My mom was here for almost a week. While our little farm house is, er, little, we still had a nice time. Pete was away and that's why my mom came up. I had to work a couple of days and the sitter had finals. We even got to Christmas shop, to boot! Kendall sang in her first concert at school. My mom decided to stay an extra day so she could watch Kendall. It was so good to have her here.

I'm still not ready for Christmas. I'm just not creative at buying presents. The kids both got iPads from Pete's dad so how can we top that? The iPads came last week and we let the kids have them early. Still, I need to get out there and buy some more things for the kids. (not really-like so many kids in America, my kids have way too much stuff and take it for granted).

I guess I should get off this computer and finish putting ornaments on the tree. It looks nice from a distance because we do have lights. I'm not sure where all our Christmas decorations are, though. I wish I could find my Nativity. Sigh.

Our first snowfall (with the exception to the one Oct. 30) of the season came yesterday. It was just a dusting. The morning started out with rain and the rain lasted until the afternoon. Once the temperature dropped, big, wet snowflakes fell from the sky. The kids were so excited. I, on the other hand, kept telling myself how lucky we were to make it this far without a big snowfall. I really don't like winter and only after I bought a down parka last year, was I able to stand the cold.

I wish I could find a rewarding job. The airport gig is frustrating on many levels. I do like the free airfare but haven't taken advantage of it lately. Maybe that's one of the frustrations?!? The boss is another one, for sure. He's definitely one of the men who needs an idea to be his idea. It doesn't help that I'm female either. I miss the hospital environment where my skill set was appreciated.

I'm loving having a cat again. Gosh, I didn't realize how much I love cats. The kitten has this huge personality that fills a room. She is a lap cat, too. I love it!

I guess I better go for now. I'm so behind on everything. I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away...

(De) Ice, Ice Baby

I worked Saturday starting at 5 am. I used to work every Saturday but I was just working for someone who had worked for me earlier in the week. Anyway, it's starting to be cold in the mornings and the airplanes have frost on them. So, it meant that I got to drive the de-ice truck for the 6 am departures and I actually de-iced a plane at 8 am. It wasn't too bad, really. I can't say I want to do it all the time, but now the mystery is gone. Now, some of the old timers can shut up, too.

Christmas is coming up and I haven't started shopping AT ALL. I am so lame. But, part of me is so tired of the buy, buy, buy culture of Christmas. It is so over the top and totally misses the point of the holiday. Seriously, I wish we could just participate in the Heifer Project International and be done with it. But, my kids are 9 and 7 so that would be extreme the other way. Sigh.