I am sure that I don't have to tell you that it's a busy time of the year.  If you are finding time to read this blog, pat yourself on the back for taking a breather from the hustle and bustle!  I find it interesting what nostalgia does to us at this time of the year.  It is like we somehow paint pictures of the best Christmases ever and feel like we can never live up to the ones we celebrated in the past. 

My sister and I were laughing about this just the other day.  We remember clearly the Christmas that I learned to drive and we got to go (just the two of us) to pick out our family Christmas tree.  The man tied it to the roof of our car and we drove off--only for the tree to fall off the roof at the busiest intersection in our city!  To top it off someone hit the tree as we were fighting about who was going to run out in the road and get the damaged evergreen.  Yes...good Christmas memories indeed!

Now, don't get me wrong, I am all about keeping traditions from the past alive.  But let's not get so melancholy over the past that we can't make great memories right here and now!  Here are some ways that St. Boniface is sharing the spirit of the season.  Please feel free to contact me at mzakula@stboniface.com if you want any more details or information:

Enchantment in the Park:  Our Kid's Choir will perform at this great event to help put you in the spirit!

Walk for the Homeless:  Join us for Mass (or after our 10am Mass) and walk at Homestead Hollow Park (right next door).  Come and experience what it might feel like to be homeless in the chilly winter.  A $5 donation for the walk with directly benefit Repairers of the Breach--a day shelter for the homeless.

Christmas Concert, December 17th at 7pm in Boniface Hall:  Come alive with the spirit and join us for a family fun evening of Christmas music and dancing!  This event is free, but feel free to bring a food donation for our food pantry which supports the greater Germantown area.

December 18th:  Preschool Playdate "A Birthday Party for Jesus".  This is the true meaning for our Christmas spirit!  Crafts, stories, and a birthday cake of course!

I wish you many new experiences that bring you alive in the spirit!

When I served as the acting principal for St. Boniface last year, a new fundraising idea was put on the table.  A school mom (who saw another school have success at this idea) suggested that we try a homemade apple pie sale.  Now that we have Mike Landgraf as our prinicpal, he was the one who continued with this idea and just yesterday we saw the completion of  our first sale!

With the help of our school parents, parishioners, teachers, staff and students St. Boniface made 2,000 pies from scratch!  There were stations for peeling, cutting, pastry making, etc. and after each 100 pies were made a victorious bell was rung  (Fr. Todd really enjoyed his shift at the bell ringing). 

Even more important than the beautiful pies that were made was the way our parish school experienced community building.  Everybody needs that right now.  Our economy is suffering and people we know are losing jobs.  But something as simple as gathering in a kitchen to make pies can feel so good. 

I am not sure whether our families want to eat an apple or smell cinnamon anytime soon, but I am certain that the memories they created together will be cherished for a long time to come.  I also know that Deanna Meyer must be sleeping a lot better as well!  You see, it was her dream that became reality this weekend and we can't thank her (or her committee) enough for planting the seed and watching it grow into a big apple pie tree! 

You can possibly get a taste of these amazing pies at the Knight of Columbus chili supper this Friday at St. Boniface from 5-8pm.  Even if the pie is gobbled up, the chili will be worth the trip!

The horror I experienced this weekend ran deeper than any slasher movie or gory haunted house.  It scared me even more than the first time I watched "Nightmare on Elm Street".  What could possibly scare me more than that, you might wonder?  Well, the answer is easy--I went Halloween costume shopping with my nearly 13 year old daughter.

Let's just say that I had no idea how sexy Little Red Riding Hood could be.  Even a simple bumble bee took on a seriously risque tone!  There were possibly two NON SEXY costumes in the entire store that were made for her age group and I am pretty sure I can't talk her into being a big goofy clown. 

While I understand that I am the parent and I have full control over what I choose to buy my daughter I would like to say that I am more than a bit disappointed in the makers of these costumes.  I also understand that some will argue she is too old to trick or treat and to that I respond that this costume is for a Halloween party that SHE is the hostess for. 

If there is a creative soul out there who is looking for a new outlet to express oneself--might I suggest Halloween costume designer?  I am almost certain that this could be a financial success and I can assure you that you would be doing a truly great service to humanity! 

Unless we want an entire generation of fathers dropping dead of heartattacks at the sight of their precious daughters in corsets, fishnets, and tiny skirts I suggest we rise up and act!  I pulled out my old cheerleading outfit in the hopes she would go for that eagerly--not a chance!  Right now she is settling for a fake glasses/mustache/nose getup that cost me 1.25 at the drugstore.  We both had a good laugh at that one.  But the question still remains...what is a mom supposed to do for a young girl who is already growing up at the speed of light and needs no help pushing it along? 

Is it November 1st yet?

I have had one of those weekends that leave you wanting ANOTHER weekend.  Lots to do--lots of hustle and bustle.  But I have learned a valuable lesson in the process.

Saturday included a trip to the mall to look for a winter coat for my daughter.  Being nearly 13, we are pretty consumed with what is a "cool" brand to wear.  For the most part, I don't indulge her fancies and she spends babysitting money for anything that seems over and above the normal cost.  We had found a pretty reasonable winter coat online and it was a brand that the kids "love" these days.  So, off to the mall to enter the very dimly lit and overly perfumed store to buy said coat (remember, it was reasonably priced).  There were no less than 12 workers on the floor... and one behind the register.  The rest were busy spraying the clothes with perfume apparently. 

We bought the coat in the dimly lit store, only to realize that it was GRAY and not BROWN (really, not kidding).  So, in the daylight of the mall we realize this error and head back in to stand in the huge line with one worker to exchange the coat.  This was hustle and bustle at it's worst. Thankfully it is done and we are ready for the cold weather.

Today, I had the delight of sharing brunch with our Pastor after a very busy day at church.  The restaurant is one that many from our parish love and the brunch is a real favorite.  The Copper Dock is on Friess Lake and you really can't beat the beauty of the autumn colors while you dine on simply delicious food!  The restaurant was packed full of people, but unlike my experience on Saturday, this hustle and bustle was of a different kind.  We were greeted with a warm smile from the moment we arrived and placed near a cozy fireplace overlooking the gorgeous lake.  Teenage busgirls hustled around making sure tables looked beautiful for the next diners and they even noticed when we were out of sweet and low at our table!  Everywhere you looked there was a happy, warm face.  Everyone was working for the same goal--happy customers!   

I hope that when I am faced with a busy situation--which probably won't be too far off, I can remember to greet people the way we were greeted at the Copper Dock and not at the mystery mall store.  There can be warmth in the busy-ness.  Caring people make all the difference.  And a little bit of sunlight never hurts anything either!  Hustle and bustle will only increase as we enter the holiday season, I hope that you will be one of the people who greets me with a smile--and I promise to do the same!

We began a new program with our 6th grade class today.  It is entitled "That's Not Fair" and it teaches children the value of charity and justice (and the difference).  Our pastor,  Fr. Todd and I were very excited to start, but could never have imagined how it would go! 

5 children were deemed "rich" by the luck of the draw of face cards.  They received an entire bag of m&m's and were told they could buy a $15 prize with 18 of the m&m's.  There are roughly 23 in a bag.  The "poor people" were given only 2 m&m's.  They could beg for more.  Watching the faces of the "rich kids" was interesting.  Most were conflicted about what to do.  Share their m&m's?  Come buy a prize?  But I don't think anyone was prepared for what one child did. 

With one minute to go in the game, a young girl stood up and said "I don't have anymore to give".  Figuring she had reserved her 18 to buy a prize I prepared for her to come and pick something out.  Instead she sat in her seat--with nothing but an empty m&m bag.  She had given every single m&m away.

When we processed the game and the rules and the fairness of it all I asked this young girl "why"?  Why did she give them all away?  Her response is something I shall cherish forever.  She said "I just figured that the things you do on earth might be rewarded in Heaven".  Wow.  The parents that raised this little angel should be so proud!  And so, at the end of the game I took the last gift and told her "sometimes, the kind things we do on earth come back to us...on earth".  I gave her the gift. 

It will be hard to top the first lesson, but I will keep you posted! 

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed that the more you did, the worse a situation ended up? This summer while on our family vacation my sister lost her wedding ring in what we kindly refer to as the "crab water".  This water is mucky and it is where we keep the jet skis and paddle boat.  The only time you "walk" in this water is to use one of the water toys (at least if you are a prissy city girl like me and my female family members!)

As you can imagine, she was in a full panic for her ring and the more she moved around the muckier the water got until you could not see anything at all.  And so, we just chose to stand still and not move. Very hard to do when you know there is something you NEED to find lying right at your feet!  However, in five minutes the water cleared and her ring reflected the sunlight as clear as day. 

This weekend our women's ministry group from St. Boniface attended a day of reflection at Holy Hill.  We did our best to sit still and find some balance in the busyness of life.  I challenged each of them to keep a one hour sabbath and explore the beauty of Holy Hill.  They came back for lunch with smiles on their faces and more peace in their hearts. 

Sometimes, we just have to realize that the muck needs to settle.  And when we take the time to sit still, the solution may be reflected back to us.  Wishing you a muck-free day!

If you are at St. Boniface, I can guarantee that YOU will!  As our 8th grade class prepares to graduate from St. Boniface they have been involved in many class projects.  They lived their faith by helping those in need and raised over $3,300 dollars for the Make A Wish Foundation!  In addition to this project they have created a lasting legacy at St. Boniface through the creation of a ceiling mural.

Each student was given a canvas that is equal to the measurement of a regular ceiling tile and they created a piece of art that depicts their St. Boniface experience in pictures, words, and symbols.  The words "friendship, faith, and fun" are just a few that I saw over and over on their tiles.  Those are great words to describe St. Boniface!  As we prepare to welcome our new principal, Mr. Michael Landgraf, in the fall, I know those words will be ones that mean a great deal to him as well.  I can't wait for him to see the display!

This project could not have been possible without the vision, financial support, and hard work of three very special families.  I want to thank the Burczyk's, Cyganiak's, and Grgich's for all that they did to help with this 8th grade project.  I told them that when I look at this project it feels like a hug coming down from heaven! 

We will celebrate graduation this weekend at (and following) our 4:30pm Mass on Saturday.  If there is anyone who needs a "home" for their child for the upcoming school year, I would welcome you to come and spend this time with us.  Visit our mural just outside the school office!  You'll have a really great reason to look "up"!

Forgive my absence from the blogging world--but I have been rather absent from the real world as well.  On April 18th (my husband's birthday, aren't I kind?) I was taken to the hospital and wasn't released for 6 days.  I shall spare you the gory details (and they get gory) and simply tell you that a huge kidney stone went terribly wrong and I ended up with sepsis--a blood infection that kills 30% of people who get it.  Mind you, I was quite clearly sick for 4 days prior to my hospital stay and did not get off the couch except to go to my bed to sleep some more.  So, for all those mothers out there who don't take care of themselves, take note!  If you care enough to take your child to the doctor when they are sick, care enough to take yourself.  I am rather lucky to be alive to share this nugget with you, so please do take heed. 

Throughout this month-long journey I have learned the art of patience. Mostly patience with myself.  I really only have two speeds for my life--fast and faster.  When you are knocked to the ground for 10 days straight in a bed, you learn how to sit still.  Sometimes it was fun...like when I was feeling much better and sucking on popsicles for an impromptu American Idol party in my hospital room with family and nurses and aides popping in.  Other times it was nearly mind-boggling...the silence and the sheer inability to do anything.  I would sit and worry about my children eating fast food for the 5th night in a row or I would worry that all those kiddos at my school were worrying about me and scared about if I would ever come back to them.  Patience, patience, patience. 

So now, I am surrounded by people who remind me to go slow, be patient and don't relapse.  Anything from my Pastor and co-workers who support me by picking up the endless slack I left behind--to the families of St. Boniface who are cooking meals for my family and praying endlessly for my full recovery.  My head is saying "go, go, go" but my body is saying "slow, slow, slow".  The patient continues to learn patience.  It has been a valuable lesson that I am sure will bring new insights to me for many months to come.  But for now,  I am forever grateful not only for my life but for the people who help to make it worth living!  You bless me each and every day!

I have a 12 year old. I guess there is really no way around it.  It seems like just yesterday I was twelve and giving my mother the "evil eye" and pretending that she landed on Earth from an entirely different planet that obviously didn't have a CLUE!  I spend my days gently giving a little lead rope to my daughter..."yes, you can ride your bike to the park with your friends"  and then I casually take the dog for a walk and just happen to see those very grown up girls reaching for the sky on the swings and giggling like four year olds.  And then there are the moments I have to tug the rope back--sometimes gently and sometimes quite firmly.  Like when she is on the computer instant messaging until well past her allotted curfew for computer time.  Or, when she takes her babysitting money and spends it on the tightest "skinny jeans" I have ever seen (I know, I know, we ALL wore tight jeans at some point!). 

I feel like somewhere along the way I let the sands of time slip right through my fingertips and now I face this inner struggle to allow her to grow up, but slowly.  Today's kids seem to go from The Disney Channel to the Twilight Movie with nothing in between!  Can't we insert a baby step for parents somewhere in there?  But I guess I realize that the baby steps have to come from me.  Because society certainly won't insert them on our behalf. 

As we learn this  new dance called "tween-dom" I can only hope that I can grasp tight enough to preserve, but not so tight as to smother.  And somewhere over my shoulder I can see my mom--getting the last laugh as the baton passes to another generation of mothers who just want healthy and happy daughters of their own. 

I just returned from a much-anticipated and much-needed vacation to Florida with my family.  In these economic times we had a great deal of guilt about being able to give our children this wonderful experience.  We continually reminded them that so many people are losing jobs (my own husband was up for an 8,000 employee layoff at his company and was blessed enough to be one that stayed employed).  But I knew this trip was important for many reasons.  Working two jobs this year, I feel my family has often received the shorter end of the stick.  We had saved for this trip and we also have family in Tampa--a cousin who was due with her first baby (and has now had her!).  We really wanted the kids to realize what a gift this trip was.  "Don't forget, we are so very lucky to have this opportunity", I found myself saying over and over.  We had planned for some typical Disney adventures and lots of down time.  I was proud.  I brought no work with me and managed to finish two mindless pleasure books while sitting by the pool.  The kids were equally as happy just frolicking in the pool and the sun for most of the day as they were roaming Magic Kingdom.  My son was glued to my side most of the week--making up for lost time I thought.  "Don't forget to remember how important balance is for your life"--I found that to be my mantra all week.  The school was not falling apart without me.  And, just as we all know, vacations are important to increasing our own motivation and energy for our jobs (and life!). 

A funny moment to share:  As we are sitting at the entrance to Main Street at Magic Kingdom I hear "Mrs Zakula?"  I know that this name reference can mean only one thing...a student of mine has found me at the most magical place on earth.  Sure enough!  A wonderful family happened to be there vacationing as well.  What are the chances?  They got to meet my family and watch my Andrew retire the flag at Main Street with some of the cast of Disney. THAT was a great memory for sure! 

Don't forget to remember the parts of your life that you put to the side.  Personal interests, hobbies, vacations, pleasure books, prayer, family time...without them we simply aren't whole.

How do you measure success?  Is it in achievements?  Is it in the lives you touch?  Is it through a legacy that you leave?  For St. Boniface I would have to say that the answer would be "all of the above."  As we closed out a fantastic Catholic Schools Week we welcomed countless new families who toured our campus and got a glimpse of  what it means to be a part of our family.  We celebrated students, teachers, staff, volunteers, parents, and all the VIP's in our lives.  We worked together as a community and each played a role--from baking, to event coordination, to classroom helpers.  We made 40 baby blankets to welcome newly baptized babies into our parish family.  We prepared 100 lunches for an area shelter.  We danced, learned about the weather with Craig Koplein, had fun with Ronald McDonald, and made school memories for children that will last a lifetime. 

We finished our week with a Mass that celebrated our grandparents and VIP's. We needed to add chairs to our worship space to accomodate all of the special people that share our liturgy with us!  Watching generations of families sit together and celebrate in faith and love was perhaps my most favorite memory.  I imagine that those grandparents must have felt a great sense of pride knowing that Catholic education and the Catholic faith will live on in the little ones who held their hands throughout our liturgy. 

We planted many seeds this week.  Some of the fruit we will never see.  But, to have shared a part in the planting is really all I need. 

(Our full day K4 has received great response!  If you are at all interested in this program, or you know someone who might be, please contact us for more information.  We do anticipate a waiting list.  Registration forms are due on February 13th to begin planning for our staffing and budget needs)

At what point does a new mother stop feeling like she is "babysitting" her new bundle of life?  I remember sitting in the hospital with both of my children as newborns looking around and just waiting for someone to come and say "oh there he is, I have been looking everywhere for that little baby!" and walking out with my child.  It is a surreal experience that takes some time to adjust to. On one hand feeling ferociously protective of this child that seems to have been destined just for you and then feeling like you are somehow 15 again and babysitting your favorite Aunt's new baby. 

As I mentioned in a previous blog, my cousin experienced this feeling better than many of us when a very special women gave birth to the child that would become the daughter of my cousin Carin and her husband Bob.  The journey to parenthood was not easy for them.  They held two babies and had two babies taken back when birth parents changed their minds.  They were beyond distraught during this horrible time.  But, along came a woman who gave the gift of life.  She assured my cousin that this baby she was birthing was meant to be Carin and Bob's.  This baby was a gift of life for them.  And what a gift she is!  We just held the biggest baby shower I have ever attended for Miss Hope Cathryn.  One of the gifts I couldn't pass up was something that I thought was rather silly.  After Christmas I went to all the stores I could and gathered every ornament that had the word "hope" on it.  I had glitter ones, gingerbread ones, gold and silver ones...it was a lot of fun.  I figured that next Christmas would highlight a tree full of Hope's name.  When Carin opened the gift she didn't laugh, she cried.  I think the sight of her daughter's name finalized the deal in her heart that this baby was here to stay.  That next Christmas Hope would still be with us.  I think that is when Carin lost that "babysitting" feeling.  I was blessed to be a part of that moment and all the moments that will follow!  While I am happy to have children that are older and learning how to be self-sufficient, nothing feels better than holding a tiny new infant...and then giving her back to the parents who have waited and prayed for her.  Welcome to the family, Hope! 

Anyone who has read my previous blogs knows that I have a certain style and approach to what I write.  Well, not today.  Today I am taking a chance and writing from a place of frustration.  Although I do not live in the Germantown school district, I am deeply invested in Catholic education and education at St. Boniface in particular, so I continue to watch the news of Kindergarten programming for the 2009-10 school year.  Some interest was sparked by our local media as to how families could meet their educational needs for their young children now that Germantown would not be offering full K5 programming.  Three days before our article was to be released, Germantown implied that perhaps there was in fact room for full day K5. 

I live in an overcrowded school district, and as a PTO board member I fought for redistricting to more evenly balance our elementary school numbers.  I understand the frustration that families might face over these decisions (or lack of decisions).  And although our positive story never really made it to print (in the format that it was orginally intended) I just want to make the point to all area families that you can COUNT on your Catholic schools and the kindergarten programming that they offer.  Our programs are not decided by school boards, they are decided by dedicated parish members who support and believe in the best education for our children. As you are trying to plan for your educational needs for the next school year, just remember that we will be here--educating our children for academic, emotional, social, and spiritual success!  I hope to see you at our Open Houses on January 24th and 25th after our 4:30pm, 8:30 and 10am Masses!  Or call for a personal tour--628-1955.

Just like all other Catholic schools in the Milwaukee Archdiocese, St. Boniface is planning for our celebration of Catholic Schools Week.  The week kicks off with our Open Houses on January 24 and 25 after Masses at 4:30pm, 8:30 and 10am.  They will include tours with our parent/student teams, demonstrations of our Smart Board technology, and personal meetings of our awesome teachers. 

NEW THIS YEAR!  We are offering a FULL DAY K4 option for families and based on the overwhelming interest in this program we anticipate a waiting list.  Our excellent Kid's Klub After School Care (through the Germantown Park and Rec) makes for a very comprehensive package for many families.  We want to meet the needs of families who may lose out on options as a result of some of the programming decisions made for Germantown Public Schools. 

So, why do I mention that education is a family affair in my title?  Because as I was looking over the essays of our 7th and 8th grade students (Why St. Boniface is Special to Me) the word that they kept using is "family".  In essay after essay the children of St. Boniface referred to their classmates, teachers, and parent volunteers as one big family.  Some of them were even astute enough to recognize that it sounds "cliche" or "corny" to say that.  But, in my first year at St. Boniface I can say that they are right!  We are a family.  I felt that from the first visit I made to a Mass and I continue to feel it each day I am on campus.  They worry about my long drive home and they ask about my children.  They invite me to dinner and to shower at their homes after I workout. They trust and support the vision for St. Boniface. They bring me Starbucks! 

I hope that you will find the time to visit our campus on January 24th or 25th.  If you aren't able to make it then, give me a call and we can set up a personal tour and meeting.  Come join our family!

If you are confused and alarmed by these words, you can't imagine how I felt when I heard them!  But, let me clarify.  My little guy was invited by his classroom teacher to take home some critters that were part of their science labs.  We could choose either a Beetle or a Guppy fish.  We chose the beetle.  Being a former science teacher I had quite the little home available for this beetle!  However, the beetles were in hot demand and my son decided that he was SURE that mom and dad wouldn't mind a guppy fish instead.  His teacher (who is simply amazing) decided that because Andrew was so unselfish he could have not just one guppy fish but FIVE.  Whoopee!  How exciting (for him).  So, we pulled out the big 10 gallon fish tank and cleaned all the gravel and installed the filter and now the five little guppy fish were living in the Taj Mahal of habitats.  But wait, that one guppy looks AWFULLY round in the belly?  Needless to say, she got bigger every day and Andrew informed us that her "black spot" meant she was going to have babies. 

And did we ever have babies!  17 little fish to be exact!  Andrew was screaming from his room "Babies!  Babies!  Mom, I'm a daddy!"  Whoa.  I hope that those words will not be ones I hear again for 20 years or so.  Andrew looked at me with a serious face and said "Mom, that means you are a Grandma".  I think not!  But I smiled and nodded and ignored my own vanity. 

The Zakula house now contains one silly golder retriever, two fuzzy guinea pigs, and 22 guppy fish and one... Grandma.  I think Andrew will be studying frogs and turtles during the second semester.  I'll take my 22 guppy fish...thank you very much.

Five years ago I made a huge resolution--that I would never again make a resolution!  And it has been such a gift, that I want to pass on the idea to all of you.  I grew very tired of focusing on what I wished I had, what I wanted to be and how I hoped to look.   Forget it!  Instead, each New Year's eve I celebrate the gifts the past year has presented to me and I note the ways I have been the person God expects me to be (and what God might be nudging me towards for the new year).  Whew!  I can't tell you what a relief and joy it is to really CELEBRATE New Year's Eve now. 

I learned a valuable lesson about quality time versus quantity time this year.  As I took on a new and challenging role in my ministry, many well-meaning people would pat my shoulder and tell me "how hard it must be to be away from your children".  I appreciated the concern, but to be honest my children get the best of me now.  We don't sit around and watch mindless television or separate ourselves into other rooms.  Now, when I get home, I am engaged with my kids.  Reading stories, doing chores, playing board games (my favorite way to spend time).  We make the moments count. 

I also learned many other valuable lessons this year and celebrated so many cherished moments.  I found the strength to step into a new vocation. I took a sudden detour from that vocation and found a whole new sense of joy and passion in our school community.  I watched an Aunt beat cancer.  I celebrated life as my cousin became a mother to Hope Catherine (thanks to a selfless woman who gave the greatest gift ever).  Just to name of few.  What a great year!

And, lest I lead you to believe that life is all sugar-sweet nauseating happiness for me, I will leave you with a tip from my bestest friend.  For all the other not-so-fun memories and troubles of the year gone by?  Start a new tradition on New Year's eve.  After you hug and kiss and blow the horns...go around the house (or wherever you might be) and FLUSH THE TOILETS!  Send all that bad stuff straight down the drain.  My friend swears it is the best feeling.  So, give it a try! 

Blessings to all for a fantabulous 2009!

It is the final hour and I am sure some people are out in the frantic chaos of the shopping moments that are left.  I am not and I am so glad.  As my mom will say about me...I don't "sit still well".  So, my shopping is done.  But I don't want to talk about those gifts right now.  Yes, I found some pretty cool gifts for my family and friends and I am excited for them to be opened, but I am more excited about some other gifts this Christmas season:

1.  As I write this, my cousin and her husband are in Illinois witnessing the birth of their baby girl.  They have held two other little girls in their arms only to have the birth mothers change their minds and keep their babies.  They have flown home from Arizona and California childless.  In Illinois a birth mother must wait 72 hours to sign off her rights to the adopted parents.  72 hours will be...Christmas day.  If you are the praying kind, could you offer one up for the best Christmas gift for my cousin?  The timing tells me that just as a baby boy found his way to the arms of his parents on Christmas, so will this little baby girl find her way to the arms of my cousin who knows the ache of wanting to be a mother more than just about anyone I have ever met.   

2.  Another cousin sits in Florida this Christmas season with her husband--wanting nothing more than to come home for Christmas.  She is pregnant and has had recent challenges to her pregnancy that prevent her from coming home to us.  The gift of life sometimes has a price to pay...but my dear cousin will soon learn that no price is too high when your love take on flesh and bones.  This Christmas away from us will be a distant memory when little Maddy is born. 

3.  For those who have read other blogs of mine, you know that I was missing baby Jesus.  Well, he is missing no more!  In total, I have received 6 baby Jesus figurines!  I thank all those who surprised me with a Jesus--both friends and strangers!  You may wonder what I did with the Chicago Bears ornament?  It is on our Christmas tree (in the back).  Each time we hang it we will remember the year we "lost Jesus" and then found him again in people who cared enough to reach out to us!

4.  I have not posted pictures yet, but today's blog contains the first one.  And while I hope you will receive a gift that you were hoping for this Christmas, I am sure you will agree that many of the gifts we truly want and wish for are just icing on the cake to the gifts we already have.  My picture shows you my greatest gifts.  I wish you and yours a Blessed Christmas full of happy memories, joyful moments, and hopeful days ahead. 

I have been a very busy mom these past two weeks.  LOTS of night meetings and long drives home have kept me from some of my favorite nighttime moments with my own children.  I am truly looking forward to a long Christmas break with the kids and just spending time together.  Last night I returned after my little guy was in bed.  I dislike those nights most of all--but am thankful that dad is a great "Mr. Mom" whenever the need arises. 

I got home to find two pieces of important paper on the breakfast counter.  A note from the "Desk Fairy" and a midquarter progress report. The desk fairy visited my son at school to tell him how great he is doing at keeping himself organized and on task.  This is HUGE for a little imaginative 7 year old who doesn't look forward to sitting still very often.  The next piece of paper was my daughter's progress report.  She is in 6th grade and has fought with me tooth and nail about the fact that she is not smart enough to be in advanced math.  I reason with her and tell her that her teachers beg to differ, but it remains a struggle in her mind.  The progress report doesn't lie...in the advanced math column was nothing less than an "A+".  I hope this high grade boosts her confidence even higher, because she needs that at her hormone driven, up and down age.  You go girl!  (She would tell me I am pretty out of it with that saying I am sure!)

To all the teachers who take the time to call the "Desk fairy" and to all the teachers who believe in our children enough to tell them they can do anything if they try...I am a thankful mom who greatly appreciates your efforts!

If you are tired of reading stories about children, then log off.  This is another one.  Sorry, but they are pretty much my life--actually I don't apologize as that is who I am!  My children really needed a lesson in thankfulness and giving.  Although I wouldn't say I spoil my children, they really do not want for much.  If they need new shoes, they get them.  A new Christmas outfit (even though last year's dress still fits great), sure!  My children do chores, get allowance, save money to buy things they want that are "above and beyond" what I would classify as a "need".  But this holiday season I could see the green eyes of jealousy and greed peering at me from both of my little cherubs.  I needed a quick reality check for them.  So, to start, I decided that we would dedicate ourselves to the red Salvation Army kettles.  We would not pass one up without putting in a little bit of money.  It has been great.  We all walk around with change jingling in our pockets just waiting to hear the infamous bells ringing.  Such a simple thing, but the start of a lesson.

The bigger lesson has come through a family in need.  Many children and a mom who courageously fled a violent home.  A seemingly hopeless situation, but enter a bunch of angels to really help them out.  I was one of the lucky ones who got to shop for a child.  I took my own daughter along to help.  She shopped for things with the eye of a bargain hunter ( and did her mom proud).  Seven presents were in the cart and we were at our limit.  My little girl's gears were clicking, I could see it.  She asked "mom, these sweatsuits are on sale, if I give you my money from vaccuuming this week can I pick out one more set for her?"  I think my breath caught in my throat.  I know my eyes were full of tears.  "Yes, my dear, I think that would be great".  Those green eyes of greed were gone.  My daughter wrapped every present with love and placed bows on each and every package.  Isn't it funny that when you set out to help someone else you almost always end up being helped more by THEM in return?  This family will never know the gift that they gave to my family.  But I am thankful all the same.

Let me preface this blog by saying that as an educator for many years I was quick to make a judgment on parents who allowed their children to come to school without boots, warm coats, and other proper winter attire.  I would often wonder "how could they allow their poor child to leave the house this way?".  Shame, shame. Well, call me humbled.

As I prepared to leave the house this morning I was looking for my own warm winter gear and just on a whim I took an inventory of my daughter's winter coats--still hanging in the closet.  I was in the shower when my 11 year old daughter hollered good bye and headed to the bus stop.  Never thinking for a moment to ask her what she was wearing.  You try very hard to not make clothing choices for 11 year olds for the most part.  Pick your battles, I tell myself (over and over).  So, back to me, staring in disbelief at not one but ALL of her winter coats.  Pink one, blue one, dress coat, ski vest.  All there, hanging in the closet.  Just for kicks I count my coats (yeah, right, like my 11 year old would ever wear her dinosaur mom's coats--ewww).  Nope, not mine either.

My daughter went to the bus stop in a sweatshirt.  She had to have.  I can't see another answer.  A sweatshirt on an 11 degree winter morning.  I am nearly out of mind with shock and horror.  I want to call her guidance counselor and have her run an intervention on my daughter regarding her lack of judgment.  But, I think better of it.  She will learn a hard lesson today.  I pray she doesn't get sick.  I also have learned a hard lesson.  Dare ye who judge, lest you be judged.  Yep, I have become THAT mom.  Sometimes good moms have kids who wear sweatshirts to school--and they don't even know it.  So, cut us all some slack.