holiday lists . . .

I don't know about you, but I am definitely a list person. I have to make a list for everything - groceries, activities, daily events - everything. If not, I will be certain to forget something. Most things, actually. I have to have a list to keep to focused and on-task, and to keep me organized. I am one of *those people* - the one who would forget their head if it wasn't attached to my body! My lists are my lifeline and they make the holidays just a little bit easier!!! They're also a way of keeping others in my life organized as well. Take my sweet husband, for example. He always says I am THE hardest person to shop for. How, I ask? Anytime a catalog comes in the mail or a newspaper, filled with retail ads is sitting in front of me, I can immediately find SOMETHING that I like, SOMETHING that I would love to be given to me. I am constantly dog-earring pages in catalogs. Hinting at a new kitchen gadget that would be PERFECT for the kitchen. Oogling over some super-soft, uber-comfy jammies found on page 14 of the newest catalog sitting on the coffee table. How can I be hard to shop for? Seriously. So, after nine years of being married to the most supportive, loving, caring, honest, loyal person that I know, I have realized that a Christmas list is NOT just something that my children must make to send to Santa each year. It is something that I must put together for my hubby - to make his shopping just a bit easier! Now, honestly, I don't need a thing. Nothing. There really isn't anything that I just have to have this year. The fact that we are now a *retired* military family, and DH actually has a job, in these tough economic times really is biggest gift. The fact that we were able to sell our house - in Florida, mind you - AND in a little over a month's time - AND make a profit off of it - Well, that is truly a blessing. And even after a year of much uncertainty - military retirement, resumes, new jobs, moving across the country, new schools, new home, new friends {not to mention leaving behind some VERY cherished friends that were there for us through it all - and supported us - me - when I didn't think I could take much more!} we are here, together, starting a new life with lots of new opportunities, and the blessings we already have With two small children and two almost grown teenagers. I'm sure this post doesn't make much sense, as it was drafted and never published ... so I am publishing it now so that I'll it to look back upon in the future! Merry Christmas!