very important, and certainly none of them earth-shattering, but I decided to put these thoughts down anyway.  If you've lasted this long through my entry, you're a glutton for punishment, but I'm sure you've had days like this, too.  I think this season brings on all kinds of thoughts, especially as I think back on Christmases past, specifically, Decembers past.

Oh, well--even I am tired of writing, so I'll end here.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that Christmas finds you recognizing the real REASON FOR THE SEASON and celebrating the birth of our Savior with joy and thanksgiving for all we have been given.  It's a beautiful time of the year, no matter what!

"Our true friend, Whom alone we can trust, is Jesus Christ.  When I depend upon Him, I feel so strong that I think I could stand firm against the whole world."                                  --St. Teresa