Christmas is for kids, I sure didn't see much evidence of it today.
What I did see was moms at the breaking point, hollering at kids to either "put it back!!" or "don't touch!!" Even babies were crying, Mom was so stressed she didn't know how to deal with it logically. The kids were stressed because of the excitement of santa coming and the tension they felt from Mom.
Having young children with you at anytime carries a certain amount of stress but if you can distance yourself from the disapproving hoards and deal with your childs needs then you will both be happier and less stressed.
It really doesn't help anyone if you are in a rush to get past the mom who is depsperatly trying to get her kids corraled because she has been glared at one too many times. She doesn't like it anymore than you do and having her ability to be a good parent called into question with a nasty look will only undermine her when she is at her breaking point.
These kids you see as brats aren't really, they are only picking up on the tension of the adults around them.
So next time you see a mom or dad with uncooperative lil shits give them the benefit of the doubt that they are all trying their best and perhaps today just wasn't a good day.
Thinking a smile of understanding and a lil patience goes a long way,
ju

I started shopping at 10am and didn't really get home till almost 3pm. Chritmas shopping is done!! Grocery shopping is done! Presents have been hidden. I'm so tired I really am not sure what I bought. Stew is simmering on the stove, it's a grab it when you are hungry dinner,
Time for me to have a beer and chill.
Worn out,
ju

to stress right out.
I have been trying to stay calm this year. I managed to do it last year but with much help. I have been sort of calm, or as calm as I can, been plotting and planning and hoping to be able to make Christmas for the kids again this year.
It has come down to the crunch, tomorrow is my last opportunity to spend before the big day.
I am not a religious person but I have to believe that there are forces out there, call them what you will, who do look out for you.
Late today I was offered a huge chunk of hope. I still don't really know what form it will come in but I am feeling far more hopeful.
Fingers crossed that the new year will bring me the job I need so I can give back a little of what has been offered to me.
Seeing the season for what it is meant to be,
ju

gone awry.
I went to the bank today, it was decorated as you might suspect for Christmas. There was a tree in the middle of the floor that caught my eye. It was nicely done I suppose for a bank but what really got me was the phallic symbol sorta decoration that was the tree topper. I am assuming they didn't want to use a star or an angel in an attempt to be more politically correct (however they failed miserably by putting the tree up in the first place) The tree was topped with what appeared to be the biggest reddest butt plug I have ever seen. Now I don't know if I am a tad jaded or not but lets assume I am. So the bank wants to ream me a new one, nothing new there. Lets assume I am a total innocent and have no clue about these things. Wtf is that on top of the tree????
Jimgle bells Batman smells, Robin layed an egg....
ju

blogstipated, so many things I want to say and yet I can't organize my thoughts.
I will figure it out,
ju

a Christmas play list.
Any suggestions?
ju

have a good day!!

ju

I just love the really old ones (the ones I watched as a kid) Rudolph, Santa is coming to town, The little drummer boy.
I was watching Santa is coming to town tonight with the kids and was blown away once again by the primitive animation. Those shows were magic to me! and the monsters always scared the living daylights out of me! They look so silly now but they still seem to hold the same kind of magic for the kids today.
Never underestimating the power of a lil imagination and singing "Santa Claus is coming to towwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn"
ju

My youngest so wants to go with his sister so often. She is really great about including him in so many things. He thinks it is his right to be included always and I think she needs time on her own with her friends. I am currently listening to huge tantrums because she wanted to go tobogganing with her friend. They both promised to take him tomorrow, along with several other mutual friends.
I was the oldest of 3 daughters and did include my siblings at times and excluded them others. I have no idea how they felt when I went off on my own but am finding it heatbreaking to watch my sons reaction to not being allowed to go with his sister. I have no experience to draw on to make him feel better, nothing I am trying is working.
Wondering how younger siblings coped with the disappointment of not always being included,
ju

Winter is here. It hit the magic -10c mark and I dragged my winter coat out of storage.
Contemplating putting the summer clothes away,
ju