Supermom Chronicles

This holiday season we should all be counting our blessings...

Yesterday, we put up our very first artificial Christmas tree. In the past we had always bought a fresh cut tree. For the few years we lived in Lexington, we were very close to a Christmas tree farm. We enjoyed going out there, watching John cut down a tree in his manly-man way, drinking hot chocolate and visiting with the family that owned the place. I thought that would be a great Christmas tradition to enjoy with the kids every year. However, last year when we moved to Kyle, we found that there weren't any tree farms very nearby (Elgin or Seguin were the closest). Instead we went to a pre-cut tree setup in San Marcos. Then we had to clean needles off the floor constantly and remember to water the tree. Faith & Cole both had very runny noses the whole time the tree was in the house, so we suspected a possible tree allergy. So it was with mixed feelings that we treked up north to ATex Christmas store 2 days after Christmas last year and got an awesome deal on a fabulous pre-lit 9' tree. We put it up yesterday for the first time, and I have to admit, it's simply gorgeous. The height really fills our front living room appropriately. We ended the night with Faith helping John put the star on the tree. Today we will hang all the ornaments and decorate around the house. Faith is VERY excited about this whole process. Cole, on the other hand, just wants to climb up the ladder and jump off repeatedly. I think he could care less about the tree.

The main reason I'm posting today is to remind everyone to count their blessings this holiday season. After spending $$ yesterday at Target on some Christmas items, we were all driving home when John's work pager went off. They were looking for someone to work overtime today. After reviewing our finances for all of 1.5 seconds, John quickly picked up the cell phone and called in. So instead of spending the day at home with us, enjoying the awesome arctic front that just blew in a few hours ago, he is at work today. But some people this holiday season are losing their jobs (look at Ford Motor Co.) or are living at or below poverty. They don't get much of a holiday season. So instead of complaining about having to go to work today, my wish is that everyone who reads this instead realizes how lucky they are to have a job and be grateful.