WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two
children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after
hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally
made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming
pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that
perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card
list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into
the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't
take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and
shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified
him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed,
purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

-- Author Unknown

Until the whole world hears!

A Penny from Daddy

It started because I wanted something.  A crock pot.  We didn't think we would use ours here, so we left it (either put it in storage or sold it at the yard sale, I have no idea).

I occasionally take our saved change to the Green Coin Star and get an Amazon gift card, I know, I feel ghetto doing it, but I have to do something with all that change Bill leaves on the dresser.

So on Saturday, I drag Bill with me to Foodland, and dump my coins in the slot.  Have you ever used one of these, its a coin counter ...  super loud.  Any way the coins clink their way down and the screen shows a tally.  (btw I guesstimated $38.00 and Bill guessed $50.00...we got $50.06).  If you get a gift certificate, there is no charge, but if you select cash money (you know to buy cigarettes and booze) the machine takes 8%.

Sometimes a coin is defective so it goes in the reject slot.  I always try these coins a second time and usually they make it through the second time.  So, while standing there in front of the green machine, I empty the reject slot maybe twice.  We got our total, but then noticed a lone penny sitting in the reject slot.  I put it in the hopper again.  It slowly, noisily made its way back to the reject slot.  Again I put it in the hopper, and then it hit me!  Wait!   I listened, and clink out into the reject slot a final time.

A message from Grandmom.  I turn the penny over, a wheat penny.  Nope, Daddy saying Hello!

If you Wanna Laugh...Go Here...

Bad Santa Photos

Baby Thomas

He is so sweet.  If  I could give him one bit of advice.  Let Mommy sleep more!  He is so sweet.  The little shirt he is wearing has a C-130 on it (Alex's airplane). 

Lauren and Alex really seems to have this whole parenting thing down, Lauren especially.  She was by herself for nearly 3 weeks with a month old baby.  Alex come home just a day before we left, and it was great to see him in action too. 

I remember holding my babies for the first time.  It was awesome, even if I was worn out.  But seeing your own children hold their children.  It's extra special.

What Christmas Looks Like (So Far) In Kihei

This is what Christmas look like here on Maui.  Got my packages ready to ship, btw, there are two in there for Alex and his family!

I used to drop these off at the mailroom when I worked at corporate, but now I have to drop them off at the P.O. and boy are they not fast here.  But I discovered "schedule a pickup" so we'll see what happens.  I have mentioned before that when the mail carrier delivers mail, if I have a package, she honks the horn and waits for my lazy butt to come to the mailbox.  Seriously.  I wonder if i will hear a honk tomorrow.

I feel bad that I haven't blogged in two months.  I did do some traveling, but I should have been able to keep up.  I think I was just being lazy.  Hope to better stay up on this.