That's one of my littel buddies who come to dine on the front porch.  They are pretty spoiled here.

I have a few minutes to update before I'm off to church for Fellowship night (dinner and GEMS) so I thought I would pop in.  Not that there is a whole lot to say.  In fact, I can't think of a single thing.

I'm trying to get something done for Photography "club" which is meeting Monday so that's kept me busy today.  I finished Christmas shopping AGAIN today.  You know how you think you're done and then something else comes up.  Well, I HAD To get something for my dog.  3 somethings actually.  And then I figured that I should at least get something little for Mike even though we don't usually exchange gifts.  And then Ben's friend is having a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese this Saturday so I had to get him something.  By the time I was done I spent another $100.00.  Gack.  That's not good. 

Mike asked me last night what I want for Christmas (even though we don't usually exchange gifts!) and I was ready with "An Olympus Evolt E-510 DSLR Camera with the Dual Lens Kit".  I felt like Ralphy from A Christmas Story.  But honestly, a new camera is the only thing I want.  I don't need anything.  And there's not much I want for myself.  A new camera though...oh yeah...I really want one of those.  And one way or another I will get one before next Spring.  I may not be able to get the exact one I want but I can dream.  It seems as if everytime I think maybe we could swing it a new bill comes in.  I now have a $550 bill from the Retina doctor which I don't understand because we just paid over $1000 for the surgery to the Hospital and still owe $700 for some other things from the surgery and the tests I had done before that.  I get frustrated because we just don't have extra money.  And of course that doesn't stop me from going overboard on Christmas as usual.  So I can't complain too much.  At least we have a home, food and everything we need and more. 

Speaking of Christmas...I've had thoughts about what we might do next year.  I was on Flickr (big suprise) and had a "conversation" with someone about the Epiphany and how some cultures actually celebrate that with gifts instead of Christmas.  The Epiphany is when the Magi (wisemen, three kings) came to Jesus with gifts and was first introduced to the Gentiles.  These other cultures still celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus but they hold off on the gifts until 12 days later (the Epiphany).  I think that's a great idea and I am considering doing that with my kids.  Then on Christmas day we will open stockings, have dinner and go out and do something for someone else.  Maybe visit a nursing home, a hospital or something like that.   I think it would make Christmas so much more meaningful.  I will have to think about it over the next year. 

Alright, I'm off.  I guess I found something to write here so I'm pleased with myself.

If you could please pray for my little sister, Kim.  She is 17 years old.  She has been having different symptoms over the past few years (like headaches, fainting, flailing and numbness) and she finally was seen by a neurologist (actually the same one I went to) and she is having an MRI next Wednesday.  The doctor also suggested having her heart checked.  I'm worried for her and am praying that whatever is causing these things is something easily fixed.  So if you could pray for my sister I would really appreciate it.