The Spirit of Christmas is...Cleanliness...Wha?

I rarely look at the negativity at Christmas. I try to focus on the real meaning of giving to loved ones, spending time together and reminding my kids what it's all about. I try to keep the marketing angle from ruining our special holiday. That's why - I cannot believe Walmart. If starting off the Christmas season before Thanksgiving was bad enough, their newest hourly radio ad really got me going.

It goes something like this, "Think Santa isn't judging how clean your house is this year? Think again. He's got that white-glove test.....stock up on Clorox wipes and paper towels."

                                                    Errrr, excuuuuuse me - Jesus was born in a BARN!

School Apps Rock!

Some of my kids are fantastic about getting their schoolwork done and turned in, others have some sort of portal they send their half-completed work into called "Idontknow". This place of Idontknow must be overflowing with assignments, half-finished posters, and reminders about school picture day.

Then comes the privileges - parties, sleepovers, Saturdays spent at friends' houses. Those privileges I look back at and think, "Why, oh why, did I let him go do all that when all this work was being marked as missing at school?" It's really hard to keep in contact with busy teachers that have tiny windows of time to talk to parents and align your time with theirs. After awhile, I feel like I'm just annoying the teachers asking if his work is turned in.

Enter:

After a major computer crash and near report card-less quarter last year, the school built an entirely new system for students and parents. I can now sign in  - even on a cell phone - and look at all four of my boys' progress, future assignments and ultimately know on the spot if they are up to date or just fudging that, "Um, yeah, all my work is done - can I go now?". I LOVE THIS APP!

.....because inquiring mom's want to know...............

Brawl of the Wild this Saturday

MSU Bobcats are #1 in the Nation
Congratulations Bobcats!! Can't wait to see you beat the Griz this weekend and once again become State Champs!!!!!!!

SOME DAYS YOU'RE THE TOP DOG........

SOME DAYS...NOT SO MUCH....



Somebody needs to invent.......

a peanut butter and jelly maker! We are up to 6 PB&J's per day (including mine) around here. Even though I had the kids making their own lunches, they seem to be having "emergencies" every morning (just remembered a homework assignment - no time to pack lunch, etc) So here I am, getting that "didn't I do this yesterday?" feeling on a daily basis. I think this calls for an appliance. I want to stick in a loaf of bread, jar of jelly and jar of peanut butter, push a button and "ding" out pops six sammys! And just because we love PB&J's so much.....This one's for Josh - who was this guy for Halloween:


Now tell me you won't be singing THAT all day!............Peanut Butter Jell-AY....Peanut Butter Jell-AY.............Peanut Butter Jell-AY

PBJT!

Anyone care to discuss....

The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad????  I am writing a lengthy paper on it and just can't put my finger on a topic relating it to European history.  Circa 1902 - some may know it by the movie starring Marlon Brando.

Join Susan Kaye Quinn's Virtual Launch Party Today!

Open your mind and grab a copy of Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn. This is the first book of a trilogy.

Since it is just now available today, I haven't read it, but her synopsis has me hooked. Visit Susan's website at http://www.susankayequinn.com/ and join her party. She'll even let you read the first chapter. Oh, and you might want to wear a metal helmet lined with lead.....just...in....case.............

Also, check her out on Goodreads. Come on, you know you have to add this to your TBR pile!