It's been awhile

I feel like it's been forever since I last posted! Things in my little corner of the world have been quite hectic. I mean, really, it's just a hellish time of the year anyhow. Have you ever noticed that around the holidays when there should be peace on earth, goodwill towards men, there is usually chaos and utter rudeness?! It never ceases to amaze me how horrid people can be at this time of year. It's a pity, really. It's such a joyous season! I LOVE IT! It brings such color and vibrance to an otherwise dreary landscape. My boys have of course been going a little nuts. It's hard enough to keep four boys under some semblance of control but throw in a overdone, ultradecorative holiday and you can forget any order you thought you could have! They've been managing pretty well I guess. Jon's social calendar is a whirlwind of activity. He has several Christmas parties to attend and a New Year's Eve party at church. That will be a first for him and he's soooooo excited! He usually spends NYE at home with his bros. This will be such a change of pace! I have a work party on Saturday. I'm excited because it's a semi date for me and Jared! I'm decking the halls and going all out! I bought a great dress today for the occasion. Hopefully he'll love it! My Christmas shopping is officially done as of yesterday. Don't hate me. This is actually late for me. I used to have it done by Thanksgiving. These last couple of years I've been slipping. BUT, it's done and I feel very good about my gift selections. That's about it for now. BUT, I wanted to share a quick story.....
Today, while leaving Walmart, Tanner and I encountered an elderly man in a santa hat. He was dressed somewhat shabbily with a big gray beard and a shopping cart with two gigantic garbage bags in it. I thought he was looking for bottles and cans to recycle. I did think it odd that he was on a cell phone. As Tanner and I walked by, he reached into one of the bags, pulled out a flourescent green hippo stuffed animal and handed it to Tanner. "Here you go young man!" Tanner quickly took it and hugged it...grinning from ear to ear. (I was reminded of how EASY it would be to abduct this child who willingly will take a stuffed hippo from a total stranger) I reminded him to say thank you which he did. The gentleman got off his phone, explained that he had about 300 stuffed animals and had decided to give them out during Christmas. I told him that was so kind and thoughtful and thanked him again for giving Tanner one. As we walked away, Tanner happily hugging his hippo, he looked up and me and said, "Mom, Santa IS real!" It was so sweet, I got a little teary eyed and smiled at him. "Yes he is Tanner, you must have been extra good this year for him to come early and give you a present!"