Not trying to make a controversy here, but this may just be the precursor to another post swirling in my head.  I just read a post at Enjoy The Journey about Halloween, and celebrating it as a Christian.  Most of the commentors agreed with the author.  I, however, had a different take on it.  I hope that I did so graciously, but I expounded on my thoughts in my comment, and I thought I’d copy it here.  If you you respond, please be gracious as well.  Like I said, this will not in anyway change my relationship with friends/family who do celebrate.  

My comment: “I guess I will speak up as the only dissenter here. I recently did a short post on my take on Halloween. I don’t like it. I guess the argument that we aren’t celebrating evil and gore doesn’t stand up to me, just because our kids dress in “nice” costumes. When it’s Halloween season, what do you see in the decor? Witches, evil eyes, and gory costumes. How are events and even store sales advertised? Boo at the Zoo. Spooktacular savings. Someone challenged me to google the origins of Halloween. I guess for me, whether or not the traditions of Halloween began as pagan or Satanic rituals isn’t the point. Even if that’s not where some of these things come from, Halloween in it’s present secular form presents itself as dark. I know my spirit feels disturbed by it. We are challenged to “guard our hearts and minds”, to “raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord,” to “think on these things (whatsoever is lovely, pure, of good report, any virtue, any praise, etc.), and to “abstain from the appearance of evil.” For us it comes down to personal conviction. We believe celebrating Halloween is wrong. We are responsible to keep our children safe from questionable influnces, and that doesn’t just mean physical. Perhaps the most crucial to that is their spirits. They are so open, and until they have reached the maturity to discern things for themselves, we must do it for them. Our question to our children when making a choice about our actions is: Does it make God smile? If I could answer with certainty that God would smile at our participation in Halloween, then we might do it. My concern is that as Christians, this is not something to take lightly, and we’ve convinced ourselves that if we do such and such, and don’t allow this and that, we’ll all be just fine. That being said, we would never let this conviction bring disunity with fellow believers who do celebrate. I appreciate that this is a matter of personal conviction, and it’s not my job to convert anyone to regard it the way we do. If the Holy Spirit wants someone’s mind to change on this issue, He can do it without me. So, my best friend celebrates, and we remain best friends. Thanks for sharing your viewpoint on it.”

We woke up to our first snow this morning.  Kids are excited.  Copper’s enjoying his first experience with snow.  And I’m trying to decide whether to use it to motivate myself to start thinking ahead to Christmas, or crumble into a sobbing heap.  I’m not ready for winter!  Anyway, I’m sure we’ll be out making a snowman today.  Though it’s not enough to make a big one, nor will it likely stay around past noon. 

We have a puppy, Copper.  This has added an interesting dynamic to our household, to say the least.  We hear lots of screaming from the younger set because Copper is using them for his personal chew toy, or because he regards them as his litter mates.  Anyway, I am often running interference just to keep everyone safe and happy. 

So here’s a conversation I had today with Luke:

“Luke, please don’t kick Copper.”

“Moooommm, I’m not kicking him!   I’m stepping on him!”

Just thought you might be interested in this.

This job on the basement is taking forever, but I’m doing it right, and that requires time.  We were supposed to be going to church in Tracy today, and then to Greg’s parents house for dinner, but we had two boys up in the night with various symptoms of illness.  This morning they seem fine, but Luke has been struggling for four days now with fever on and off, and chest congestion.  So today we stay home.  Which is fine with me, as I’m motivated and likely will be able to finish the job downstairs today.  Aren’t you glad?  Now you won’t have to read about my basement anymore!  Yippee!

 I need ideas.  For food.  I consider myself fairly well-versed in ideas for meals and snacks.  But right now I’m bored.  I want healthy, but healthy usually means more expensive (I’m sorry if you disagree on this.  I have a very meticulous method of planning my meals and grocery lists, and I have tried.  I even shop for produce at a store known for being cheaper, and it’s still more expensive.).  Even when I serve a not-so-healthy meal such as fries and hot dogs, I like to offer a veggie platter and dip, which my kids love.  I guess meals aren’t the real issue.  It’s snacks.  And if you’ve ever had young ‘uns, you know how much they snack.  Popcorn gets old after a while.  So, hit me with your best ideas.

Not sleeping, that’s for sure.  In fact, some of them have been up since 4:30!!!  So for me, it’s lunch time.

I forgot to mention that I am involved in a homeschool swap, which is being hosted by Homeschool Blog Awards. If you’re a homeschooler, and you’d like to get in on the fun, sign up for it next month. I believe the next swap begins the second Saturday of Nov. Keep an eye on the sight for the announcement.

I did work on my basement yesterday.  I also worked away at it today, and got the boys’ room put back together.  Maureen came over today, and folded laundry.  For nearly three hours!!!  That’s pathetic.  And embarrassing.  I knew I had a lot, but that’s bad!  Oh well, a little humility is good for the soul now and then. 

 Anyway, the boys were so excited to sleep in their “new” room tonight.  I removed a chair that had been in there, rearranged the beds and dresser, and added a small table and chair, and a bookshelf.  It looks so much bigger.  Tomorrow will be arranging the winter clothes, putting away the summer, and finally getting their closet back into shape. 

 Wow, don’t I have an exciting life?  And you must too, if you’re actually reading this.  lol!

For the two people on the planet that don’t already read BooMama, she is hosting another Bloggy House Tour. I was only beginning to read a few blogs at this time last year, when she hosted a Christmas Tour. This year I will also be participating! So check it out, and join in if you can.

Ok, so I’ve been hoping wanting needing to clean our basement for weeks.  I gave up in sheer frustration trying to keep it nice.  As Mr. Incredible says, “I just cleaned up this mess!  Can’t we keep it clean for TEN MINUTES?”  It’s sooo bad.  I’m embarrassed, and I’m the only one that sees it besides my husband and kids.  *sigh*  I realize I need to be an adult, and take care of my house. 

So today I procrastinated again.  I didn’t do it.  We painted the boys room (finally!) Monday evening and yesterday.  Greg got in on it too, which surprised me.  He has helped with all of the painting we’ve done in the house so far, and I don’t know if he’s ever helped once with any other painting I’ve done.  It’s so much faster when he’s helping with the high stuff and the cutting in.  Anyway, I figured it’s about time I stop talking to Cole about their bedroom, and his chosen theme (he’s the leader of the pack at this point, so he’s been calling the shots for the theme, colours, etc.), and actually get it done.  I was also hoping this would give me the much-needed motivation to get the mess dealt with. 

 I really had good intentions today.  Really.  I did.  But instead of doing the basement, I got sidetracked.  I’ll post a picture later if I can get one.  Anyway, my flower/rock “garden” (if you can really call it that) has been sadly neglected since before we moved in.  Grapevine had taken over.  And oh my, what DIDN’T that garden have growing in it??  It was an English Garden wannabe gone awry!  Not anymore.  I have to say, I am only more motivated to carry on with my plan of attack for the basement….tomorrow.  ha, ha. 

One of the hard parts of accomplishing anything right now, is that I happen to have an adorable five-month-old that thinks I’m all that.  So she digs hanging out with me.  Which means lots of holding and nursing on my part.  And not so much housework.  But does she ever like to sleep outdoors!  I took her moses basket out, and tucked her in, and she slept TWICE for quite a good stretch.  So while I’m working on the basement tomorrow, I may just stick her in the moses basket for her nap again, either on the deck, or downstairs just outside the doors (it’s a walk-out basement). 

 So what did you do with your day?

Please visit my friend,Rachael. She is a new blogger. A bit reluctant at first, as she wasn’t sure she had anything to say. I assured her she did, and encouraged a bit, and here she is.

I had a great evening.  A friend of mine from the church we just left, Paulette, had an extra ticket (free) for a special event put on by a local church.  I went with my other friend (Gayla) who actually attends that church.  We sat with Paulette (and her THREE sisters), and Laurie, our mutual friend.  It was a fun night.  The worship leader was amazing.  The speaker was hilarious.  And the fellowship with some friends was good for me.  I’m glad I went.

 In other news, we got the boys’ bedroom painted.  It’s an insane shade of green, and I love it!  So do the boys.  Now I’m anxious to get the school/play area of the basement fixed up nice.  Which means cleaning it first.  And then I want to get into some sewing.