Santa's Not Real? Actual Explanations I've Given to My Own Children That the Big Guy Exists

My oldest two children have reached that age.  You know...the age where they question just about everything...and seem to be sure that Santa just doesn't exist.  What can I say?  I don't think I've done too bad a job at keeping the magic of Santa and Christmas in their hearts - they are 11 and 10.  I've got some third graders that have already stopped believing in Santa - so to say that I've got a sixth grader and a fifth grader that have just reached that age?  Well, I think that's pretty good.

Even this year, despite their disbelief, they still have their questions....more like they're on the verge.  They want to say with a shadow of a doubt that he's not real, but Momma still isn't prepared to completely drop the whole thing - especially being that I still have a four year old in the house.

Over the years, I've had to come up with some pretty good explanations to the doubts that my kids have had about Santa.  Sure, I could have just let the magic go....and let them believe he doesn't exist much earlier - but I just can't do that.  So, I've compiled a list of actual answers I've given to my kids' questions about how Old St. Nick is able to do everything he does in one night.....and throughout the year.

I'll start with the more basic, and then work up leading to the most difficult question I've been asked thus far....

How does Santa get to every child all over the world in one night?

Well, Santa doesn't visit every child all over the world.  There are many children that don't celebrate Christmas, and so he doesn't visit those children.  It's not because he doesn't want to, he just doesn't because it's the parent's decision...and because of the many different religions and beliefs - he's not able to drop presents off for those kids.  Plus, there are the naughty kids....lots of them.  He doesn't visit them, either.  For the kids that he does visit, he does it with the use of time zones.  When it's 6pm here, it's midnight in England....that's when he's delivering presents there.  Australia is about 24 hours ahead of us, so he gets a full day start on delivering gifts to those kids.  When you think that Santa is delivering gifts in one night, he's not...he actually has a range of a couple of days that he gets to do his work.

If Santa doesn't visit the naughty kids, what do they get?

Many people think that naughty kids get coal.  I've heard that they don't get coal - they don't get anything.  I'm not sure why people say naughty kids get coal... maybe that's from a long ago tradition.  I've heard from the Top Dog himself that he doesn't even go to the houses of naughty kids - so no presents for them!

How does Santa know what to bring us even if we don't write him a letter?

You know how each year, I go out for the day without any kids allowed around the first week of December?  Well, that's because I'm meeting with Santa's helpers to let them know what you've asked for that year.  I give them some ideas - and they do the rest.

Just want to add a side note here... I once told my kids that Santa can see everything they do all year long.  Well, that blew up in my face when Peanut became scared to get dressed in her bedroom - because she thought there were tiny cameras in there watching her.  I quickly axed that explanation and said that Santa knows because I email him periodically and let him know everything they have been up to. 

Why do some people have all of their gifts under the tree before Santa even comes? 

Well, that's because some people like to put empty boxes under their trees...so that Santa just has to fill them on Christmas Eve.

Why don't we put the boxes under the tree, then?

That's because I pay extra for Santa to do all of the extra.  I'd rather him just wrap the gifts and bring them Christmas Eve night, rather than me wrapping the empty boxes.  I don't mind paying a little extra for the service - it helps me out, plus I get to be just as surprised as you guys on Christmas morning to see all of the gifts.

How come we get stuff that they sell at stores like Wal-Mart?  I thought Santa made all of the toys.

He used to make all of the toys...long, long ago.  That was before all the big, fancy toys came about.  Once the big electronic toys and gadgets came out, Santa thought it would be easier to work with big companies and have them make them instead.  The same companies that make toys for all of the department stores also helps Santa out with letting him have some to deliver to kids - for a cheaper price. 

Some of our friends get gifts from their parents AND gifts from Santa...how come you don't buy us any gifts?

Actually, I do...kind of.  Back in the old days, when Santa used to make his own toys, it didn't cost parents anything for him to visit.  Now, if we want our kids to get fancy gifts, we pay some money to Santa to help him out.  Some parents choose to just have Santa deliver a few gifts - and they buy the rest.  I think it's much more exciting if I just ask Santa to bring all of your gifts...again, for an added fee.  Giving you guys a good Christmas doesn't come cheap!

So, do you buy all of the presents that Santa brings?

No.  I never know exactly what Santa is going to bring you.  I give his helpers a list of things you want, then they give me an amount that I pay. It doesn't guarantee that you'll get everything you asked for, but it's an amount that will help.  Because of the economy, Santa has had a few problems - so us parents do what we can to keep him going. 


And here's one of the hardest explanations I've ever had to come up with....this year, in fact...

How come some of the kids at our school have never had Santa visit them, even though they celebrate Christmas?  They don't believe in Santa because he's never gone to their houses...and they're not naughty kids...if Santa was real, why would he skip over those kids?

Well, this is a tough one to explain.  You know how I told you that each year parents go and visit Santa's helpers to let them know what their kids want AND to pay the money that's needed to make it happen?  Well, there are some parents that just can't afford to do that.  Remember how I said that this Christmas would be a little smaller because money was a little tighter?  Well, some parents don't have any money to give to Santa...so they just don't go and see his helpers, because they think that they can't.  Them not visiting Santa's helpers leads to another problem Santa has to deal with.  When I go and see Santa's helpers, I have to give him permission to come in to our house on Christmas Eve night.  The parent's that don't go and see Santa don't know that they have to give him permission to go into their houses - so he's not able to go...even though he really wants to leave the kids something.

Just because he doesn't go to their houses on Christmas Eve doesn't mean he doesn't care, or that he doesn't want them to get things for Christmas.  What he does instead is ask all of the parents that go and visit his helpers to help him out with these kids.  People that work in schools, churches, and charities are special Santa helpers.  We help by raising money, collecting toys, and finding other ways to help kids get some gifts at Christmas.  Then other people help by donating money, toys, and foods to these places.  Everyone that visits Santa agrees to help out in some way for those kids that don't get a visit from him at Christmas.  Even though he doesn't have permission to go to the kids' houses himself, he's able to do what he can by rallying up others give those kids a Christmas. 

Is that why you ask us to sort out our clothes and toys before Christmas so that you can give them to charity?

Yes.  Yes it is.

So, there you have it.  This is how I'm able to keep the magic alive in my house each Christmas.  Some people think it's wrong to keep "lying" to my kids.  Well, that's the biggest bunch of bologna I've ever heard.  I grew up believing in Santa, and I'm not permanently scarred or altered in any way.  In fact, the belief I had in Santa was what made my Christmases so magical and amazing...and what led to my utter and sheer love for Christmas.

I keep Santa alive in my house not just for my kids - but a little for myself, too.  There's just nothing more wonderful than baking cookies for Santa with the kids, seeing their absolute excitement on Christmas Eve night, or seeing the wonder and amazement on their faces Christmas morning.

This year, the Big Guy has even helped me instill the importance of charity and giving this time of year... something I wasn't expecting, but worked out great.  My kids now have a bigger appreciation for what they get, and how they can help deliver the magic of Christmas to all children.  What's better than that?

Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

True Traditions Tuesday - The Traditions of Christmases Past

I know that Tuesday is usually the day that I come here to confess all of the things I've done throughout the week that I'm not too proud of - or maybe I am proud of.  It's a segment called True Confessions Tuesday.

Well, I don't feel like doing that today.... for the whole month of December, really.  I told you all last week how I wasn't going to be talking much - if any - about weight loss this month, so there's really no point in telling you all of my confessions.... believe me, you don't have that much time on your hands. 

So, instead of confessions... I've decided that Tuesdays - for the month of December - are going to be dedicated to Christmas traditions.    There's only three Tuesdays left until Christmas, including today.  Exciting, isn't it?  I figure I could get into the Christmas Carol spirit and do a Traditions post for Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas yet to come...or something like that. 

Today, I'll share the traditions of Christmases past....

Christmas Eve Day - Growing up, there really wasn't much we did on Christmas Eve.  Nothing major, anyway.  It was mostly a day spent at home waiting with high anticipation for the Big Guy to come visit.  To be honest, I don't really remember many Christmas Eves.  I'm assuming that's because I was so excited about Santa coming, that everything else was erased from my memory.  I do remember that there was NEVER any Christmas presents placed under the tree before Santa arrived. 

Christmas Eve Night - The Christmas Eve nights I remember could come right out of the book 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  My parents would do everything in their power to get myself and my three siblings into bed nice and early.  We'd each be given a pillowcase - that was our stocking.  My parents didn't believe in stockings...not for any other reason except you just couldn't fit enough in to a stocking.  A pillowcase had much more room.  We hung our pillowcases at the end of the bed, and let visions of sugarplums and presents dance in our head.  We lived in a two story home, and my bedroom was right over the living room.  I remember many Christmas Eves where I would be awoken by a clatter... but not from the lawn. It came from the living room.  I would lay in my bed barely breathing, as I was sure I heard Santa bustling around downstairs - and if he knew I was awake, he'd leave without giving me any presents. 

Christmas Morning Before My Parents Wake Up - When I woke up Christmas morning, I was not allowed out of my room - except to use the bathroom.  I was allowed to get everything out of my stocking pillowcase.  The pillowcase was always stuffed to the brim with all kinds of treasures.  It was tradition that there was ALWAYS a coloring book and either crayons or coloring pencils.  There were a few other small toys, but the majority of the loot was chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. 

Christmas Morning Once My Parents Were Up - My mom would usually come and get us from our rooms.  She would get me first, and then my brothers.  We walked down the stairs, and then would wait outside the door to the living room.  We would all stand together, and then my mom would open the door...where my dad was waiting on the other side, camera in hand, waiting to catch that perfect shot of our faces as we saw the amount of presents under the tree.  Once we got over the thrill of pure excitement, we were allowed in to the living room to pick a seat on the floor where we were to await our gifts.

The Presents - One thing my parents never allowed was mass grabbing and opening of gifts.  The gift opening was done one at a time.  One of my parents would play Santa, and once we moved to the States, my parents finally allowed one of us to take on the honor of handing out gifts.  Each person would open their gift, show everyone the gift, and then pose for the camera.  It was a long, drawn out ordeal - just the way I liked it.  Every Christmas there was always a "major" gift for each of us.  It ranged each year, but was usually some expensive form of electronic.  My brothers would get the latest gaming system, and I would get things like a new TV, a VCR, or a stereo.  If it wasn't electronics, it was something like a new bike, a new pair of roller skates (I was really in to roller skating as a kid), or something along those lines.  We never lacked in the amount of presents we got at Christmas.

After Presents - Once the wrapping paper finished flying, it was then time for milky coffee and cookies.  This was a coveted tradition in my parent's house - still is.  My dad would make coffee - even for us kids - using milk instead of water.  I guess that might explain my addiction to caffeine, now...my parents got me hooked from a young age.  Anywho, my dad made us coffee and my mom would open up a tin of cookies.  The cookies were just as much a tradition as the milky coffee was/is.  It wasn't just your run-of-the-mill cookies, oh no.  We had to have special cookies that came in a Christmas tin.  It was an assortment of all different types of cookies - shortbread, cream-filled, jelly-filled, chocolate covered..and so on.  We would then sit as a family and drink our coffee, eat the cookies, and talk about how excited and grateful we were for the gifts we'd received.

The Rest of Christmas Day - Once all the gifts were out of the packages, all of the kids spent the day playing with our new toys.  My dad would put on some Christmas music, and then my parents would be attending to Christmas dinner. I remember waking up every Christmas morning to the smell of  my dad's turkey cooking...again, another of my favorite traditions.  My dad would cook the turkey all through the night, so when we woke up Christmas morning, the house would be filled with it's wonderful aroma. 

Christmas Dinner - Christmas dinner ever since I remember has been the same...almost.  It is tradition that we eat turkey, stuffing, roast beef, roasted potatoes, three types of veg, Yorkshire puddings (a form of English bread is the best way to describe it - but it's actually made from a batter similar to pancake batter - just not sweet - and then baked in the oven), and gravy.  For dessert, we always had Christmas pudding and mince pies.  When we sat down at the table to eat, we would start with pulling our Christmas crackers (kind of like little party favors rolled up in fancy paper that would pop when you pulled them with the person sitting next to you).  We would then put on our paper hats - that were in the crackers - and eat.

Boxing Day - Boxing Day, in England...and Canada, too, is the day after Christmas.  It's basically a day dedicated to spending time with family, trying out all of the new games and toys received for Christmas, eating, drinking, and being merry.  It was/has always been tradition in my parent's house to eat leftover turkey and mashed potatoes for dinner on Boxing day.  My mom also lays out a spread of different pickles - dill, onions, etc. - to eat with the dinner.  In the evening, the whole family would partake in a few board games - usually new ones received for Christmas.

So, there you have it... Christmas in my house while growing up.  My parent's love for Christmas definitely had a huge impact on the way I celebrate Christmas now that I'm all grown up.  They always did what they could to make each Christmas special and magical - regardless of financial situations.  In fact, money was never a spoken issue in my house around Christmas time.  My parents would give everything they had to make sure that Christmas day was the most memorable day of the year - and they did a great job of it.  I remember many Christmases from my past.  To this very day, with kids still living at home, my parents do what they can to give my youngest brother and sister the same level of excitement this time of year.  Of course, my little brother and sister aren't receiving VCR's and Nintendo 64s...nowadays, they are getting flat screen TVs, laptops, and a PS3.  Ugh, I'm getting old.

Next week, I'll take you through the traditions that are in place in my house today.  You'll be able to see the impact my parents had on how I celebrate Christmas with my own children...some things I've kept, some things I've replaced.  Regardless, I always had the most amazing Christmases growing up. 

I'd love to hear about some of the traditions you had in your house growing up....tell me about them, would ya?

OK, everyone enjoy your Tuesday.

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

My 4 Year Old Christmas Miracle

Today is a very special day.  It is Jelly's 4th birthday.  It is the 4th anniversary of my receiving one of the three most wonderful gifts I've ever received....and this one just happened to be very close to Christmas.

I consider all of my children miracles - the fact that I was able to carry three children to full term, and then deliver them completely natural is a miracle.  Jelly's story is a little different, though. 

When Hubby and I got together, Peanut was 4 and Butter was 3.  Hubby was a natural father, despite not having any biological kids of his own.  He's not what most would consider warm and cuddly, but he knew that my two children were lacking a father figure - and filled those shoes immediately.  He took the reigns as supporter, provider, and care-giver immediately.  He cooked for the kids, cleaned up after them, and settled disputes over whose toy was whose.  The kids adored him from the first time they met him...and we were a perfect little family.

When Hubby settled in to our lives, he told me one thing - something I should know up front: He never wanted biological children of his own.  He was completely content with having a "ready made family" and wanted me to be aware of this decision...so I could run while I still had the chance.  I didn't run, because I had two children; one boy, one girl.  I thought my life was complete.

After a couple of years, however, I started getting that itch.  The itch that many women get when they hold a baby, or see a newborn.  They start to long for the chance to have another child - be up all night, feed, diaper, that sort of stuff.  There was a major reason for this itch, I suffered some major "women's problems" and was told that the I would probably never have any more children.

I had been on the depo shot since Butter was born. It had been about 4 years, and I hadn't had a visit from Aunt Flo in that entire time.  At my regular pap test, I was informed by my doc that it appeared that I had stop producing eggs.  I was 23 years old - and so to receive news like that was pretty devastating.  Even though I had no intentions of having any more children, hearing the news that I probably couldn't have any more even if I wanted them sent a pretty dramatic shock wave through my system.  The doctor believed that the combination of the depo shot and my weight had caused my body to just stop producing eggs each month.   I was immediately taken off of all forms of birth control to see if my system would adjust - and start working properly.

I should point out here that not producing eggs wasn't the major problem - the shot had also caused anemia, migraines, and other health related stuff.... the doctor's suggestion for fixing that stuff was also to be removed from all birth control.

For almost two years after getting off the shot, I didn't have a period.  There was no change to the pap test done 6 months after getting off the shot, or a year after.  My baby blues had increased 10 fold... I was sad, moody, and upset that I would never have the "option" of having another child. 

In February, 2007 I finally had my first period since getting off the shot in 2005.  In March of that year, I was given the all clear to get back on birth control - but was recommended to the pill.  I was a little slow at getting on the ball and getting on the pill.... but I will never forget the day I made the decision to get it done.

Hubby and I were sitting eating breakfast one morning at one of our favorite restaurants.  It was in April.  We were discussing stuff, and I mentioned that now I was in school (I started that January) - it was pretty important that I get on the pill pretty quickly.  As the words came out of my mouth, I got this little wave of something in my stomach.  I wasn't sure if it was just the food I was eating, or something else... but it was a weird feeling.  Driving home that very day, I got a call from my best-friend at the time.  She called to tell me that she had just found out she was pregnant.  Now, I'm not sure why - but the minute she told me her news, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I, too was pregnant.

I didn't say anything to Hubby.  I swallowed the feeling until the next day - when I could stop at the store on the way to work and pick up a pregnancy test.  I grabbed one, got to work, and peed on the stick.  Within about 30 seconds, I had the result I knew I would see - sure enough, I was pregnant.  I immediately went straight to my boss, told her I was sick, and went home.

The drive home was a long one.  I was excited, scared, happy, and sad.  I was about to break the news to the man I loved - who had been very clear that he didn't want biological children of his own - that I was pregnant. 

When I got home, he met me at the door.  I explained that I had some news to tell him - and that he should probably sit down.  He just looked at me.  I thought it was best to just get to the point, so I blurted it right out:  I'm Pregnant.

His reaction was not what I had expected.  He just responded with "OK".  That was it.  No being upset, no screaming or yelling.  Just an "OK". 

The next nine months were amazing.  Hubby supported me every step of the way - and even though he never showed any real excitement (that's just his way, though)....he was a part of the pregnancy.  He went with me to doctor's appointments, he was there for the ultra sounds...he did what any good Hubby would do. 

I was scheduled for my finals the first week of December.  Jelly was due the 14th of December - so I thought I'd be OK.  I was wrong.  At my doctor's appointment on December 3rd, the doctor said he felt that he needed to induce early - because I was measuring at 42 weeks...and he was concerned with the amount of water weight I was carrying around.

I was admitted to the hospital at 4pm December 4th.  I was given pitocin to start the contractions - but refused all medications.  By about 3am I had progressed nicely - but was in a lot of pain.  I was screaming and yelling.  Thank goodness my mom was there to take the brunt of my foul mouth.  The hospital was full of people anxious to meet my little Jelly.  My in-laws were there, my parents, my little brother and sister, Peanut, Butter, my pseudo-mother-in-law.  Finally, around 4am, it was time.  The room was cleared - of everyone but Hubby, Peanut, my mom, and my sister.  With a couple of good pushes, Jelly made her appearance in to the world.  When the doctor asked if Hubby wanted to cut the cord, he looked to Peanut and asked if she wanted to do it.  He made that little girl's dream come true.

So, on December 5th, 2007 - I was given a special Christmas gift. A healthy, 8lbs 11oz gift.  A gift that was one of the best surprises I'd ever had. 

It's now four years later - and every day that she has been in my life has been a blessing.  To see Hubby with her, you'd never guess in a thousand years that he never really wanted his own children.  He's a natural.  He adores Jelly, and Jelly adores him. 

Help me wish my little Jelly Bean a Happy Birthday today!! 

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Christmas in Ireland... Guest Post

Good morning, everyone!!

Today is a busy day for me.... it's Jelly's 4th birthday tomorrow, so today we're having a little birthday party for her.  It's kind of a surprise party.  She knows we're going to do something today, but she's not sure what.  Because of that, I wasn't really able to do anything yesterday in the way of getting ready.  I now have the time the kids are gone at church to clean my house, and go get groceries and the cake.  My family are all coming over to celebrate her day - so I'm sure it will be quite the hectic day.

Because of all that, and because I just couldn't wait to share this with you all.... I'm posting a guest post today.  It's from my friend, Chantelle who lives in Ireland.  I got to guest post over at her blog the other day about my Christmas traditions, and I was very excited for her to come and share some Irish Christmas traditions here.

So...here you go...

Hello there, my name is Chantelle, an Irish girl who can be usually found blogging about weight loss on www.projectchantelle.blogspot.com or about life in general on www.thelifeandtimesofchantelle.blogspot.com.  Joanna and I are doing a little blog exchange I guess, she featured on my blog sharing her Christmas memories and here I am sharing some Christmas love too!  Joanna asked me to talk about my Christmas plans as well as some of my accomplishments this year.

Christmas for me is pretty hectic; I will be working Christmas Eve and then traveling home to spend time with my family. Christmas Eve means a candlelit church service with my entire extended family, a visit to my Mom’s grave to lay wreaths, listening to the school choir singing hymns and then a family gathering in my Nan’s for cocktails and fun!  I stay with my Nan when I am home so when everyone has gone home, Nan and I get into our pyjamas, make some tea and chat until the wee hours, before we go to bed we open one present each and then head to bed.

This Christmas Day is going to be different as Nan and I are going to my aunt’s house for dinner.  Christmas morning will be presents and a chocolate filled breakfast (yum!) and then we will get all dressed up and walk to my aunt’s.  The day will be filled with laughter, love, food and naps. It is lazy but it is how we do things.  I would not have it any other way!

The day after Christmas is St Stephens Day, and is a pretty big deal.  St Stephen’s night is traditionally when everyone goes out to party, for me it is time to catch up with all my friends who are home for Christmas and go dancing.  It’s one of my favourite nights of the year!  Everyone is happy and ready to let their hair down.  Irish people tend to be good at that ha ha!  The day after is usually spent recovering in front of the TV eating turkey sandwiches and eating sweets.  Heaven!

2011 has been a pretty amazing year! I left Ireland in September 2010 to travel and I began the New Year in Bangkok, Thailand.  My boyfriend and I were drinking beers and watching the fireworks go off around the city, not too shabby!  We spent the first part of January lying on the beaches of Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui before heading to Malaysia and Singapore.  Coming home was a pretty big shock to the system, I did not know what to do with myself.  I was back living at home, my boyfriend was living two hours away back with his family, we were broke and trying to figure out what to do next.  We were lucky that we both managed to get our old jobs back and to get an apartment together.

Once I got back working I set about working on me, thus Project Chantelle was born. I’d gained a lot of weight in college and I was determined to finally lose it. So I joined Weight Watchers and 30lbs
later I have not looked back!  I still have plenty to lose but I can finally look in the mirror without hating myself and I think that’s a pretty good accomplishment for 2011.

My other accomplishment has been blogging, it is something I’ve always wanted to do and this year. I finally bit the bullet and ended up with not one but two blogs!  I really love it; it is like therapy for me and lets me indulge my creative side.  I’ve met some amazing people through blogging and I am grateful for that.  Especially when I get a chance to write for other people.  It is a big honour!

I added a few festive pictures from Cork for you to see Christmas in Ireland!

Happy Holidays!

Chantelle xxx

Thanks, Chantelle - that was a great post!  I love hearing about how everyone celebrates Christmas - especially in other countries.

Alright, now it's time for me to prepare for a birthday party!  Everyone have a wonderful Sunday - and if you get a few minutes, go over to Chantelle's blogs and say Hi!

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

BYOC is BACK!!!!

After a couple of Saturdays off from doing Bring Your Own Crazy, it's back...and I couldn't be more excited.  If you're new, BYOC is a little thing I do each Saturday.  It's a few questions created by one of my most favorite bloggers, Drazil, and then we share our answers so that we can get to know each other a little better.  This week, Drazil has come up with questions all related to a specific theme:  Where you live and why.

1. Describe the structure you live in. (apartment, condo, house, mansion, cardboard box?)

I live in a house.  Well, actually, it's a "modular home" which is a fancy way to say "mobile home".  Hey, I live in Arkansas!!  I don't like using the term mobile home - because it's not really mobile.  It's on a permanent foundation... so it's not going anywhere.

The house is about 10 years old... but feels and looks a lot older.  It's got 3 bedrooms and an office that's attached to the master bedroom.  It has 2 bathrooms, a double living room, and a huge kitchen.  The house has the potential of being beautiful - but it needs new carpets, paint, bathrooms....well... it needs a LOT of work.

2. Describe the city you live in. (population, main attractions)

Like Draz, I live in Podunk, USA.  The town has about 1500 people.  There's a school (which my kids do NOT attend), a few churches, a couple of convenient stores, a pizza place, a cafe, a general store, a bank, and a post office.  The town also houses two big chicken plants.  Those plants are about the only thing that keeps this little town alive.

I am not a fan of the town I live in - just because there's nothing here.  I'm more of a city girl...and so I spend all of my time (and money) in the closest two city's to us.  When I say city, I mean bigger towns - because you won't find any skyscrapers or any of that jazz.  The closest city to me is home to the biggest corporation in the WORLD.  Yep...it rhymes with Schmal-Smart.  I'm also very close to the home of J.B. Hunt, Tyson Chicken, and some other major corporations.  The other big town is the town in which I work.

Those big towns is where I do all of my grocery shopping, work, and play.  I live in a dry county - yet every restaurant in those towns serves alcohol.  Go figure.  If I want a night out on the town, I visit one county over - which is about 45 minutes from me.  There's a street right smack dab in the middle of a college campus that is nothing but bars, clubs, and restaurants.  I've spent many a girls' night out there. 

In the town in which I work, there's a huge outdoor mall, several outlet malls, hundreds of restaurants, just as many churches, and a lot of recreational stuff like movies, bowling, swimming, etc.  It's my dream to move there - one day... but I doubt that will happen.  Hubby prefers living out in Podunk.

3. Why do you live in the town you live in? (job, to get away from a different town, family, schools?)

I have no idea.  No, that's not entirely true.  We live here because we really don't have any other choice, at the moment.  My house belonged to my in-laws.  When they decided that they wanted to move into the bigger town, they gave us the option of taking over the payments to the house. At the time, we were living in a small two-bedroom apartment, and we were on the hunt for something bigger.  The house came with a very low mortgage payment, our own little plot of land - 5 1/2 acres to be exact, and the ability to buy it if we wanted.  The mortgage on this house was/is cheaper than the rent I was paying for the small apartment.  So, we couldn't pass up the offer.

4. What’s the view like from your backyard?

Of everything I don't like about my house - there is one thing I LOVE....and that's the view from my back deck.  We live in the forest...literally...so when you look out the back door, you see nothing but trees.  We really don't have a backyard, per say, just because there's about 10ft of grass before the forest starts.  However, in that forest - almost every morning - is the most beautiful wildlife.  I have deer that walk right up to the house, raccoons, beavers, foxes, squirrels, skunks, chipmunks...and so on and so on.  I actually had Hubby build me my back deck just so I'd have somewhere to sit and look into the woods.  It's breathtaking, really. 

During the spring, when I was struggling with school and finding a job, I spent many hours on that back deck just finding my peace.  As much as I really don't care for where I live - I have to say that if I ever moved, I would miss looking in to those woods.  Seeing a momma deer with her babies is one of the most beautiful sights that can be seen when you're a little down. 

5. Repeat question: How has your week been in blogland and in real life?
  
Blogland has been FANTASTIC!  I kicked off my Christmas countdown with a very heartfelt letter to Santa.  A couple of days ago, I also found out I won a blog giveaway!  I won a copy of My Memories digital scrap-booking software - courtesy of my friend Renee over at Renee's Ramblings.  My hope is that I can use the software to dabble around with a new blog design or at least sprucing the place up bit.

Real life has been good.  Dealing with the drama at work sucked donkey balls a little - but I quickly swept that crap under the rug and moved on.  Now, I'm full of Christmas spirit and happiness.  My mood is great, my family are all great....life is...well.... great.  Tomorrow, I'm having Jelly's birthday party.  She's going to be 4 on Monday, sniff.  I can't believe she's getting so big.  Four years old, already...doesn't even seem possible. 

OK, so if you want to join in with BYOC - please do!!  Go copy the questions on your own blog - and then come back and tell me when you did.

Things have been very quiet around here, lately.  I'm not sure if people have just moved on to better things - or if Christmas just has everyone so busy, that they're just behind in reading blogs.  I'm hoping it's the latter - and I'm guilty of that, too. 

Alright, I'm off to play with my new scrap-booking software.  

Everyone have a fantastic Saturday!!

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Dear Santa...

It's me.  Joanna.  You know...the girl that should probably work for you, being that I consider myself the queen of Santa is Real Proof stories.  Of course you know, you know everything, you see everything.


Being that you know all and see all, you know how good I've been this year.  You also know how hard I've worked, and the struggles I've overcome.  For some reason, the song Santa Baby just popped in my head.  As tempting as it is to ask you for a bunch of cool things for myself, that's not why I'm writing to you today.


This is the first year where both of my oldest two children have reached the age of disbelief.  I know, I'm as shocked as you are.  I mean, how can two these two children stop believing in you - when I work so hard to keep you as a part of our Christmas?  Every year since they were born, you have been the main attraction at Christmas.  All of their gifts come from you, they get video messages from you.... I don't get it, either, but it is what it is.  I guess that's partly why I've decided to write to you, this year, because the older two kids won't.  


I've taken the liberty of explaining to my children - and all the children I work with - that the economic times has had it's toll on you.  With as many people as there are without jobs, or struggling to make ends meet...you have also had the same issues, I know that.  I've tried to explain to them that you will do what you can, because I know that you will.  Regardless of how many gifts you've delivered in the past, this year may be a little smaller than what they are used to...and they are fine with it.


I just would like to point out, though, that it's come to my attention that some of the kiddos I work with have never been visited by you.  I was shocked.  I mean, I know that you would never skip over a house deliberately.  A lot of these kids have done quite a bit of moving around, so I assume that you never got their updated address.  I understand - but I'm hoping that this year, you'll make sure you have all the lists and children triple checked...cause it will break my heart to hear that another Christmas has gone by and they still haven't received anything from you.


Although, again, with the economic times - I understand.  That's also why I wanted to post my letter to you here... so that maybe I could recruit some help from you this year.  As I consider myself one of your volunteer helpers, I want to do what I can... but I don't have the funds to buy gifts for all of the children that have never been graced with your presents - pun intended.  


I know that Christmas is more than just giving gifts - and to the kids that I've spoken to, Christmas is just about being with family and making the most of what they have.  It's heart wrenching and heart warming to hear from kids that know who you are, but don't hold any grudges against you that you seem to have forgotten about them each year.  They consider their house, their parents, their school, and their teachers to be gifts....gifts they need much more than toys.  Now, tell me that hearing something like that doesn't pull at every heart string beating in your chest?


My hope in writing this letter to you, is that maybe..just maybe...other people might step in and help me try to make a little bit of difference to all of these children this year.  Whether it be donating a toy at the department stores running a toy drive, collecting all of the no longer needed toys at their houses and recycling them for children who would love them, picking a child off of the Angel trees, or donating a few dollars to an organization that buys gifts for kids, my hope is that all of the kids that have never heard from you gets a little taste of what you're about this Christmas.

In Christmases past, I've known that there are kids out there that don't get anything for Christmas.  I'd heard about it - but never seen them or met any of them.  I always took for granted the blessings that I'd been able to share with my own children.  I truly believe, that maybe you had a hand in leading me to the job I have now.  I needed to be with these kids that have so much love in their heart without the possessions or cool toys.  They are happy kids.  Kind kids.  Kids that care about each other.  They don't deserve more than other kids get for Christmas, but I believe they deserve something - don't you?  

I heard a story a couple of weeks ago that literally had me bawling like a baby.  I heard of a story of a 5th grade girl that sobbed when she received a gift from you - that had been kindly given by one of your "volunteers".  The girl sobbed and sobbed.  When asked why she was crying, she explained "I've never received a gift from Santa, and I've never received a gift that had my name on it".  This year, I want to hear more stories like this one.  I want to hear that volunteers, on your behalf, have helped make kids' dreams come true by receiving a gift at Christmas.  

This is all I want for Christmas, this year.  My kids are covered.  Don't worry about us.  Despite my previous thoughts that I wouldn't be able to give my kids a good Christmas, I've learned that what they get is far more than what others will get.  They will be just fine, and have a magical Christmas - like always.  I now want other kids to feel that same feeling.  I will do my part to do everything in my power this year - and every year from now - doing what I can to help all of the kids I work with have a great Christmas.  I know that I won't be able to do it alone - and it is my request... my gift request, if you will...that others can help me with this task. 

I hope this letter reaches you in time.  I have full faith that you'll do what you can - and for that I'm truly grateful.

Your loyal honorary Elf,

Joanna


Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

The Last Mantra of the Year

Good morning, Sugarplums!!

Do you feel the buzz in the air that the month of December brings?  Hopefully it's a warm, fuzzy buzz.... don't want no Scrooge's - thankyouverymuch!

I'm buzzing...with excitement, warmth, happiness.....the Christmas season is upon us in full force - and I couldn't be any happier.

Before I get to my new monthly mantra for December, I want you all to pop on over to Chantelle's blog.... yes, right now... go on... off you go....  I had the wonderful pleasure of guest posting for her today.  My guest post is the first of a series she is doing on her blog for Christmas.  Each day, a new blogger will share a story about Christmas traditions.  I was so excited she asked me to  be a part of it - and honored that I got to be the first person to post.  So, again....get yourself over there and have a looksie. 

I had a lot of fun writing that post.

OK, so now on to my post for today....my new Monthly Mantra.

Last month, Rejuvenate was the word for the month.  I knew that I was stuck in a rut of not really focusing on my weight loss...and just needed a break.  I think I did a pretty good job of rejuvenating.  I took a step back from the hustle and bustle, and just destressed.  By the time Thanksgiving got here, my rejuvenation paid off.  There was no stress for Thanksgiving, and my entire family got to reap the benefits of a calm, happy Joanna.  Definitely a win for all parties involved.

So, this month... I want to follow that same path.  With the year I've had, I'm no fool to believe that I'm magically going to start thinking about weight loss now.  It's Christmas....it's just not going to happen.  Because of that, I decided that there was only really one mantra that was going to suit my mood for the month....and that would be?  RELAXING!!

Yes, Relax is my mantra for December.

Looking at the picture above, I just want to curl up on the couch with a book or a good Christmas movie.  I want to snuggle with my kids, and sip hot chocolate.  I just want to not worry about anything but having a good time, this Christmas.  In order to do that?  I've just got to relax.

I have only 12 work days left before I get two full weeks off for Christmas break.  Twelve days, that's it!!  My mind has already checked out and gone in to full blown Christmas celebration mode... but I have to be strong for twelve more days.  With all the fun that's going on at work, I know I can do it.  I'm taking part in Secret Santa, a Cookie Exchange, and will watch my two oldest kids perform in their Christmas programs.

I've got so much to make up for, this year.  Last year, I was up to my eye balls in homework and spent a majority of my time in front of my computer writing papers and lesson plans.  I wasn't able to fully get in to Christmas mode until two days before Christmas.  That's not happening this year, no sir.  

Speaking of writing papers - I need you guys to do some writing for me.  Pretty please?  I want to hear about some of the traditions you do in your house for Christmas, funny Christmas stories, Christmas traditions... the works.  I will be randomly posting guest post features throughout the month.  You guys are the main reason I come here each day and pound away at this keyboard.  I want to share my love for you all by letting you share right here on my blog.  Email me if you're interested.

My mind is full of Christmassy ideas that I want to do on my blog and in real life.  Tomorrow, I will be writing my letter to Santa.... it's about time the Big Guy heard from me.  I don't want to leave it too late.

Alright, that's enough from me for one day.  Go check out my guest post - if you didn't when I asked you to... Right HERE.    Email me if you're interested in writing a little something for my blog.  You can get my email address in the Contact Me button on the top tool bar.

Everyone have a WONDERFUL first day of December.... and remember, RELAX! It's Christmas!

Till next time. ;)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter