Last year, Josh and I went out on Black Friday to just see what the craze was all about.  My dad was in line at 3 am to get a tv.  We took him some hot chocolate, laughed at the crazy people in the cold long lines, then sat in Chick-fil-a enjoying some breakfast.  We tried to go to some stores but quickly gave up and went home to our sleeping baby.  I said I’d never get out in that crazy mess again.

Well, this Black Friday we went out again.  This time for appliances for our new house.  It ended up being a very productive 8 hours (2:30 am to 10:30 am).  We got a tv, washer and dryer, fridge, oven, mircowave, and dish washer, plus some toys for Will and Reagan.  So, when I had a reason to be in the mess, it was okay. 

But, would I kill to have those deals, I mean literally?  Absolutely not!  I would gladly hand them over to the guy beside me before I killed someone.  You know, after hearing that story about the guy in New Jersey, I had to wonder about those people at that Walmart.  Do they value ‘good deals’ more than a life?  I mean, who knocks someone over then steps on him and doesn’t stop to see if he is alright? 

Imagine what that man’s family must be going through.  This man was killed because someone wanted to be the first to get a tv or a toy or whatever it was.  What a way to die! 

I wonder if those people even feel bad.  Josh just read to me that some were angry that the store was going to be closed because of the death.

You know, it would probably be a good idea if most of us slowed down a little and remembered what Christmas is all about.  Even though society has made Christmas more about the presents, Christians need to keep the real meaning foremost in our minds.  This is still a celebration of Jesus’s birth.  Without His birth and ultimate death on the cross, there is no meaning to life, much less Christmas. 

I don’t understand the senseless death of a Walmart worker.  However, I think there is some connection between it and the forgotten meaning of this wonderful and fun holiday.

For most of us, we don’t have to worry about being a murderer this shopping season, but also remember to be careful what you say and do.  You know, words can ‘kill.’  Keep a merry attitude, even when the frustration and stress seem to overcome you.  After all, it is just stuff, and in the end, it’s not worth a life!

There is nothing more precious in life than to hear your son tell his little sissy, “It’s Jesus!” while pointing at his Bible.  In a world of complete chaos and instability, it’s good to know that there is One they will be able to turn to.  The same One their Mommy and Daddy turn to!

Thank you, Lord!

Tomorrow they will start digging the basement of our new house.  To say I am excited would be the understatement of the year. 

We started this process back when Josh and I got married in 2005.  Because of money, it ended after only finding the house plans.  Then, back at the beginning of 2008, we got pretty serious about building again because of Josh’s new job.  Now, in November, it’s ready to begin.

There have been a lot of hassles, but when I get in that beautiful new home, I will forget them all. 

I’ll keep info posted about the new house over the next few months.

Okay, so how long can you actually blame your weight on your new baby?  One month?  Nine?  After all that’s how long it took to gain the weight!  More than nine?  Some people with children grown up still say things about their weight being linked to their children’s births. 

Regardless of how long is long enough or too long, I’m stopping the blame game now.  It’s been 6 1/2 months since Reagan was born, and my weight hasn’t budged.  Well that all has to change because of a promise I made myself for my family.  I said that I would never let my weight get in the way of my life or even shorten my life.  There are enough things out there that we can’t control.  However, my weight is not one of them.  And even thuogh it hasn’t affected my life yet, (except being unhappy in my clothes), if I don’t do something, it will in the future.

So….this morning, I got up at 6:50 a.m. to exercise.  Wow, that Taebo tape seems a lot longer than it did two years ago when I could repeat it back to back to back!  Nevertheless, I did it!  And tomorrow I’ll be up at 5:15 to exercise before work.  I used to exercise late at night, but now I fall asleep with Will. 

Oh, and one more thing.  Talk about blame game.  I’ve said numerous times that I couldn’t exercise because my kids would be in the way, and possibly get kicked or punched.  Well, wrong again!  Reagan got up with me, and Will woke up about half way through.  He ate some breakfast, laughed at me a little, and then he himself began to exercise.  So cute!!!

So, my blame game ends.  I am taking responsibility of this issue, and hopefully we’ll get this taken care of over the next year.  I’d like to lose 80 pounds…can I do that in a year?  Less?  Well, one day at a time.  And this one is going to take some serious prayers!

     Yesterday, I got a forward from a friend that showed Marines overseas.  The pictures were all of men sleeping in very uncomfortable places, such as in holes dug in sand, on the pavement, and against machinery.  The forward went on to say how we need to be thankful for all our moments here in America, even the annoying little moments.

     So, since then, I have found myself thankful for my husband, even though he let Will cry when I was trying to leave the house.  Yes, and thankful for my two high-strung kids even though I was tired to the bone after work.  And, thankful for my crazy students, even when they refused to concentrate.  Even thankful that I have a faculty meeting in a few minutes. 

     Isn’t it funny how a little email can remind us of all the things we already know.  Sometimes, I really get caught up in getting through the day, and I forget to thank God for all I have to get through.  Stable job.  Two beautiful babies.  Amazing husband.  Great church.  Wonderful family.

     It is beneficial to put things into perspective every once in a while.  So, yes life is good.  God has been better to me than I ever deserve, and my new goal is to realize and acknowledge all the blessings, both BIG and small.