Mothers of the world, have a happy, relaxed day full of love, laughter, and, hopefully, a few flowers and chocolates.

Kids of the world, have you called your mother yet?

Happy new year! Passing along the beautiful Irish Marriage Blessing to you and yours:

May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortunes
and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward.

I think I’ll just make this my annual Thanksgiving message:

Give Thanks
When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength.
Give thanks for your food and the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
–Tecumseh

Have a wonderful day!

Let’s get one thing straight. I love Christmas as much as the next person. I love giving presents, cooking, decorating, and celebrating the season and all it stands for.

I just don’t love it in November.

Why do we have to start in on Christmas the day after Halloween? Is that really necessary? Can’t we take a little breather, disassemble the Halloween decorations, enjoy Thanksgiving, and THEN get into the Christmas spirit?

Target has had Christmas stuff up for weeks. One of my favorite local radio stations is now playing (and has been playing) 24-hour Christmas music for a while now. I’m getting holiday catalogues already.

I mean, come ON.

You know what the biggest problem with this premature holiday consumerism is? Now my kids look at me with shining, eager faces, and wonder when we’ll put up our tree. When I’ll start baking cookies. When we can pull out the decorations. As if I’m the one with the problem because I want to celebrate Thanksgiving before Christmas.

I think we need to draw a line in the sand right now: No Christmas before Thanksgiving!

I mean, think about it. If we let this go unchecked, next year they’ll have us getting out the tinsel just as we’re putting away our bathing suits and charcoal grills after Labor Day.

I’m just saying.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Wishing all the fathers out there a wonderful, relaxing day with their families!

Taking a minute to remember the troops amidst all the barbeque…

Mothers of the world, have a happy, relaxed day full of love, laughter, and, hopefully, a few flowers and chocolates.

Kids of the world, have you called your mother yet?

Wishing you a peaceful Easter Sunday, full of love and chocolate!