Busy, Oh So Busy!

First of all, let me say I am still here. I haven't felt much like blogging, but more than that I just haven't had the time.

Christmas is only 13 days away. I have done some of the shopping and have some more to do. For some of the children I haven't figured out what to buy them.

Each year we say that we are going to cut back on how much we spend for each of the children. This year we are finally following through with it. Finances are not great and truth be told, we do not need anymore toys at our house! The older children always want some expensive gadget, so we give money towards it and they have to put up the rest. Hubby is really good at finding some great deals on things so that helps a whole bunch!

Tim and Naomi's Wedding is in 3 weeks! I have been working on making sure everyone has something to wear. All of the kids are in the Wedding in some capacity.

Jeremy and Josh have to have Tuxes because they are a groomsman and usher. Rebekah is a Bridesmaid, so she has her dress. Victoria and Matthew are lighting the candles. I bought Victoria a pretty silver dress that was on clearance for a wonderful price. Matthew is wearing a suit. Samuel is the ring bearer, so he has to rent a tux. Anna is the flower girl, so her dress is bought and ready. Luke and Micah are like mini ushers. They both have a nice suit to wear.  Now I need to make sure they all have shoes to wear and the boys have a shirt and tie to wear with their suits.

An agonizing experience for me has been trying to find a dress to wear. I do not care for most of the styles out there. I also prefer for the dress to be tea length. I also like dark colors. It has been impossible to find a dress with these specifications. I found a teal colored dress that I do like, but not thrilled with the color.  I have an image of a dress etched in my mind and wonder if it exists somewhere.

On top of this agonizing experience, I have put on 10 pounds this year. I have battled with weight most of my life. I need to lose a lot of weight and now I have added 10 more pounds! I guess comfort foods have been too comforting!  I pray that this new year I can get my act together and lose this weight!

During all this hustle and bustle I would like to remember to keep my focus on the reason we are celebrating, Jesus!  Our children have been taught what Christmas is about. We are celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ! Yes, they do receive presents, but I  would like the emphasis to be on giving instead of receiving. Jesus came to give His life for us and Oh how important it is for us to accept Him as our Savior. It really is a life or death decision.

So if you find yourself all caught up in the busyness of the season, I challenge you to stop and remember why we are celebrating . Let's remember what is really important. If you do not have all the decorations up that you wanted or didn't bake enough or didn't find just the most perfect present, just stop and think about the one who gave his life for you and give Him Thanks!

And if you think about it, pray for me to find the right dress for a great price and that I will not be totally stressed out. I really do want to enjoy this Season along with the first Wedding in our family!