"Trials are proof of God's care."

Getting religious here for a second: this week has been a challenge on just about every level. Last night, after several long work days topped off by an office Christmas party, I thought my head just *might* pop off. I was very busy listening to everyone around me:
"You KNOW how things are in this economy."
"This is just what little boys are supposed to do."
"But I really *hated* that book, Mama!"
"Christmas is never a relaxing time, you know that."
"That looks more like a Valentine's present than a Christmas present."

Last night, I decided to bring it to a screeching halt. I don't have to listen to the naysayers and the grinches; I can make the choice to see the good, hear the good and follow the good. So I made that conscious decision late last night, and today is much more peaceful.

Today, I choose to eat a frog first (ask Mark Twain if you missed the reference) and then enjoy the rest of the day. I choose to rocket through my work, then focus on my children. I choose to play the "Island of the Blue Dolphins" dice game with 40+ 5th graders who still secretly get excited by Christmas, even if it's not cool to admit it. I choose to make reindeer antlers with 19 2nd graders and I won't even flinch when I get icing on my nice slacks just before a lunchtime meeting.

Life is good.

Hey Bratz Dolls: Don't Let the Door Hit You in the Rear

Remember the end of "The Untouchables," where Eliot Ness and his team finally get Al Capone? Not on gangster-related charges (roll with it - you know what I mean), but on tax evasion.

Now, remember the same thing happens at the end of "The Firm," where Tom Cruise enlists the help of his mob-related clients to bust his law firm for billing discrepencies?

I was thrilled, ecstatic and over-the-moon to see this link online this morning: http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/retail/judge-bars-mga-producing-selling-brat-dolls/

Doesn't matter the reason, the bottom line is the same. They're gone, I'm happy. The world - and the psyche of little girls everywhere - will be a better place.

The Dark Underbelly of College Football.

Let me say, loud and clear: I am a Georgia Bulldogs fan. Let there be no doubt in your mind.

Breaking news is Auburn just fired Tommy Tuberville, probably because he had a losing season (including a good old-fashioned butt-kicking in the Iron Bowl last weekend). But he's a good man, and he's had a great record at Auburn. He's done wonderful things for the football team and the athletics program. He's withstood a fly-by-night (literally) coup attempt that included Auburn's past president in its casualties. During his off-season (is there ever really one for an SEC coach?) he traveled to Iraq to spend time with the troops. He's donated his time to so many worthy causes. He's just a good man, and he's impressed me.

So as much as I am *not* an Auburn fan, I do see the unfairness in this, and I don't agree with the way college football rolls sometimes. Big hugs to all my Auburn fan friends (Kelly!), especially my husband.

If anyone knows Coach Tubby, tell him there's one Bulldog fan out there who's really sorry it came to this.

Happy Thanksgiving, la la la.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We headed to see Rus' family and were treated to some unseasonably warm weather. Thanksgiving Day we had a big group, but here we are with just the fam, about to dig into my MIL's awesome cooking. Don't even get me *started* on her sweet potato souffle - it's out of this world!

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? I am. :)