I love my Christmas tree

I love my Christmas tree and I think it is the best tree ever. I started collecting ornaments when I was 13. I was at a store and I saw this little elf ornament and bought it. And so it began. At that time I also started making ornaments for all my nieces and nephews. They were made out of sculpey clay. Every year I would make each kid an ornament. So, when they were older they would have them for their own trees. When I interviewed with Hallmark that is what they were most interested in. And, that is what I would have loved to go into. They were just starting with their ornament line. But, at the time, it was not worth moving to Kansas. Do I regret not moving? Not even for a second. My favorite ornaments are the ones with a story behind them. I have one of Puddles from the kids book "Toot and Puddles." The books are written and illustrated by Betsy Clark. It is Puddles ice skating. I put it on a hanger that rotates. So, it looks like he is really skating. I love it! I also have some that are from an estate sale I worked on. They are very old. When I got them they had old curtain hooks on them. I never changed them. I like that they used what they had available. I of course have the ones my kids made. Becca colored a heart one year on paper and then cut it out. I smile every time I put that on the tree. She was so pleased when she gave it to me. I also have a small watermelon slice that a dear college friend made me. When I place it on the tree I think of her. Some are ornaments that where on the tree when I was a kid. My mom always decorates the tree with blue lights. And, she always had a blue aluminum star on top. I put her tree up every year for her and when the star quit working she was going to throw it away. Now, it is an ornament on my tree. I also have things that aren't really ornaments. I have a red Christmas record that I shove in the branches. And, a kids red toy motorcycle guy. I have no rules as to whether it can or can't be on the tree. If I like it, it gets a spot on the tree. And, a lot of the ornaments I made. When the kids get trees of their own I will give them their ornaments. Nick has sporty ones and Hallmarks GI Joe ornaments. Becca has Barbie ornaments and ones that her godparents gave her each year. Ben has Scooby Do and Harry Potter ones. But, for now they are displayed on my tree. I have over 350 ornaments. I have them all written down as to where I got them and whose they are.  Two years ago I purchased a tree stand that rotates. Now, all the ornaments can be seen! I put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. So, we have time to enjoy it. And, every year I do just that!!!

No, thank you.

Why is it that everyone expects me to do everything for them?  Daughter... Mom, can you get me an eye appointment? But, don't get it on a day that I work. Or, if I have school that day. And, not to early in the morning.  Son....Mom can you sign me up to volunteer at the Purdue game. But make sure I work at the same time as my friends. And, can you pick me up some new clothes, just the things I like.  Other son...Mom I need to earn some money. I need new clothes. Ones that fit. Will you get some good stuff when you go to the store? Husband....Can you get me an appointment with that one doctor? And, can you sign Nick up for pitching lessons with that one guy.  Make it sometime in January. On the weekend. Preferably Sunday. And, what are we getting the kids for Christmas? And, did you make vacation arrangements for Christmas break?  DO IT YOUR SELF!!!
Who do they think does all my stuff? I am not here to do your dirty work! Wash it yourself. Call them yourself. Pick it up yourself. Sign up yourself. Pick it out yourself. I don't like to do it any more than you do. And, I have enough to do already.

What to do

My son has a good friend that he has been hanging around with for about 6 years. His parents are divorced. He lives with his mother. Since I have known him he has lived in about ten different places. A little over a year ago his mother found out she had cancer. This weekend he told my son they gave her 4 months.  He is a good kid. To talk to him you would never know that his home life was not an ideal one.  I don't even know where to go with this. I feel helpless in every way. He stays with us a lot and knows he is always welcome. We have told my son he can live with us if he needs or wants to. But, other than that, I remain clueless as to what we can do to help him.

Snow

It snowed today. Not a lot. Just enough to cover the ground. The wind was very cold. I do not like cold. And, it gets dark so early now. I was trying to think if I would like it better if in the summer months it got dark early and stayed light later in the winter months. The answer was "No." I do not like cold and I do not like dark. But, I especially do not like cold and dark together. I think about living where it is warmer. I want to be able to work outside all year. Or, at least most of the year. Maybe I should hibernate. I wonder why the animals don't get all stiff and such when they sleep all winter. If I stayed in bed all day I probably wouldn't be able to walk. Well, on the brighter side...in four months it will start getting warmer. And, then spring will be here. I love spring!!!