Home From the Hospital, Holiday Musings

Caroline came home today, much better, chipper, and wanting to play football.  No, you can't play football. I am feeling anxiety about her being home again as she always introduces an irritable spirit into the mix.  We still don't know what we are doing for Thanksgiving.  Our plan was to travel up to see family, but we are trying to figure out the sleeping arrangements.  We usually get two hotel rooms for the six of us, but money is very tight right now, so we are trying to figure out a more frugal set-up.  We WILL be taking two cars on the drive:  one car for my husband and Caroline, the other for me and the other three girls.  We learned the hard way a few years ago that it is better to spend the extra gas money than to risk permanent damage to sibling relationships.  Sad, but necessary.  If I could get her her own hotel room I would, with a parent of course.

After a great weekend celebrating Jane's 13th birthday, I am feeling the letdown.  Back to the daily grind.  Bill's sister was here to help and she was amazing.  I am grateful that she could help us manage the weekend.  Now Monday looms and I am not looking forward to it.  Blah!

Christmas decorations are up in every store, and the sale ads are putting the pressure on the American public.  I feel like my hands are tied right now.  No big shopping sprees here.  I bought a few small Christmas gifts, but honestly, there isn't money for much more.  I guess we will deal with that after Thanksgiving.  It is hard when the kids give me their Christmas lists and I have to tell them that they may get just one thing on their lists this year.  I hate the commercialism of Christmas anyway.  I look forward to the day when we can maybe skip giving presents altogether and instead focus on the true meaning of this holiday, and on giving to others outside of ourselves.