Yes, I'm alive... Thanks for asking.

  "Christina, are you for real blogging today?  Because, we totally thought you were in a foreign country or something,... in a coma."   No, no, fair readers, I have been deliciously ambitious, that's all.  In the last month, I have moved to a different city, begun homeschooling my daughter, and vice-versa when it comes to arithmetic.  (Do any of you remember how to do long division?) And, for the moment, my husband is trekking the globe, bringing Joy to the masses. (That's not sarcasm folks. It's fo real, notice the capital J.)  I love that man.  (Check out his blog at http://michaellusk.blogspot.com)
    So anywho, I may not be able to post as often as days of yore, but you're in my thoughts... especially those of you who are retired and have houses that you can place anything you want where you want and it will be there until YOU move it... I think of you often...

Oh my goodness, I wish I could write what I had purposed to write!  Just looked at the clock and I need to go to bed... so here's the gist of it until it can be better edited (you know my track record so don't hold your breath).

Holiday helpers....

Keep the Christ in Christmas this year.  Kids especially, are trained (by parents, GASP and EGAD) to focus on toys and the 300 pound crisco consumer in the red suit this time of year.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take this beautiful opportunity to help them learn about God's Perfect Gift He gave to mankind 2000 years ago.  Here's a few healthy ways to help them keep the true Spirit of Christmas in the forefront of their hearts and minds.

1.  Volunteer with your children at a local soup kitchen. (They'll be a lot more appreciative at the end of the day - believe me.)

2. Attend with your family every Sunday service at a church this month.  The things they hear will give them a better understanding of Christ's birth and purpose for it.  You'll hear the same things too and will have some great discussions!

3.  I hesitate because I don't like negative feedback, but here goes...
BE REAL about REAL, and BE REAL about NOT REAL...  This engenders trust.

I never want to hear my kid say, "Yeah, my parents taught me the myth about the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny.  They told me the myth about Santa.  And, they taught me the myth about Jesus Christ too."

Whew!  For those of you who haven't just removed yourselves from my followers' list... (and even to those of you who did),

I love you.  Have a very Merry Christmas!  Until next time,

Christina Blacklisted Lusk