Snow

I got majorly stuck in the snow this morning. Kids in tow and everything. It was around 7:15am, and I had went to close to the curb where all the snow was and was STUCK. I tried everything to get out and as soon as I made progess, I was stuck again. WRONG DAY for this to be happening, as it was our Distribution day. After trying forever, I called my helpline... 1-800- help me Paul! He's a pro after growing up in Michigan. Well, he was in the middle of picking up our tons of turkeys so he sent our fab truck driver to rescue me. The kids were calling me a damsel in distress. Finally, a couple of men walked over to me and offered to push me. I argued a little because I was very scared I would run them over. They promised me they'd jump out of the way. So they pushed and I gased it, and lo and behold I was FREE!! I am so grateful. It was funny AFTER the fact, David piped up from the back seat "Mom- you better call Mark and tell him to call off the rescue party". Now that was funny!

About 2 minutes later we were off and driving, I mean SLIDING, all over the place. Very scary and made me VERY tense. I sooo wish I could just hold up in the house and not go anywhere when it's like this, but I just can't. There is much to be done!

At least the kids had a good time ;)

Christmas Break!!!

It was disappointing that the boys missed their Christmas parties at school because it was cancelled yesterday and today. They had so much planned and lots of goodies made to give mom and dad for Christmas.

I am soooo excited that it is Christmas break! The boys are too!! Not only am I thrilled to have my selfish way and keep the boys all to myself!!! But I look at these breaks as a break for me!! No lunches to pack, no teachers/classrooms to be involved in, no homework teaching, no strict schedule in the mornings, no school visits, no papers/info to keep track of, no aftershchool debriefings!! Blessed break! Yay! There is a new movement taking place called "home-unschooling"....I think I'll actually buy into it until Jan. 5!! (ha!ha!)

Paul and I will also be taking an "unofficial" few days off between the holidays (more for me) from the Corps and just do what needs to be done.

A Guest in our Home

Roosevelt joined our family last night for the next 2 1/2 weeks. He is soooo cute and lovable. Shiny black hair, squeals of delight, easy to please with some raw veggies and fruit.

David's teacher called us last night when we went to Wal-Mart in Hood River to Christmas shop for each other. School was cancelled again for Friday so she asked if she could drop Roosevelt off so he wouldn't have to spend Christmas alone. I told her sure, but could we pick him up since I had no clue when we'd be home with the roads and all. She would love to have us over, so we picked him up on the way home. I had to shove my seat all the way forward so he would fit.

Roosevelt is causing lots of fun and excitement in our home!

Can you guess what he is??

Christmas

240 Gifts for Children

100 Gifts for Sr. Citizens, Disabled and Foster Children

70 Gifts for Corps (Church) Children

75 Gifts for Corps Adults

250 Gifts for Nursing Home Residents (of which I still need to pack and deliver)

85 Bikes

12 Employee Gifts and Bonuses

175 Food Boxes

175 Turkeys

10 Hams

6 Kettle Locations

3 Christmas Parties, plus 1 work party

4 Advent Sundays

8 live radio spots

countless PR opportunities

13 collection barrels

21,000 cans of food from ELFF Night

thousands more purchased

15 Volunteers

12 Employees, plus 6 seasonal Employees

2 Corps Commanding Officers

1 Baby Jesus