352 / 365: Spirit of Christmas....

The 3 boys and I had a joyous evening Christmas caroling at a local fast food joint. This is an outreach program done at my "work" church. We had an awesome turnout from the church....and free food to boot!

As I stood there playing my guitar through the usual set list of Christmas tunes, it hit me. I'm in the Christmas spirit!! There were little children dancing while their parents were ordering, smiles on both sets of faces. A mom requested we sing "Happy Birthday" to the little girl having a party in the back corner. People pulled chairs up to join us in song. Even the young workers behind the counter were mumbling some of the words. As the fam and I were eating, one kind lady came up to us and thanked us for singing and playing. Good times.

Making people happy. Why can't the world try to do that in a month that doesn't start with "D"?

Until next time....smile away!

351 / 365: Gratitude....

The van's battery died today. Knew it was coming, but today was not a good day.

Or was it?

The van was home. It could have died anywhere in the county, with all the driving I did this week. MGR was home due to the snow day. This allowed me to take his car to work.

I fretted all day: battery? starter? alternator? All?

When I got home, we pulled the jumper cables out and opened the hood. Corroded battery acid all over. Mystery solved.

SuperHubby finally got the jump to work and we were able to get the van to the auto store for a new battery w/ free installation.

As we celebrated over pizza, I pondered how thankful I should be. This episode could have been a LOT worse. Thank you God for keeping this issue simple.

Until next time....thank away!

350 / 365: Almost there....

The boys have officially started their Winter Break! I have 6 more hours tomorrow.

SNOW FAIR!!

Until next time...snow away!!

349 / 365: Celebrating

Note one is in a jacket, ready to make one last excursion before the "storm". The other is in his inside out, backwards PJs, hoping for a snow day.

Wishes come true at Christmas!

While this is a little storm (2-5"), I'll take it! A day to chill, clean, get ready for Christmas, and chill some more. Needed and wanted!

Until next time....snow away!!

348 / 365: Inspiration....

I just finished watching the "Biggest Loser" finale. What an inspiration!

I haven't been really bad this holiday season, but I haven't been good either. Exercise has plummeted off my "To-Do" list and I'm feeling it. Stiff, lethargic and just "blah".

This lard butt needs to get going before I go! These elves need me.....

Until next time....exercise away!

347 / 365: White Christmas?

What a beautiful surprise this morning!!

About 2" of lovely snow fell this morning. It was totally unexpected, as schools in the area scrambled to announce delays and closings.

CCPS did not choose this route. We had school. Of course this is the day I head to the western part of the county, in the hinterlands near the Amelia County line. Luckily my NY driving helped me to avoid many close calls.

Maybe this snow is a sign of the upcoming winter. From my blog to God's eyes....

Until next time....dream away!

346 / 365: Teaching Angels

This happy little country school is where MGR teachers and JOR and SRR learn. It is filled to the brim with very caring teachers and staff.

The ones that have the "honor" (or in some cases, "horror") of teaching the boys will get a little something from us this week. The theme is, "Enjoy the Holidays from your taste buds to your tootsies!". How I wish I could've done more, but being CCPS employees, we're feeling the pinch.

However, I need them to know that I REALLY appreciate everything they have done for the boys. They go the extra mile for them and I am grateful they are in my boys' lives. I also want to thank all of them for putting up with my "oldest" son! :-) They are true angels for putting up with three R's in the same building!! God bless them all...every one!!

Until next time....smile away!