Break even or Breaking bad?

 

 
The hour is upon us for both the winter solstice and the overhyped retroprophicized end of the world.  The last several weeks have left us much more interested in the solstice.  Rebirth and new growth as a function of self-reflection is in the air, although given the amount of green grass still showing in the yard we are having trouble even putting last year to bed.  The kids and I spent a little time ringing the bells at the local grocery store and they both had a great time singing jingle bells as loud as they could.  Jingle bells was the only song that each of them knew and it turns out they really only knew enough of the song to get people through the foyer, but that was enough to collect plenty of money for the Armies of Salvation.  Merrick was in charge of the paint stick to push the dollars deep into the pot, while Sophia handled the bell duties.  The tree is decorated and the lights are strung outside and the anticipation of opening gifts is showing on the faces of the kids.  We were a little late on finding the advent calendars but the kids were fine with the delay when I told them that they would have to eat the first 6 chocolates to get caught up.  Today is their Christmas sing at school and as I type both Grandprize and the great grandpa are on their way over to spend the day watching the kids sing and play their recorders.  Merrick is finishing up his soccer, but I think he is then done until the outside season starts up in the spring.  Sophia is still dancing and Merrick and I have taken to dropping her off at the studio and then hitting the coffee shop for tea or hot chocolate were we sit around and talk while playing poker or black jack.  I am finding it a really fun thing for him and I to do.  Sophia also has a dance routine that she is performing tonight during the half-time show of the local high school basketball game.  A big and busy day for the kids, but that is how the holidays roll.  The presents are bought and wrapped and with the commercialism out of the way, the kids have become quite reflective on the great items of importance in life, I couldn't be more proud of them. The kids are doing well in school, happy and healthy, I could ask for no more.