Angels With Filthy Souls

Here's the answer to last weeks question. In what Christmas movie was the phrase, "Keep the change you filthy animal" used?

A New Kind of Sunday

I've decided I'd like to shake up Sunday mornings, starting tomorrow. We are currently in the sad routine which occurs every morning on the "Lord's Day". Leslie and I wake up late, make a mad dash for the shower, slurp some coffee, yell at the kids, yell at each other, eat a cereal bar in the car, yell at the kids some more... all in an effort to go worship our heavenly Father.

Tomorrow, shall be different. I will get up early and be fully prepared for a morning of glorious praise and singing. I will open my heart to all things Godly and pour out loads of fatherly love and wisdom to my children. There will be joy, giggles and hugs tomorrow morning in the Green household. Yes, that sounds wonderful.

And if the kids get out of line, I'll lovingly but firmly redirect them. And I suppose if that doesn't work, I'll have to beat their stinkin' butts one more time, just like every other Sunday morning. Aahh. A new day begins tomorrow.

Keep the change, you filthy animal!

Name that holiday movie quote...

Christmas Eve, Backstage

I love Christmas Eve. The anticipation of the day before Christmas, for me, is often more fun than the actual day of celebration. The kids are all in great spirits, the coffee taste better and the cold morning air is welcomed.
Tomorrow, after all, will be a day of work for Moms and Dads everywhere. Being awakened at the crack of dawn (often before) after an exhausting evening (often late) of putting things together for the big day. Unwrapping toys which have seemingly been packaged by NASA for some inter-galactic journey, cleaning up the mounds of discarded paper and boxes, setting things up and teaching the kids how to play the new games, etc. etc.
Well, now that I think about it, those things are pretty fun too. I'd better rest up now for the big show. And, oh yeah, Happy Birthday Jesus Christ! I thank you for all of this.

What is this?

Can anyone tell me what kind of bird this was on our swingset the other morning?

How Many Days Until Christmas?!

OK. It's officially crunch time! With less than 7 days of shopping left, I have... nothing. Wish me luck, I shall need it.

Duke Chapel

Today, Meredith and I attended services at Duke Chapel in Durham. This is one of the most impressive structures in the Triangle area and the atmosphere is simply inspiring. We enjoyed our Sunday morning visit very much.

Of particular note was the organ music. Now, I'm not a big fan of the organ, but with the accoustics of the cathedral and the 3 on-site organs (Flentrop, Aeolian, Brombaugh) it makes for an incredible experience. Meredith said it sound like "Phantom". She's right. Most music was played in a minor key and ended in major for the final chord. Still, the experience left me with more of a focus on Christ and less of Andrew Lloyd Weber, which is the most important point.

One of the greatest problems when moving is the need for constant cleanliness in your home. It's not that the Greens live in filth any other time, it's simply that the house must be ready for show at any given moment. Books neatly aligned on the shelf, spotless floors, uncluttered counter tops, collection of chewed gum removed from hallway walls. You get the picture.
It seems as if the only "deep cleaning" we ever do is when we move. The surface cleaning aside, the only time the entire house is clean at one time, is in essence for show. Otherwise, the main rooms look great while the closets are a disaster. The toilets are clean while the garage is in shambles. The 1st floor is immaculate while the 2nd is an array of toys, dirty clothes and drying bras. This is really that rare time when a nosy Aunt could come by for the white glove treatment and stand a chance of giving you a passing grade. Terrific.
Well, I must go now. I have a toilet to destroy and dirt filled shoes to walk through the house in getting there. Homes, after all, are for living in and not simply showing.

Flossie Mae: May 1993- Dec 2008

The Greens are all broken hearted. Last night we lost our beloved friend and companion, Flossie Mae. She was a part of our life from the beginning of our time as a family. She loved the girls dearly, protected us with an occasional fearsome bark, licked our faces when we were sad and provided some laughs daily. For that and more, we will always miss our girl.