New to blogging

Okay, so this is actually the first time that I have ever written in a blog, so if it seems awkward there's a reason.

This holiday season marks my 5th as a parent, and the Christmas season seems to have changed so much for me. Christmas excitement is now all about the kids. I have found that I really don't want anything for Christmas, when asked I had a hard time coming up with new things that were fun and exciting. I found myself asking for clothing. How boring is that? But this year especially, with the economic times, I found myself telling those around me to just give me money, so I can add to savings and prepare for tough times.

With only 3 days left until Christmas morning, we have completed all of our holiday shopping, (thank goodness) and now I find myself waiting for the day to come and go. I am trying hard not to bah humbug the whole season, but with things that have happened in the last year, I am just a little less gung-ho about spending all of our money on gifts that we may not use or need. I love the Christmas season and the joy that it brings to my children, but this year, it seems more excessive than years past, even though we are spending less money.

Well enough about the holidays. Friday December 19th I was able to attend a commissioning ceremony for my brother-in-law who is taking my sister far away from with the Air Force. I had the awesome opportunity to hear from several people who are so impassioned with our country and the defense of this country that it made me feel guilty that I never served the country that has served me so much. There were an amazing amount of statistics that were given regarding the percentage of the population that have volunteered to defend this country. Does this mean we are an ungrateful nation? I think that sometimes we forget to show our gratitude. I for one find that I put my flag out on certain holidays (okay I pay the Boy Scouts to put a flag out on certain holidays). But what do I do to show my patriotism? I think that's one of my New Years Resolutions for next year. It's gonna take some thinking as to how I can do that, but when I figure it out, I'll let ya'll know.