What Am I to Do With That Child

I just had Bekah tell me the most ridiculous thing. She said that her friend's mother thinks that Bekah is a bad influence.


At first I was offended by that. I got to thinking of all of Bekah's qualities, good and bad and couldn't for the life of me see what in the world this woman is thinking.



I'm not saying Bekah is perfect, cause she isn't. I can't tell you how many times I have almost tripped over her back pack or a pair of shoes that have been left in the middle of the floor.



But to say she is a bad influence, that just floors me.



When I think how ridiculous this is I just shake my head and wonder about some people.


Does this look like the face of someone who is a bad influence? I think not.

Still in the Box

I would like to say that it's this time of year that gets me down. Unfortunately that isn't the case this time. I've actually been able to do some things this year for Christmas that I haven't been able to do for a couple of years. The rest just is. For me, depression is like being in the middle of a box. I get close to the edge and find there's no way to get out. I go around and around looking for a gate and there isn't one. Add to that the inside of the box is pitch black and it's a no win situation. At least I had some time with the CTR's this last weekend and I got to talk with my missionary too. Those have been the highlights of the last few days.

Christmas 2010

Cat is in the tree at John and Diane's.


Bekah got art supplies to feed her new hobby.


Daryn helping my teddy bear open his present.

If looks could kill I just might be dead. My big CTR isn't too happy right here, but that changes in a few moments.



This is one of the gifts Laura received. Yes, it is a snuggie with a Jayhawk.

Every year at this time of year Joe and the kids ask me what I want for Christmas. I never know what to say so I always say a clean house, which for some reason I never get. I've also asked for a couple of years for a nice pair of diamond stud earrings. Nothing big mind you, but small ones that I could wear all the time. But for some reason I never get those either. This year I decided ask for something a little more tangible never thinking that I would get it. Well... I got what I asked for.

Funny thing is that really is what I wanted for Christmas. I wonder if there is some subliminal suggestion I'm telling myself with this

Christmas Lights

Every year at this time there are so many wonderful display of twinkling lights. It's been a tradition in our family to see certain homes every year. We added to that list this year that I think we will keep. Here are a few of them.


These are all at one house at 127th and Murlen. There must have been about 100+ inflatable decorations here, mostly of penguins. It even has a name Polly"s Penguin Playhouse



Linda, my big CTR, Lauren Goss, Dani Allee, Laura, and Becky Rathjen under one of the inflatables.




Even Santa supports the troops


The next stop is one that I have been doing since I was a little girl. The display is mostly the same year after year, but Mr. Babbick does a few things different to keep it fresh. This year one of the new additions was the red sleigh, perfect for a photo op.



I wonder where he parks his car?


Laura

Linda with CTR junior and Grandpa with CTR senior

My big blueberry

Linda with both CTRs

I'm sure someone thought this was funny, but something about this tree gives me the willies.


127th and Nelson in Olathe was a new stop this year. It reminded me of the displays at Longview Lake.



The neighborhood at 131st and Antioch. The whole cul de sac is decorated, but I just go a couple of the houses.





Last but not least, okay yes really least, my very own "Charlie Brown" tree

Bah Humbug

Warning the contents of this post could be disheartening to your mental health. Writer can not be held responsible for any dismay felt.

Let me just say this, depression really sucks. Most days I can cope with it, but ever so often I get a bad episode. That's happening right now. Usually too I can identify the trigger and work it out. Not so this time. This episode came on fast and hard kind of like a crash and burn. I was telling someone that it was an emotional train wreck. Even with the wonderful things this season brings it has been extremely difficult if not impossible to feel the Christmas Spirit. Sorry this is such a downer, but I did warn you.

Date Night with the Men Between the Pages 2010

Stephanie and Brad Bishop

Darci and Patrick Evans

Joe and me

Leslie and Tom Frederickson

Maria and Chris Miller

Mary Ellen and John Naylor

Just the Pageturners

All of us

The Men Between the Pages

Inside Shadow Glen Country Club

Every year in December for the past several years we have a Christmas party as a book group and let our husbands join in the festivities. It's always a great time. Quite often there will be one gift that just makes it even more fun. This year was no exception.

Beautiful ornament from Leslie


Stephanie with her gift from Maria, a unique jewelry box with an adorable bookmark from Belize. A blue stocking can never have too many bookmarks.

Darci with her gift from Mary Ellen, a delicious sweet snack mad with a special blend of seasonings.

Opening Stephanie's gift. This was the one that had us practically rolling on the floor laughing. Sometimes one just needs a little perking up.

Stephanie with the gift I gave everyone, s snowman book mark and s'mores in a jar. Not very clever, but made with lots of love.


This is what the men were doing while we opened our gifts. They seem so excited.


Time for some games?