Tis the season for giving

Woke up to the smell of freshly sprayed cologne signaling Jay on his way out the door. A brief hello and a fleeting kiss later and he was on his way.

As usual the girls and I were on the fast track trying to be on time for school. We made it a couple of minutes late, but were amongst five other families that were not obeying the hands on the clock.

Class was great, as always. My teacher, Monica, is just terrific! During the mommy time, we were discussing the traditions that we enjoy with our familes and the things that the kids are expecting this Christmas. One of the moms, whom we all have known as a person with few social graces, - although very kind - wearing clothing that don't consist of more then old zubaz and an old T shirt confided through tears that she had been contacting Salvation Army and all of the local agencies regarding toys for her kids and how she lives in Section 8 housing. She has three kids, ages 6, 3, 1. It was a very touching moment. There are women in the class who, without first hand knowledge but anone could put the peices together, are very well off were also crying.

After class another gal and I decided to put together a little collection for this woman so that she can have gifts for her kids. Gifts aren't everything about the holiday season. We know that, but the kids don't. The lack of gifts screams even louder then ever when you are a mom.

Back at home, Jay called and said that he got his yearly bonus. Yeah! I say that like a deflating balloon. Visions of bills and perscriptions dance in my head. I jotted down a list of where and to whom we will be spending this Christmas money. The list includes:

Emma

Madeline

Ashley

Mom and Don

Dad and Nicki

Jim and Cheryl

Grandma and Grandpa

A couple of younger cousins

Some various others

Blue Cross/Blue Sheild

Waconia Emergency Room

Our stocks have been going down, our business is losing customers . . . ok, that is BS, but it fit with this dry humor so stick with me. In light of the economy, I feel that we will have to lighten up on how much money is spent on fulfilling wish lists. Therefore, we will try to cut out some relatives who have small children and really don't need to be purchased for and some others that Jay and I need to chat about. I also figure that Blue Cross/ Blue Sheild have really put too much on their wish list. I mean, who is going to spend $600 on just one MRI? Silly BCBS. I don't think that we will be fulfilling their wishes - at least for now.

Jay got home and wanted to treat our little family to a dinner out. And not just to McDonalds. We went to Maynards and had an awesome meal. The girls were terrific. It was an all around great meal. The topper on the meal was when we ordered dessert, Jay wanted to put Emma's hair in a ponytail to keep it out of the chocolate. As he was doing so, I said, "Emma, did you know that daddy used to have a ponytail?" Her reply "Nooooo." After a moment of thought, "Did he have a ponytail when he was a girl?" It doesn't get better then out of mouths of babes.

We got home just in time for the Wild game. Jay and Emma love to watch them! Madeline, I think by default, does too. The girls had some spats over who would wear the gear, by then it was time for Madz to go to dreamland. Emma and I played some board games. Jay is exhausted this evening, and come to think of it, I am kind of tired too. Perhaps bed before 11:00? Dream on.