Thought I'd be a little diverse here and wish everyone a 'happy holiday' at the same time.  Yeah, ok, so I'm being a little sarcastic about political correctness. 

By the way, I really do not like this new style that the homeschool blogger has chosen.  I miss all those other cute smileys.   Now how am I going to express just the right emotion???

I'm not as busy as I'm sure alot of you are at this time of year.  We don't have parties and kids plays and stuff to go to.  And I have all my shopping done.  Woohoo!  It's been a little less Christmasy since dh isn't here but at the same time I have been blessed for those times when he can come home and that both he and our daughter will be here for Christmas eve and day.  I'm really looking forward to that.

I've been out buying gift cards to various restaurants lately.  I know when Keith retires next year that money will be a bit tighter for awhile anyways, so I thought this might be a good time to get some cards so that when we really want to eat out, but can't afford to, then we'll have them to use.  And I really liked Ruby Tuesday's thing of buying a $25 gift card and getting a free $5 one.  Same for Smokey  Bones, except you can also use theirs at Red Lobster or Olive Garden (one of our favorite places to go).

I actually even have all but 2 of the presents wrapped.  I got my neice a Kareoke machine, so that's going to be interesting to wrap.  I do have to shop for Christmas dinner items and Christmas eve items but otherwise I'm done with everything.  I wanted to homeschool this week, but so far doesn't look like that's happening.  When I have Marcus home, it's a bit more difficult to do so, especially when you have things shoved in your face like DVD's, bowls, etc. (remembering that my 17 yo son is severely autistic as well as non verbal).  They got out of school last week.  The county next to us has school until tomorrow.

I may try to slip in some schooling here and there and maybe count it all as a day's worth.  I'll try to get in each subject so I can count it as a day. I'm thinking about taking a few subjects for next year and getting actual curriculum for it, like for science and social studies.

So that's it for now.  I'll try to write again before Christmas, but if I don't, I pray that you all have a very blessed Christmas and enjoy time with our Lord and with your families.

Merry Christmas!