BST's Blog

Let's see...what to talk about TODAY. Politics? Sex? Gay Marriage? Nah...I think I'll hold off on those topics. (sorry to all the anonymous commenters out there) Overall, some really great discussion yesterday. Thanks for contributing to it. I really appreciated the spirit of people like JDS and Notgonnatellya. Why can't we talk about all difficult things with that kind of approach? Thanks, guys.

Christmas Time's A Comin!! That song opens the show--Sanders Family Christmas. I was singing it in my head at 4:30 this morning after Ella woke up crying and eventually, unlike her father, went back to sleep. "Can't ya hear them bells ringin', ringin', joy, joy to hear them singin'! When it's snowin' I'll be goin' back to my country home." OVER and OVER and OVER. ugh. Then when that one finally subsided (I tried to use the tune of Jesus Loves Me to wipe my mental pallet), my mind made a medley of "Christmas Time's a Comin" and "I'll Be Home With Bells On"--also in the show. If I could have found Dolly to strangle her, I would have at 5:30am.

I hope those of you in the Nashville area are planning to come. (Dec 17, 18, 19 @7pm) I don't think I've been as excited about something in a long time. It's really been fun.

My mom is having a very emotionally draining week. The Highland Elders asked her to come to their meeting on Wednesday night where they blessed her with words and with prayer. It was overwhelming, I'm sure. (What a great practice! Do any of your elderships bless those moving?) Yesterday, she was at the Abilene City Council meeting (she's helping with the building of the new and improved Abilene Public Library). Norman Archibald who is now Mayor had her stand and they gave her a real send off there too. Today she has a going away party at the NCCIL National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature). Mom has been very instrumental in getting it up and going. The other board members will miss her greatly. After that party, she is going to Sam Thomas Elementary (the school named after my father). They are taking a panoramic picture of the entire student body with my mom standing in front of the school. Pretty cool! (Christopher Paul and Lauren--2 of the Lorenz's grandkids) will be standing right beside her. These are precious, precious people and memories.

I told her last night that she's really receiving such a gift. Most people never get to hear such accolades while they're living. She is so loved. It makes my heart just spill over to think of the friends and family we have in Abilene. Thank you, THANK YOU to all of you in Abilene who have loved us and will continue to love us. It will always be home. I can't imagine what it will be live for Mom to get in the car with her brother, Mike, and drive out of town knowing that she is leaving.

Last night was so much fun. I rented Elf and we spent our night in the den decorating and watching Will Ferrell. What could be better? There are so many great moments in that movie. The girls were just giddy with excitement. Ella ran around saying "I want Ho-Ho" and Maddie helped hang decorations. At one point both girls were wrapped in the colored lights I was trying to strategically place on the tree. It is an art, you know. We had a great time.

Tomorrow is breakfast with Santa at OC. Sheryl will be up here late tonight decorating with some other moms. We're also meeting a potential new family member... Libby. She's a beautiful black cocker spaniel. We'll see how everyone gets along.

Have a great weekend! Enjoy the best of this season. In spite of the commercialism, selfishness, and greed--there are so many great things about the Christmas season. New Life, hope, the spirit of giving, realizing God's gift to us in Jesus Christ, laughter, an excuse for families to be together, hot chocolate, peppermint ice cream...yes, I still eat ice cream in the winter! May God bless you all this weekend.