where are those little elves ...

this is the time of year when we could all use some little helpful elves ... to work while we sleep ... but alas those little elves are probably in hiding, trying to keep themselves warm as the temperatures plummet in the northwest ... but on a bright note, don't these cold days bring the most beautiful cloudless skies and sunshine ...

kids are counting down ... until school gets out and santa arrives ...

i'm counting down too ... but on a completely different level ...

packages are arriving from canada and beyond ...

my dining room has been turned into a mecca of wrapping ...

but day-to-day stuff still carries on ...

tonight jake and i have a cake walk to attend ... last night we made a cake and, according to the recipe book, it was titled "delicious cake" ... we set aside a bit of batter to make cupcakes and i think both amy and jake would agree that the cake is aptly titled ... delicious it was ... jake wants to make it a karate cake ... we'll work on that ... dark chocolate sprinkles for the black stripe on the white belt ... he's recently taken up the sport at karate west and is really enjoying it ...

amy is wrapping up projects at school and excitedly making plans with friends for over the break ... one plan is to spend a whole day watching horror films and eating popcorn ... nothing says christmas like some scary flicks and popcorn ...

jeff is still in toronto wrapping up some matters regarding his dad's estate and visiting with friends and family ...

and i must say that each year, as this season is upon us, while i miss being with my whole family for christmas, i am also so thankful for them and for my friends and all the good that is in my life but i do also try to remember that not everyone will be celebrating the season this year ... i can't imagine that there will be a whole lot of joy in the homes of the police officers that were murdered in seattle this year ... or in the homes of all those people who have lost their jobs this past year ... or the homes where sickness is a part of life ... or for the people who don't actually have homes ...

so perhaps take some time to try and make someone else's life better over the holidays ... help out your local foodbank, donate toys, etc ... and hug your families close ... there's more to christmas than bright lights and pretty decorations ...

and here's my hope for you today ...

and may you make someone else's day "merry and bright" ...