(Well, late Monday, but it's still Monday!) Today was a nice blend of school work with the kids, work deadlines, and chauffering grandkids to Tae Kwon Do and enjoying the chilly fall weather. I'm always energized by the chill, so today was a decidely better day for me than yesterday!

Over the weekend I ordered my Christmas wrap. Current is my favorite, hands down, for their heavyweight paper, their jumbo rolls (40 ft long for 6.99!) their tags and seals and stickers that match everything, and their exceedingly tasteful collection (okay, along with a few silly designs).

Do you guys know about the Amazon.com Friday Sales? If you don't, you should! Check every Friday for great deals on toys, kitchen stuff, linens...it's fabulous! And especially this time of year!

Okay, so what about that Republican debate last night? I continue to be so impressed with that guy they say doesn't have a chance...all I can say is "I HEART HUCKABEE!"

I am SOOOOO proud of my kids. The school year goes remarkably, encouragingly well in all areas. Shelley's concerned about her chemistry class but I'm so proud of the way she's trying and sticking it out in a subject that does not come easily for her. John Caleb is excelling at algebra, and Tim's just having a great year in all respects, continuing to scare himself by liking grammar :-)

I finally got an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon who's just returned from Iraq, so I'll be seeing him on the 30th and hoping for the earliest possible surgery date so that I can be back on my feet, literally, by Thanksgiving. Thankfully my pain has been low in the past four days but I know better than to get too excited about this part of the pain cycle after four years. Maybe soon there won't be any cycle!

Our prayers are with those affected by the fires in southern California, including our friends the Burkes who have just been notified of mandatory evacuation from their home. Many have already lost their homes, belongings, animals and livelihoods and more are sure to come. God, have mercy...

Thanks to all of you who read and commented on Saturday's food post. It was not easy to write and I'm sure many read and turned away, but I wrote what was on my heart and prayed that God would direct it to the heart(s) that needed to think about the issue. I'm blessed by those of you who chose to respond. And if you didn't, it's still not too late. (And don't be afraid to dissent!)

A belated snip, snip, and blessing for a wonderful week for all of you!

Labels: Food, Good Stuff, Health, Holidays, Homemaking, Movies, Political Observation