Yes, Adam there is a Santa Claus.

So he’s almost 7, he’s smart and I am not sure he ever really believed in Santa. This year he’s really asking seriously about it. I am torn about the whole thing. On one hand it’s so symbolic of childhood innocence. If you don’t ever believe in Santa, it seems to take some of the magic out of being a kid. On the other hand, I am not a big fan of lying to my kids and if he’s going to get something really cool for Christmas, I want him to know it has come from me and his dad because we love him, not because some big guy in a red suit dropped in to check on him.

Tonight there’s a commercial on tv. Again he asks me about Santa. Then says he’s sure Santa has to have a LOT of money, to buy all those presents. I told him about the North Pole, Elves and making the toys. So then he asks where Santa buys all the materials to make the presents. It all has to come from somewhere, he says. Smart kid.

I am walking a fine line here. I want him to have a good Christmas and at the same time I don’t want him to be the brat in school who goes around telling kids Santa’s not really real. I want him to be open to the magic of Christmas, how people are kinder this time of year and how wonderful things can happen in your life if you have a little faith now and then, even if it is in Santa Claus. Whatever happens, this is probably the last year I can pull off any illusion for him of Santa and it’s a little sad.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A friend like that

U had to move this post over from the "other" blog place. Just wanted my friend to know I am still thinking about her. Originally posted 11-4-07.

Have you ever had a good friend? A really good friend? Someone that maybe you don't talk to every single day, but that you know if you call they will be there for you, no matter what? Ever had a friend who just "gets" you, no matter where you are in life or emotions? Someone who gives you the space you need to figure things out but will be there to pick you up from the floor when you need it?

I am so blessed to have so many good friends. I have friends I have known for years who I talk with seldomly but I would move heaven and earth for. I have watched my friends families grow, had my hand held through husband issues, discussed childhood trauma at length, learned spiritual lessons from and so much more. I have a dear friend who cleaned my cat box for me while I was pregnant and my husband was gone. That's a true friend if you ask me. (Thanks Deli Mom.)

I have a friend right now who I have come to love. She's a good friend who knows when to step in and when to step back. We have something deep and heartbreaking in common. We have shared depths of emotions that no one else has ever seen. We have shared tears, talks, very private moments (she was there in the dr's office with me when I got pregnant) and we have shared faith. She had faith for me and my family when I didn't. She has inspired me and lifted me up in so many ways. I am privileged to call her my friend.

Today, I am so thrilled for her I can't even tell you. To my friend, you have come through it, and you are still here. You are stronger, you are wiser and you are so blessed. I have faith for you and your family right now and I want you to know, I am behind you 100%.

I am glad for many things

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love being able to look for things to be grateful for. To count my blessings and find so many I didn't pay attention to before. This year my DH is gone to sea, but I am grateful none the less. So here is my tongue in cheek top 10 things I am grateful for this year. I'll post more blessings later.
1. I am grateful for 24 hour road service. That was worth the money.
2. I am grateful for Dave at the Auto Repair place. He says he can fix anything and he'll give you a lift home before he does.
3. I am grateful for the scratch and dent appliance store not far away. The fridge has been making a bad noise for quite a while now. Did you know you can load up and take a new one home that day? No waiting!
4. I am grateful for men in my church who know how to change out a water heater. Lowe's even had one on sale. Can't get any luckier than that.
5. I am grateful for the tree service people who can come and take care of stray branches before they actually hit my house.
6. I am grateful for my friends. I have wonderful friends who will take my kiddos when I am at my wits end and they may need a break for mom time for a while.
7. I am grateful for the boat communication system that seems to work once or twice during patrol and I can hear good things from DH. That also gives him a chance to hear about how nice the Les Schwab people are in fixing tires any time.
8. I am grateful for my health system. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, when my baby has been screaming for 3 days with an ear infection, they get me in and take care of her. I am also grateful the pharmacy line isn't any longer. An hour is about my limit.
9. I am grateful for family living close by who can come and help when I have the flu and can't get out of bed. They are wonderful to come and take care of the kiddos, clean up after them, make some dinners and maybe even clean the toilet after I toss my cookies a few times.
10. I am grateful most of all that I have the ability and limited sanity to take care of all of this on my own and laugh about it all later. I have a great husband who supports me 100%. I am really grateful for him and the job he does to protect our freedoms and the example he sets to those around him.