Well, it's over. 

That is what my son said to me on Christmas night.  But I couldn't hear that-- not yet.  I knew there was still miles to go before I slept.  I looked around and saw the gifts to be returned, the dishes and laundry that needed attending to, and the piles and piles of discarded boxes and wrappings-- and knew that it was not quite over.  Plus, we had one more family event to attend that, thankfully, I did not have to cook for.  So, yesterday was the day to begin digging out, and making returns.  And we got most of that done.  I even squeezed in my trip to Barnes and Noble.  (More about that later.)  

Today will be spent in my sweats continuing to get right side up.  I must clean my room, which sounds so juvenile when I say that.  But my room has become the receptacle for every odd piece of anything for the last few days.  So I must find homes for all of the stuff that has wound up in my room.  Trash day can't come soon enough when we can dispose of the large amounts of boxes and papers that are occupying the corners of several rooms.  I need to feel some sense of order again.  So, that will be my objective today.  Establishing dominion, as God told Adam to do.  It's Biblical after all.  I need to establish dominion over the stuff that has taken over my home!! 

This week will be spent preparing for our company this weekend.  My kids are in constant rehearsals for the upcoming New Year's Eve show they will be in, so they are kept busy.  My younger ones have a horde of new dvd's to occupy them, as it's a bit too cold to play outside.  My only challenge will be the baby, who will not watch dvd's or stand still even.  I'm praying for long naps! 

I also hope to plan out some units for the coming semester, mainly focusing on art.  I need to plan school to begin again on the 2nd.  There won't be much time for that once the weekend rolls around and our company gets here.  So, hopefully I can carve out some time to get that handled.  I also have some new books to read, which I purchased with my B&N gift certificates.  I am pretty jazzed about that!  I got a Donald Miller that I had not read and a book on freelance writing which I have seen recommended in Writer's Digest.  (Both are listed in the sidebar.)  I also went ahead and listed another new book, which I will begin in January, a daily reading of the Message Bible.  It takes you through the Bible in a year, something I have always wanted to do.  Anyone want to join me in committing to this rather large endeavor? 

I listed a new link too-- a blog which was recommended by my friend Glynnis, the editor of P31 Woman magazine.  Tony Woodlief is a great writer and I love reading his stuff, so check him out! 

My invisible site counter is not working right now, so I have no idea how many of you are checking in over the holidays.  I had no idea how much I rely on that thing to give me info until I did not have it anymore.  I am learning to surrender my "need to know" to God, who knows all.  This is one way He has helped me along, so to speak.  So, if you are out there reading this, thanks for coming!  I hope you'll come back but I will have no idea if you do!  Ü