Tuesday, October 21, 2008

YIKES...10 WEEKS TILL CHRISTMAS !!!!


That is right, my friends...10 weeks...10 little weeks. Excuse me while I hyperventilate a little! In the few days that remain in the year of our Lord, 2008, I have much, MUCH to be done!

1. I have 3 programs to prepare. One will have appr. 75 children, and the other two will have appr. 35 children each. Parts must also be given out and practiced...along with all the music.

2. I have 2 shirts to design. One for the kids and one for the adults. Then orders must be taken, and then given out when they come in. Thank goodness for Paula!

3. I am building a house...bet you hadn't heard. :) We could move at anytime during the next month. However, there is still some furniture to be ordered...including a bed...so I hope it takes a few more weeks. No, I really don't mean that. I would like for it to be tomorrow because I am going bonkers trying to live with things packed in boxes all around me. I'll sleep on the floor if necessary.

4. I still have major packing to do...but not nearly as much as I have had. Most of what I have left is MY closet. I tend to procrastinate in the things that cause me the greatest stress. I am procrastinating big time here.

5. I have Christmas gifts to shop for. Of all years, why did I not complete this task earlier? Think everyone on my list would like a Barnes and Nobel gift certificate?

6. Alex has had a particularly bad few days and I need to be available as much as possible.

7. I still have clothes to wash from the Maui trip! I know...I feel your shame. But, since I have not needed those sun dresses and shorts here at home...I have just let it slide. But, I refuse to take dirty clothes to the Creek House! Mom, I know you want to deny ever knowing me about now. EDITED TO ADD: I have gotten all but some 'wash me alone' pieces done.

8. There are still decisions to be made at the house. We are waiting for the rest of the travertine to come in from Turkey. Not Turkey, NC...Turkey the country! (there really is a turkey, NC) Is there no place closer to get this stuff? Also, because our builder made a little mistake...we are waiting for more tin to come in. I am having a pressed tin backsplash in the kitchen, and as a ceiling in the guest bathroom. Alex's bed is being built. It is going to be really neat with all the room controls built into the nightstands. Also, all his music will be controlled from there, too. He will have everything within reach for those days he does not feel well enough to be up. There will also be handrails to assist him.

9. And the people I live with keep wanting to wear clean clothes and eat food three times a day! If they would stop...maybe I could get all caught up and get ready to move. Fat chance!

10. And in case you had forgotten, there is Halloween and Thanksgiving thrown in the mix. We are not much on Halloween in our family now that the boys are all grown. And it looks as if Thanksgiving may be a big delicious bowl of Taco Soup! And everyone better be thankful to get that, cause as stressed as I am now...it will be double that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. And, I'm sure you've heard that little saying 'bout "if Mama ain't happy...". :)

And in the midst of all of this, Ian has to travel back to NC for a doctor's visit. He has it all under control, and does not need my help with that. Very resourceful, that young man. AND, he is bringing a friend down from Birmingham to our big National Peanut Festival the week of Halloween. So sorry she can not stay with us, but where sould she stay? I could lay a mattress across some boxes...but that probably would not leave too good of an impression. So, I think she will stay with Adam and Suzanne. Thanks so much, you two, for helping out.

Isn't this wonderful? The more I look at all of this, the happier I become! Look how God is blessing us? Wonderful family, great friends, all willing to come and help us out. A new house, and plans for plenty good times to come! So..."BACK-OFF, STRESS!!"...I plan to enjoy this! And, hey, you friends out in Blogsville...send up a few prayers, please, to keep this Mama happy!

7 comments:

Jean said...

Suddenly I don't feel so stressed anymore! But oh how well I remember the spring we were selling our farmhouse and buying this one and preparing to move - in addition to teaching and a huge spring program and a Jr High Music Festival and a wedding that I needed to arrange music for and a women's retreat that I was worship leader for and a middle school worship team that travelled to different churches on Sunday mornings. I often look back and wonder how in the world I did it. You will wonder that too, someday. But for now God will give you the strength you need one day (or hour!) at a time!!

Tonja said...

Thanks, Jean! I can always count on you to give me a pep talk! Thanks!

Sharon said...

I feel as though my weight is light. At least for now, that can change ya know. We are not having to much christmas this year. I know I will cook a meal And I'll have my Mom stay over at my House as long as possible, everything still hurts for us.
But you truely have your hands full. And I know those kids will keep you very busy for sure, but I also know you will have alot of fun too.
I pray that the Lord give you Strength in all that you do.
Have a wonderful Wednesday
Sharon

windycorner said...

When I read "10 weeks" I about fell over. Then I saw everything you have on your plate and it made me take a deep breath and say a quick prayer. Tonja, I know you'll get it all done and in 2009 you'll look back and thank the Lord again for His provision. One step at the time, one day at the time, that's how we get it done.
((double hugs))
Holley

Love Being A Nonny said...

I love how, in all your business, you are still happy and thankful. I had a friend going through a remodeling one time, and all she did was complain. This was during a time that I wanted my kitchen remodeled SOOOOOOOOOOO badly!! Years later, I had mine done...and I took the time to thank the Lord for a lesson learned! Good for you to realize the important things in life! angela

Paula V said...

Oh, please don't remind me. I'm dreading Cmas more this year than even last year. The Lord will see me through though.

Wow, I'm stressed just thinking about all your to-dos.

Just think if you HAD done more Cmas shopping then you would have to PACK it all.

Wow...you are going all out with the creek house...sounds like almost everything is custom made and getting a house full of new furniture...that's always nice and fun.
Paula

nancygrayce said...

10 weeks! I might as well bury my head in the sand like an ostrich! But I don't have as much to do as you......so I shouldn't complain. I actually have one present bought. We're cutting way back this year.

But still, 10 weeks????? Scary