7 Quick Takes Friday

Quick takes are right up my alley this week. I've been burning the candle at both ends and guess what happens? I burn out faster. In fact, I may not even have enough juice left in me for seven, but I'll give it my best shot.


1. When I told Sally that I needed to trim her bangs, she threw such a fit that you would have thought I had cheerfully suggested she go out back and cut a switch with which I could beat her. Seriously, the screaming was twice as long as the actual event. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a toddler meltdown.


2. I picked up some Lindt truffles on sale this week. I was adding a few to various teachers' gifts, and never having had one, I thought I'd give one a little taste. A half a bag later, I realized that one lonely truffle sitting on top of a teacher's gift bag wouldn't cut it. So I ate it. I apologize profusely to all my children's teachers.


3. My shopping is far from finished and now I am getting just plain panicky about it all. We are supposed to get a snow storm overnight and another this weekend, so I have no idea when I'll be able to get out to buy something for Rob and 1/2 of my children. I won't lie - I'm a little stressed.


4. On the bright side, the children who have no presents are the ones who have the least idea of what is supposed to happen. I could wrap up the remote control for Bun and he would have a field day. Actually, forget the remote control -- he just wants the paper.


5. We went to Fiver's school Christmas program where Fiver sang a solo line from the Chipmunks Christmas song (Me, I want a hula hoop!). Is it possible to continue living after your heart has burst? Because I think I have.

(And, for the record, I generally avoid all things Chipmunk when it comes to musical entertainment, but just try to keep from smiling when a bunch of 5 and 6 year old children sing a Chipmunks song. They sound like the real deal!)


6. For those who may be familiar with the PBS lineup: Sally has discovered Caillou. Is it me, or does Caillou's voice make you want to puncture your own eardrums? All he does is whine, and all his parents do is totally cave! And why does he have no hair? Man, he gets under my skin. He's right up there with Barney on my list.

It's time to find our Christmas videos . . . Charlie Brown, where art thou?


7. I've discovered a hidden benefit to Francie's piano lessons: She is now at the point where I can set my choir music in front of her and she can play my alto part. This is a huge help to me and I'm sure it's a tender mercy to all those who sit near me in the choir.

Whew, I made it to seven and they didn't come out quite as grinchy as I feared they would. But just to be safe, I think tonight is the perfect night for watching It's a Wonderful Life in a living room lit only by the twinkling Christmas tree. That's the best way to watch it, you know.

Christmas will be here in less than a week, whether I am ready or not. And thank God for that.

Enjoy the weekend, my friends.

(visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes. And I hope they are more Christmas-y than mine!)