Mixed Feelings

Christmas was a mixture of feelings for me this year.

We hosted my extended family (most of them) at our home. We've actually been having all of the family gatherings at our house the last couple of years. I think it's easier on us to not have to pack up and drive. I'm pretty sure my wife likes it that way too. Everyone brings food to share, so we don't have to supply it all.

I really thought we'd hit it out of the park on some of the gifts that we bought the kids. That wasn't the case for some of them.

The go cart went over real well... right up until we couldn't get it to start. It was cold out and the choke wasn't working right. I ended up working on it for a while to get it to run again. The kids got a couple of hours of fun out of it before shutting it off to come in and visit with relatives. When they went out later to run it again, it wouldn't start again. I didn't have any more time to work on it, so it has been sitting since. I'm going to get it fixed by a professional one time only. Then it will be up to the kids to maintain it.

The scooter we bought didn't really hold a good charge and my second son was disappointed when it ran out of juice so quickly. I told him to try it for a few more charge cycles and then we will see. If it doesn't run long enough, we will return it and get something else.


















We also bought a "rip stick" for our third son. Only problem there... we don't have paved surface (except in the packed garage) for him to ride it on. So, we need to drive him to a local skate park for him to ride it.



















So, not exactly hitting it out of the park.

The digital cameras and carhart bibs went over well, though. As well as most of the stuff we bought for the little ones. Win some, lose some.

Sometimes I just wish we could forget about all the gift giving and spend the day enjoying each other's company. Put the focus back on the birth of Christ.

Gotta remember that. It's not about the gifts. It's about Christ coming to earth in the form of a man to offer a way back to the Father.

New Year's coming. I go under the knife in 3 days.

Merry Christmas!!

Hope this day is special for my readers. I know that it has been a rough year for a lot of you. I can really identify and sympathize.

I am in the midst of an 11 day stretch where I am working every day for at least 12 hours. I don't mind the work, but due to the holidays I'm not getting much sleep during the day.

I will get plenty of sleep in January, though. I will be going in on New Year's Eve at 0730 to have my surgery. The procedure will only last 15 minutes and I will be able to leave in an hour. Kind of like photo processing... ;-P I'll be off from work for three weeks following the surgery. I don't know that I'll need all that time off to recover, but I plan to take it anyway since it is what the Doctor recommends and I have the sick time. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity to be away from the workplace. Maybe I'll finally get some of the work done around the house.

I spent a couple of hours here at work fixing the go cart that I bought for the kids. It took a bit to get it running, but now it goes fast and will surely be a hit with my oldest son. It's fairly well used, but in good condition. Hopefully it won't break down for a while. It will be an opportunity for the boys to learn small engine repair since they will most likely have to fix things on it as they go. They are good kids. They asked for one that was used, knowing that it would save some money. They are willing to work on it... just want it to run when they get it. So... mission accomplished.

Can't wait to see their expressions in a few hours! My wife and I did a good job of purchasing some of the "desired" items on the kids lists. Usually we pay more attention to "needs", but we felt that this was a year for "wants".

Merry Christmas!!
Remember to take some time to reflect on the true meaning of this Holy Day. Without His coming, there would be no path to salvation.

Happy Birthday!!

To two of my own precious kids! They were born on the same day, two years apart.
I'm stuck at work today, but will buy them each a little present on the way home.

I actually have done a little Christmas shopping this year. Not much, but a few things. The older the kids get, the more expensive the gifts seem to be. I've been able to pick up a few of the larger items they've wanted for years now. The kids were willing to get the stuff used (as long as it works!), so I went on Craigslist and found a 1 year old drum set (actually bought two, but will be reselling one of them) and a go kart. I'm looking at another go kart that seats 2 people.

I also bought one of those electric Razor scooters new, from Pep-boys.

Now I'll have to buy some helmets for safety.

Bought a digital camera for one of my girls.

Will be buying a set of Carharts (cold weather jacket and bib overalls) for my 2nd daughter. She'll need them for working out in the cold as she trains and cares for horses. Speaking of my 2nd daughter... she has transferred from the college in South Carolina to one in New Jersey. Much closer to home and probably better suited to her (current) major.

Still lots of stuff to buy. I always wait until the last few days for some reason.
My wife and I will not be exchanging gifts this year. That will free up the cash for the kids. Although, I will still try to buy her something.

I started off the season feeling mildly depressed and not wanting to go through the whole ordeal. Pretty much wanted to just forget about it all. I'm feeling a little better now that Christmas is upon us. Still struggling a bit with the stress of all the work hours I'm putting in, but I think I have a little joy now. I've gone blog visiting and left some playful comments to my friends. Sometimes you just have to choose to be happy.

Maybe I'll watch "It's A Wonderful Life" tonight. "Buffalo gals won't ya come out tonight..."

7 Days Left!

Hard to believe that there are only 7 days left until Christmas!

My wife and I are going shopping today after I take a short nap. I've been at work all night and am having a hard time keeping my eyes open. Hope the drive home is uneventful...

I picked up a nice used go kart yesterday. It needs a little work on the engine and will be a good gift for the boys (and girls) to share. They should be surprised. They have almost given up on having one since I've always said no until now. I got a really good deal on it. Now I need to buy a helmet to go with it.

Lots of gifts to buy and not a lot of time to do it. Sounds like the typical Christmas rush to me. Some day, I'd like to try being organized and getting it done closer to Thanksgiving.

I'll be working 12 hours every day (or night) from the 20th thru the 30th. I guess that's one way to pay for all the gifts. One of the guys at work has worked the last 6 Christmas Eves and I figured I'd give him a chance to be home with family this year. I'm also covering for another guys vacation for three days.

I'll be taking most of January off due to having carpul tunnel surgery on my left wrist on New Year's Eve. Pray for me if you think of it. I'm not real good with pain and the doctor says that this will be sore for a good while. Hopefully it will work as far as eliminating the pressure on that nerve and giving me better sensitivity to my fingers again. Also it should eliminate or greatly reduce the numbness in my fingers.

I'll have to type my posts with one hand for a while, but I'll try to update regularly.

Emily beat me to it!

Funny! I was just thinking I should post this video here. Yes... this very video!
Starting to get in the mood of the season and this song really touches my heart.
So anyway, I'll just send you to her site to watch it. Check out how her kitties have grown while you're there.

Love ya, Em!!

I almost forgot...

As a result of me waiting too long to schedule my surgeries, and also the need for someone to work all the extra shifts, I will be postponing my surgeries until further notice.

I really need to get them done soon, but not this month... unless the doctor will do them on New Year's Eve...

Still No Time

Here it is December 4th already and I still don't seem to have any time to provide a decent update.

I've picked up 10 extra shifts between now and the end of the year, too, so it doesn't look like I'll be getting any less busy any time soon.

Praise God for His provision of the extra work (and extra pay!) at this particular time. He knows what I need before I do.

Know anyone who would be interested in buying a gently used 2007 Pontiac Solstice? I'm feeling led to divest of this particular asset at this time and put the money to better use.

Lots of excitement in our house (well, mostly me and my wife) about adoption and the possibilities.

More later.