Summer Plans ? Kids, Money, Time and Bills

               How many families realistically expect to go away for a summer vacation? Understanding what your life is about makes you the only person who knows if you can really afford a summer vacation. In a way, It's like Christmas.  You spend so much money on going away and come home to bills and then say, what did I do. Sure you gave your kids a good time, but now you're stuck with credit card bills.
       There are many ways you can show your kids a good time in an inexpensive way at home. But don't break your  financial plan, mess up to pay it all back and next thing you know Christmas is here. Also let your children know summer vacation really means that their job which is school is not in session and that alone is summer vacation time, no getting up at a certain time, no eating at a certain time, no schedules if mom and dad don't want to, unless of course you work and have to bring kids to a sitter.

Christmas Tears-A poem a day....

 

 It comes to your door every year

sounds of winters' wind and cold

and the lonely sit and remember

life past as they grow old.

 

Christmas tears to all who see

life without love and home

but memories left to think through

about all of those who are alone.

 

Christmas tears in and out

young children homeless too

wondering why they no longer feel

love from all that's due.

 

It comes to your door every year

now open up and see

all the children on the street

who need, you and me and He.

 

Wrap your arms in love

an invisible hug or two

show your heart, weep within

for every child who needs you.

 

Christmas tears from them we know not

young, old, hurting and passed away

Let this year open us up

Past Christmas a year, a month, and a day.



Bless This House oh Lord We Pray

       Remember that song ? Not just an oldie but better than a goodie. As time and memories of people pass, you will see people who is alone. Many like it just like that and many don't. At the end of every year, TV stations play and show photos of all of those we know as celebrities in one way or another, who have died.
       Yes, they are people too, but what about the moms and dads who have lost sons and daughters in the military, or in sickness or accidents ? What about losing a parent too young, or a child at that tender age-any age is tender. A Child is a child.
        Hearts seem to break harder at this time of year. Why? Because most are happy and those who have lost someone who is precious, who has shared memories and who is loved, is no more. How do you offer a paper wrapped gift when the best gift all parents are given is a child ? How, how can you possibly offer a paper wrapped gift ?
      What you can offer is yourself. Go and just be. Let tears flow, and words of sorrow seep through tears of anguish. Hold them if you can, make tea, sit and listen. If you can, tell about your times. They need to hear it too. Pray, pray and pray some more for God to bless that home that no longer seems like a home. After all, what is a home without the spirit of a child no longer here ? Empty.

Hey Parents, Get Ready, Christmas? Why?

      Christmas is for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus if you believe in Him, and for families. If not then why are people buying so many gifts for people who don't appreciate it, and all they think about is me, me , me.
       Do you give back during the year, or just take any time you can? What is good enough for some isn't for others. Some are happy to have a home to live in, rent to pay, groceries to buy, clothes to wear and some are never satisfied, no matter how much you give and give and give. Any time now the stores and ads on TV will be sending those endless greedy messages to children to put parents payroll checks in their hands instead of keeping it in the family.

      So do yourself  a favor, make sure you spend what you think you're going to on Christmas for those who deeply need it like, St. Judes, Cancer research, MDA, and many more. I know this all sounds so cliche, but Christmas is for Jesus and Church and families. Spend it with those you love and who love you, even with those you might just care about.
   Electronics? No way!!!

Makes sense to Start School MId-Summer

     No people, I'm not saying year long school. What I am saying is the summer months are too long for many kids to be away from school. Not all as many kids can do just fine with all summer off.
     But doesn't it make sense to give kids more time off in winter around the holidays? Instead of ten to twelve days away, let it go from December twentieth to the end of February. Then if you are a person who is lucky enough to be a stay at home parent and if you traditionally celebrate Christmas with younger kids, look how much time they have to play, spend more winter time, outdoors riding a new bike too.
    Since we have less daylight hours in winter and kids are brought in earlier because of the dark, which means less outdoor time, less outdoor exercise. Kids need that outdoor time. Also in summer with school, they have a/c for half  a day, and half of that day is used up in school with plenty of daylight left to play outdoors. Come on parents, let's start something here. :) Hey one more thing, you know how too many people are picking up on SAD, Seasonal affective disorder?  Yeah, I watched Northern Exposure too.
Well more home time, less winter school time would take care of that!

The Eve of Chrstmas Eve....looking for a tree

      Looking For a Tree

Driving here, up and down

East to West both sides of town

Looking for a tree just right

not to be found, out of sight.

Stopping once and once again

I looked for a tree and a stand

but not to be found here or there

I was ready to pull out my hair.

At last I found a store with trees

not much taller than my knees

but good enough it would be

for a family Christmas tree.

I took it home, and let it rest

while I cleaned, did my best

I  set it up in my old stand

but it leaned both East, then West.

We left today, went on a search

for a new stand my tree could perch

Took an hour then two more

until the stand was found and more.

We bought hot chocolate gifts cards too

some for us and some for you

trimmed the tree all day long

and sang the best Christmas songs.

I'll not wait for the Eve of Eve again

to find my needs like a Christmas tree stand

I'll start right now to buy galore

and stay away from a Christmas store.

Mrs. Vitalo, It Really is the Little Things

 What a surprise I received today in the mail and like many years ago when my daughter got the mail and called me, I had to call her. Although from two different people who were married, and I still think of them that way even though Mr. Vitalo passed away in nineteen ninety-nine, I received a card from Mrs. Vitalo and I smiled and smiled.
   A best gift ever for sure.
I know when you talk about gifts with kids, and not all kids, it is the big things that matter, but as we grow, mature and have families of our own we know what counts and it doesn't come in a big package. That's how it was today. This was a small miracle.
      You see the address was wrong. It had a box number on it and an RD 2 in front of it. It was close to how my address was years ago, many years ago. Now my address is a plain four number address without any numbers at all as I used to have. However it was an easy mistake, the 1199AA-used to be 1119A-and in this area mail is not delivered to a wrong address without some return and a correction, a black line through it for sure. So why and how? How did someone decide I was that person meant for this card, this year. Why? Someone up there likes me?
      Mrs. Vitalo, I was always thankful to you for your graciousness . You were ever so kind to Jenny and I, inviting us into your home with Mr. Vitalo. I was the luckiest kid alive to know him growing up, and then, and then to re-meet him with you his wife and some family. Jenny and I had good times, laughs, lunches, hugs and for me, A Yellow Rose. One which Mr. Vitalo picked as you held Jenny back a little so I could talk freely. But I still choked, said little, and was just amazed that I was where I was.
     Mrs. Vitalo Jenny said when we left your home after that first time, Mom, now I know why you loved him all those years. I thought about saying that or not, but yes like many kids I loved him. Like many kids I didn't have a true male role model and it was that kind of thing.  He was a big brother, father, friend and mentor and minister. You know how kids grow and talk about their dads to their kids, well I talked to my kids about Mr. Vitalo. My son once said, Mom I only wish I met Mr. Vitalo.
        Then I told my son how Jenny and I went to the Island and met Mrs. Vitalo. I let Michael my son know how our visits were, and how Mr. Vitalo offered me a beer, saying, hey Nance want to have a beer with your old principal? Well I am sorry I passed that up and thought about it many times.
      Mrs. Vitalo, Thank you. Thank you for the time you gave to me and to Jenny. Even now she says mom, remember.... and we exchange stories about the Island visits.  Just as important and I know I'll misspell this, she loves to say tchotchkies. Anytime she looks for those little heart warmers, she'll call and say mom, I'm tchotchkie hunting. She got that from you. We remember meeting you after TJ Maxx at the Pizza place with that cool coat. You said oh this ol' thing. This is Nicks. I love it; he doesn't ever wear it anymore but it's just nice and comfy for me. It was a light reddish and grey plaid coat with beer barrel buttons and big square pockets. It fit perfectly.
      Well a lot of time has passed, and to let you know Jenny is taking Mr. Vitalo's advice as he said, Jen, Make your money while you're young. She is a go getter, single and living in Delaware. I sent you a couple of cards, and called a couple of times, left messages, but not sure if you ever got them so I decided maybe it was time for me to fade away. So to get this card today. Well Mrs. V. It was just like the first time when Mr. Vitalo replied after I sent him a note while at Penn State.
       Then came a sad time, so sad for you and all his family and anyone who knew him. Sitting in your living room some time later, surrounded by an unfillable void, I couldn't understand how good you could be to invite me; and with your daughter, your grandson all so kind. It was truly heartbreaking. Yet, even with that, you took me to an album and shared his last days with the family. He was so loved, as you are. I was humbled. When people talk about a love made in Heaven, they must mean the Vitalo's, all.
        Mrs. V. I hope to see you in the Spring or before. I love you, Nancy

What is this Thing Called Happiness?

       Merry Christmas Everyone! When you hear that how do you feel? What do you think? Do you just smile and say the same to you but inside feel like you just wish people would shut-up and go away?
        We don't ever know what's happening with our neighbors, friends and even family much less the strangers who greet us ringing bells or serve us at Restaurants and eve the clerks behind a counter. They happily ask, May I help you? But inside are thinking, just go away, and what's so good about holidays. We're not even supposed to say Merry Christmas anymore in many places.
        But how do we contain that feeling of real happiness or should we? No I don't think we should. Be as real and as honest as you can. But be as sensitive as your inner self tells you to be. You might see a dad shopping and you can just tell he has very little, may not be working and maybe his wife is sick or has passed away. So many possibilities, so tread gently into a life.
        It's hard not to be overjoyed when things in your own life are so perfect. but what about the others? Sure many make their lives they way they are and are happy in their own misery. Heck, they may not even be miserable. It's all relative. Then again some are miserable through illness, poverty, loneliness, job loss and what I think is worse than anything at all, a sick and dying child. Instead of expecting, let's try respecting. Just respect a person's life the way it is right now.  Don't look down on them because of how they dress, wear their hair or the car they own, or the obvious poverty in how their kids are dressed, no haircuts, shabby shoes and more. Just respect they are doing the best they can. Don't feel sorry for them, but ask them if they can help you. Let them know how much or how you can pay, but make sure to let them know also, you need the help.
      A first reaction may very well be even if they don't say it-you're just feeling sorry for me. They retreat knowing, knowing you think you're better and this takes care of your conscience. If you really feel like that, take a hike. No one needs pity, they need help. Most do want to work for it, so have Merry Christmas, be joyful, healthy, happy, silly and a little kid-like, and most of all remember how good you have it if you do. This is the season for giving-from your heart, not just your wallet. Jesus said so!

What I want for Christmas

       A royal blue truck two seater I say

       with a big box out back, hauling hay

   or carrying a storm door, won't fit in my trunk

         saw on sale a set of twin bunks

         I'll even take red a color I love

       I knew as kid from the stars above

     I'd see a red flash , was it Santa I saw

    or all of my daydreams left at the door

So I still wish and sometimes pray

for that great big truck coming my way

But I am happy to have what I do

 the love of my children, my only two.

I'll go a step more thinking about

a truck I want to not be without

yet I know who am I to deserve such a thing

but should it happen, 4 ever I sing

This is Christmas a season for giving

for me, for now, I thankful for living.

One more small note as I leave this page

on this Friday a week away

comes the reason as most do know

the gifts of giving should help others so

they start a new year with hope to grow

a new sense of faith and seeds to sow.

Merry Christmas Everyone, Everywhere...

P.S.    Please leave the truck outside my door

How to buy AMERICAN Only & Where

       This morning I received a reminder from a crafter that she is buying from another crafter for gift giving. That is American Shopping . You can't do better that that. Sure kids want toys but who pays? America is paying every day we shop at that big W store. Imagine if we could control spending and just buy what we need. Go to local markets=healthier eating, supports the farmer as well as people who usually live locally, ends up saving gas, family time and makes happier people.
      I love music and would love a Susan Boyle CD, but first I want to know the whole process of making that CD and where it comes from.
      Just think and do what you can to SAVE AMERICA this holiday season, better yet, if you believe in the Bible, Christianity, maybe celebrate the business side less and the reason more.
       Another way to SAVE AMERICA is write letters, buy recycled, reuse and redecorate, paint a room for someone, help a neighbor, trim trees, ask, ask a neighbor, friend or relative (if you're still speaking) what you can do to help. Cook a dinner that will last a few days or at least for seconds. Babysit to give someone a day off, a night out or shop for someone. Cut coupons and give away. Wash and polish a car for an elderly person-not me:) SAVE AMERICA by helping the AMERICAN neighbor, small business owner, church group/mission and don't accept money. Give time if you can. There are so many AMERICAN NEEDS, so step out and step up, and support the AMERICAN NEIGHBOR, THE AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNER, THE AMERICAN CRAFTER and keep that support right here in our AMERICA this year!

Noise Out, Happiness In, No tree this year

         What has happened to those quiet afternoons, Saturday evenings, your home where you should be able to come inside, sit and relax after a hard day of working. You should also simply be able to have peace and quiet even if you're a stay at home mom or dad. Here is the problem. Too many things, too much stuff, always looking to be happy with stuff. I have to go back to a chat I had with a young man a little while back when we got on the subject of the holidays coming up.

         Isn't it better to give, really give, and not expect in return, not even expect a pat on the back. Do it because it's right, because you are a person who doesn't want to be in the place of a person on the street or eating at a mission, or standing on a corner asking for handouts. Do it because you want to change someones life for the better, not use your hard earned money to buy a noisy gadget, batteries and so costly you could put a set of tires on your car, or pay a utility bill or rent. You get the point. I am a late learner, but it's never too late.
         A Christmas tree costs about forty dollars. Forty dollars will pay a water bill, a phone bill, will buy groceries for about six days if you shop careful, will buy a warm coat, two blankets, a pair of boots, two paid of sneakers or four depending on where you shop. Take the noise out and put happiness back in, Take the noise out and help someone else or yourself in a better more practical way.
By the way, I am not getting a tree this year. After all, I have to start with me.

My Christmas/ Holiday Pledge

Hello Everyone,
Here's wishing you all a nice Thanksgiving. Recently I was talking to a young man, filled with so much more wisdom and courage that most of us have. It's the courage not to do what most of us have been brought up to do. Here's the list of what we have been trained to do: Spend, build up credit cards over and beyond what we can afford, become stressed so much it affects our relations ships and more important out health, teach our children to become greedy little people, weigh and measure all of the, why didn't I get what he got stuff, and make others rich at the expense of all of the people spending. http://maggieshelpcenter.com
Look at the stress to start with. How many times do you say to yourself, will he/she like this? Do I have the right size & color? Did I spend enough, and I really can't afford to spend more. Now for the kids. How many of us tell the kids to make a list? Poor choice. Why are we doing this and who started it all? Ever hear of group think? This is almost universal thinking. Think for yourself and do what's right for you and your family.
What are we teaching kids about giving them so much? We are teaching them that they deserve a bunch of gifts for nothing every year because "everyone else does it". They can get poor grades, show disrespect for adults, parents, teachers, neighbors, and even destroy what they already have. Let's say they don't do all that but are very nice children. Does that mean you own them your financial life by going into debt, spending your last full paycheck? No, what you owe them is to teach them how to be giving children. Don't turn this around and say well we're giving adults. If you do, good, but who and why are you giving. How many are unemployed, sick, without homes.
Take a child out of school for one day and take him or her shopping for groceries for one family, or a winter coats, blankets, or even pay a utility or rent bill, but only what you can afford without going into debt. My daughter is adopting a family for Christmas. My son's wife asked for gently used clothes for her newborn, and they can afford new clothes, but that's not the point. They believe as many do, save the earth, but save the earths people.
My pledge this year is to give one gift for each person, but mainly I will make things. Yes, I know everyone can't make things, but if you believe in the Christmas story or not-for the sake or argument-WWJD=What would Jesus Do? DO you really think he wants us to live "paying" for a man made holiday kind of Christmas the rest of the following year. Personally I do believe in Jesus, and also believe he would want us to nurture and help another rather than spend money at TOYS R US-MACY"S- FAO SCHWARTZ , and on and on. He would want us to make sure we have enough to feed our families, pay our bills, not have this false sense that this time of year is to create greedy children and have them turn into greedy adults, only and always expecting mom and dad to bail them out of everything, after all...
What do you really owe your children?