Brrrrr. Make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

The deep cold has arrived, fast and furious. Are you prepared? I think, in addition to having a sock monster in my house, we also have a windshield scraper thief as well. I get stuck at least once a season
without the aid of my windshield scraper, brush.

I've also left the house entirely improperly dressed. Which means I'm freezing all day and miserable! I remind my kids constantly to wear their hats and mittens, now I need to be the example!

As we face the reality that is winter, do you have your vehicle properly outfitted, scraper included? On the BalanceYour7.com website they give a handy list of supplies we should all stash into our cars. It's like the Boy Scouts say "Be Prepared."

Are you prepared?
If you got stranded in your vehicle in the cold, snowy winter weather, would you be prepared?
Don't take any chances.

Place a winter survival kit in your vehicle that includes:

• A blanket
• First-aid kit
• Road maps
• Cell phone
• Compass
• Water-proof matches
• Water
• High-calorie, non-perishable foods
• Paper towels
• flashlight and batteries
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Booster cables
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Tire chains
• Can of compressed air for tire repair
• Flares
• Salt, sand or kitty litter to melt the snow or provide extra traction

I hope that we will never have to use the majority of these items, but when we live in a wonderful climate like ours, we must prepare for the unexpected! So safe, and happy travels to all!

Searching for the spirit of the season...

I'm making a confession here. 

 I am so NOT in the holiday spirit. 

I have zero excuse as to why either, and it's starting to make me sad! I have every reason to be thankful, happy and excited for Christmas, but just cannot seem to get into it. 

My kids are at perfect ages, so excited about the lights, and the tree, decorations and of course Santa. There is snow on the ground and it helps totally set the scene. My house is decorated, stocking were hung with care, St. Nick has already visited. We've been to our first holiday party already, celebrating with friends and drinking good cheer, and yet, nothing. Maybe it's because I've left too much to do for the past few weeks. Maybe it's because I haven't wrapped a single gift, or addressed one single Christmas card. 

I'm hoping a magic Christmas "whammo" will strike and I'll find myself humming along to carols and anxious for December 24th. But in the event that does not occur, I'll still follow the holiday routine. I'm baking four dozen cookies for a cookie exchange. I'll probably wrap a few presents during the next few chilly days. My Christmas cards are stuffed and waiting, so they will find their way to friends and family. I'm going to dedicate my radio to the holiday station and practice Christmas songs on the guitar. I hope my kids' enthusiasm will rub off and I'll be as jolly as old St. Nick himself come tomorrow. At least, that's the gift I want most this year! 

How about you? Are you ready, festive and loving December? If so, please feel free to share what makes you so into the spirit of Christmas. I went and revisited the spirit dimension from the Balanceyour7.com website and here's what it said:

Spiritual wellness: Search for meaning and purpose, actions match your values and morals, find peace and harmony.
• Explore your individual spirituality
• Spend time alone
• Meditate
• Be tolerant of different beliefs
• Keep a clear sense of right and wrong

Maybe I'm missing the true meaning and purpose. I guess I'll have to keep searching!

The magic of Christmas

We are only young once, and boy does that seem like a long time ago! 

I was struck yesterday by the magic of youth, and how wonderful it truly is. Our kids are eight, six and three. They believe one hundred percent in the magic of Christmas, in Santa, his elves and all the wonder that this season brings. 

Well our elf on the shelf is back for another season of mischief and fun. Jingle Bells, as he is very appropriately named, arrived the day after Thanksgiving and has been delighting the kids each morning with his antics from the night before. 

Well, as you can see from the picture, this was how the kids found him this morning. They stood in awe at his predicament, but debated whether Jingle Bells had used his magic to tie himself up, or if the Lego guys caught him and were tired of him causing trouble and so they tied him up for us to see! 

It was a wonderful, magical conversation and our 8-year-old was completely convinced that his "guys" woke up and caught JB in sneaking back into the house. Not only do they believe in the magic of one stuffed little red elf, but that their toys are also alive and well. I hope a bit of this belief will rub off on me, and I say to all kids everywhere, whether old or young, hang onto it, the act of believing is the true magic of the season! 

Stay tuned for more Jingle Bell escapades!

Helping those in need

I've run a few errands and settled down into a coffee shop to write and deliver to those wonderful readers out there a new, exceptionally written blog. 

Throughout the course of my errand running, I walked past three Salvation Army kettle bell ringers. As the temperatures plummet and the holidays approach, we are reminded with each bell that tinkles, that there is a great need in our community. Individuals, families old and young alike are in need. 

Maybe you find yourself on the receiving end this year or possibly you are in a position to give assistance to those who desperately need it. Please don't hesitate to contribute, even if you don't think it's much, every penny counts. Some stores are making it easy, you can scan at the register and your donation is put onto your total bill, whether paying by credit, check or cash, easy and convenient! 

Maybe this year you can't spare any extra money but you could donate your time. Here is the perfect opportunity to do so. Please consider donating a couple of your valuable hours to help those in need, right in our own town. I've decided that you are never too young to learn about volunteering. I will be signing our entire family up for a shift or two to ring bells and show them how we can help and hopefully make them feel good about giving. So as the bells sound, count your blessings and help fulfill somebody else's blessing too.

You can sign up to volunteer online at this link.