The week

I really love being in Italy for Christmas. There is none of the madness of home - no commercials for my children to watch and get "ideas." I am a little stressed as I have been under the weather as have my children and I need to get baking. I know my dear Italian neighbors will be bringing me Panatone soon and Grappa (yikes). I like to give back.

Jacqueline broke one of her nativity kings the other day b/c she was playing with it. I love that she plays with her nativity - that is what she talks about more than anything this season - Jesus' birth. Since she goes to a religious school here, she actually does a Christmas play. Two of my girlfriends have told me this week that Christmas is not discussed at all at school and the kids are pretty much reprimanded if they discuss Jesus. I am thankful Jacqueline knows the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of our Lord's birth. She may not be able to comprehend it all, but we are getting there. Believe me, I'm a constant work in progress. I am thankful I have two girlfriends with whom I do Bible Study with every week. It keeps me fed and accountable.

Since I am on bigger topics today - did you know that on the military bases they play the national anthem daily? You stop whatever you are doing and face the flag even if you are driving. I wonder what our country would be like if this happened every day at 4:45? Also, when I went to the movies last week, they played the national anthem and you stand before the movie starts. The individual I was with said if someone cut her she would bleed "red, white and blue." Isn't that terrific? I wish the same for us all. I treasure our freedom and so much about our country. I am more patriotic living here than ever before. We are all rich for being Americans.