We got all the Christmas decorations up yesterday. I started putting up my old fake tree which I hate then I decided we should get a real tree. So we threw away the fake tree and Ben ran out and bought a real tree. It’s not real big and it has a lot of imperfections but I love it. I love it because those imperfections are natural.

I’m
a Gryffindor!

Thanksgiving went great. The food was great except for Jodi’s nasty garlic triscuits. Jodi and Wade left in a hurry shocking all of us but that’s ok. We played Trivial Pursuit and I shocked everyone by leading in pies until we into speed mode. Jodi and Ben quickly caught up but in the end Jodi one. Ben will be bitter until Christmas.

The kids want to get the Christmas stuff up today so we’ll probably do that then maybe head to the mall and get some Christmas shopping done. I would like to talk Ben into going to the Mall of America because I have $20 gift card from Bloomingdale’s but I don’t know if he’ll be up for that.

The house is clean. I’ve made the fruit salad, Special K bars, jello and banana bread. Two more loads of laundry still left to do then I can relax until tomorrow.

Tracy called, she and Tony are wishing they were home. I guess things aren’t going all that well. Tracy is a little uncomfortable around Tony’s grandma. Tracy is shy and the grandma doesn’t seem to be making it any better. Poor thing. I know how she feels because for many years I felt the same way around Ben’s family. Now I don’t care. I had to stop caring about what they thought of me otherwise I would have gone crazy. I figure if they don’t like me then we just won’t come around much and we don’t. Ben and I are both happier spending the holidays with my family.

I was thinking and searching around for a Thanksgiving theme for my page tomorrow but I didn’t see anything I liked so I’m not going to make any changes. I did find a lot of cute Christmas ones here so I’ll probably change it on friday. I’ll have to see how the day goes.

Did you know they made mint M&M’s? I didn’t. I spotted them while at the grocery store and they are awesome!

I’m getting all ready for Thanksgiving. I have to clean my house from top to bottom today. I’ve decided I’m going to make fruit salad and jello too. So I have to run to the grocery store and pick those things up. My Dad made the stuffing for me and Ben is picking it up on his way home from work. I’m also going to bake banana bread and make Special K bars. I’m thinking I can get this all done tonight so all I have to do tomorrow is cook the turkey, potatoes, and corn. I have to search around to see if I own any serving dishes otherwise I will have to call Ben and have him steal my Mom and Dad’s. This should be a fun Thanksgiving. I’m really excited about having everyone over and making dinner for them.

Exerpts from When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women

It defines domestic violence as “any kind of behavior that a person uses to control an intimate partner through fear and intimidation” and says that abuse “is a learned behavior.”

“Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to develop alcohol and drug addictions and to become abusers themselves. The stage is set for a cycle of violence that may continue from generation to generation.”

“violence and abuse, not divorce, break up a marriage.”

I just thought it was interesting that they are now updating a 1992 statement on domestic violence. I wonder sometimes why it takes so long for people to acknowledge that this is a serious problem in our society. But I’m glad they made the statements they did. Even going as far as saying it’s ok to get divorced although they recommend an annulment so they can get remarried within the church. Hopefully, the churches openness will help many women and children escape their violent homes.

Still, the essential paradox in the post-Sept. 11 era is that people seem willing to accept government intrusions but not commercial ones, even though the government’s power is enormous and often wielded in secret, while consumers retain substantial control over their commercial information.

She added: “The private sector can’t garnish your wages, can’t take your child away, can’t arrest you. The government can do all those things.”

Oh yeah and I got an ‘A’ on my Harry Potter paper!!! I should easily end up with an ‘A’ for the class!

I’ve written and addressed all of my Christmas cards and it’s not even Thanksgiving. I was a little behind because my friend Jodi has had her’s done since October. I also bought a Christmas present for Ben’s Mom. I just have a few more people to buy for then I am done. Yay! I’m way ahead of myself this year. I know I’m making some of you sick because I’m planning too far in advance but it’s just the way I am!!!