A Glass of WIne

......and everything is OK. I'm breathing without stress now in the month of January - most obligations are fulfilled or too late to fulfill and I'm happy to have only one "to do" list going and it's very short.
Are you feeling the same way? I am grateful to be at this point in my life to be able to enjoy my kids, their company and how they are growing each and every day before my very eyes.

What has this to do with a glass of wine?

I have one glass of wine sometimes at the end of the day. Not every day. When I've got no where to go or anyone to see or meet nor any social or sporting events....I'll have one glass of red wine. It's, too me, a simple indulgence and makes me feel civilized in my uncivilized and completely uncultured life (at the moment). Being around a 4-year old every day makes one not feel very cultured and stumps ones vocabulary to single syllables....and it's hard to shake when confronted by actual adult conversation! Ha - the humor doesn't escape me. Hardly ever does.

A glass of wine. Laughter. Hmmm....some nice sharp cheese and crusty bread and I'm basically in heaven!

David and Goliath

I read this story with my son today about David slaying Goliath. It is always a good reminder of how powerful God is and the boys like the story because a boy like them slayed a giant with a slingshot and a stone.
Today, the story, although heard by my son many times, was relayed to his older brother because the part he thought was funny was when Goliath says to David "Are you coming at me with sticks like I am a dog?"
How great is the bible that we can read it over and over again and come away with something different or current to our lives at the moment? It's like we can read the same passage many times over and still get something else out of it.
And....of course, reading it through the eyes of a child is always enlightening. Our God has given us this lasting guide to get though our crazy world and it can apply to all of us at any particular time.
Quite vast is God's knowledge, wisdom and love. Would that I could have a small morsel...

Did you Vote?

Tomorrow is election day. The hype is finally going to be over and hopefully whichever way the vote goes it's a decisive one because if we have more controversy over this election like for Bush/Gore I think I'll go mad.
I remember voting for the first time. I lived in St Petersburg, Florida and was so excited to be standing in line waiting to cast my vote. MY vote. It was a special day because I really felt like what I had to say mattered in this huge country - and that is pretty important.
If you've never voted - I urge you to sign up and make your voice heard. It's so important that we all get our voice and that we are all counted. So many people in this great country's past fought and often died for our right to vote. Especially as a woman, when our history shows that women didn't have a voting voice for so long - so it's particularly important that we stand up today and make our vote count.
No matter what your party affiliation, take some time to research the candidates platforms and see what is important to you in this world and CAST YOUR VOTE.
One grain of rice can tip the scale.

Halloween Alternatives? I'm over it

So what's the big deal? I mean - it's one day, kids get dressed up and go door-to-door to get candy and we're done. Why the extra days during October to get candy on weekends before Halloween - doesn't that take the anticipation away from the real day?
As a kid, I remember it was very exciting to get candy on that day and it seemed like an enormous amount. I know I never finished the bottom of my pumpkin basket ever, so my Dad probably took the rest to work or something.
Nowadays, it seems like there are so many "safe alternatives" being held but way prior to the actual date of Halloween and people aren't using it as an alternative but more of an additional opportunity to get more candy.
More candy?
Can you imagine?
As for me and my house, we'll just keep going door-to-door on the real Halloween and make it a light, fun holiday. No need for gore or horror - just a fun day, let them eat like five pieces of candy when they get home and they are in heaven.
OK. I'm done with my rant. I promise.
Moving on.

Day after Halloween

Thank GOD that the time finally changes tomorrow....it seems like my biological clock has been waiting for it to happen - like when you lie awake in the morning waiting for the alarm to go off because your mind knows it's coming?? OK - maybe that's just me.

Now, though, I feel the pressure of AHHHH November???? Already???? I mean - seriously now it's like a snowball going down a steep slippery mountainside on it's way to Christmas Day. I wish I could slow the clock down - just make every day a little longer and slower so there would be time to do all the fun stuff that this season brings. So many goodies to bake, so many people to hug and pray for, so many traditions - it's so much fun.

So I'm off to go pull down the Halloween decorations from outside and pack them away for another year - fortunately, there aren't too many. Whew.

Until next time --

Okay Okay - It's been awhile

I've been running like crazy busy..............I guess with three kids and being home and able to volunteer AND having my own online business AND co-chair of my kids fundraising event this year.................well, it does keep me out of trouble I guess.

I have three Craft shows I'm doing this season and I can't say I'll be sad when they are over. Although I love to have the sales, it does take it's toll. I was exhausted after last Saturday's event - I think it's just being up and selling and talking to people. You won't sell too much if you sit in the booth and keep your head down...right?

Anyway - last week, after the show, I had to pack everything up, shuttle back to the house, unpack and then load up the kids for a pool party (with Halloween costumes in tow) and then after the pool party we went off to a Halloween party! Whew. I could barely keep my eyes open. We were SO overbooked.

But, tis the season to overbook, isn't it? I cannot even begin to think about soccer season starting on November 1st for two kids on two different fields....and then of course, Thanksgiving and well, Christmas just rushes itself in there and before we know it we'll be wearing silly hats and drinking bad champagne and ringing in 2009.

OKAY OKAY - I'll slow down, but that's how my mind works. It's why I have to take each week as it comes and write lists....so I don't STRESS....................

How do you handle it???

SALE going on

Well, I've finally done it. I've created a SALE section in my Etsy store - jensjewelry.etsy.com.
Mostly it's earrings and I've marked down most below the $10 mark. I'm looking at cool items that have just been sitting there for awhile.
So - if you're one of those people who likes to shop EARLY for Christmas presents OR you have lots of women to buy for birthdays in the Fall - grab some of these. Great quality, super price!
Personally, if I buy early for Christmas presents one of two things happen: 1) I forget that I bought it or forget where I hid it OR 2) I love it so much that I end up giving it to the person well ahead of time and have to buy something else anyway!!! It doesn't work for me, but I know so many well planned people out there who do this, so THIS IS FOR YOU!