Christmas: Have we gone a little overboard?

I admit I am already thinking about Christmas this year. A little concerned about whether my budget this year will allow me to give a repeat performance of the most anticipated part of the kids' Christmas season - opening the gifts (sad, I know!). Usually I buy, buy, buy so that this ceremony will at least last longer than 5 minutes.

Then of course, some of the gifts break the day after Christmas and some never even make it out of the box! (However, I must admit that Santa's Nintendo DS gift is hands-down the MOST UTILIZED gift he has ever brought.)

Don’t get me wrong, I KNOW the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Savior. So at what point did the hype over the gifts overtake this extraordinary celebration?

Receiving gifts is so exciting at the time, but what about 5 minutes after it’s over, or two days? Or six months? What does it mean then? In searching for a more fulfilling Christmas experience to hopefully overshadow the “gift” part, I just ordered a book called “Unplug the Christmas Machine” by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli.

A section in the book is about what children really want for Christmas. It is a pretty simple list:

1. A relaxed and loving time with their family


2. Realistic expectations about gifts (your kids will be disappointed if you allow them to set their own expectations based on commercials or other influences in their lives. If their expectations are set accurately, then they more likely to be excited about what they do get.)


3. An evenly paced holiday season (not usually a big problem for us)


4. Reliable family traditions (Ben loves our annual ornament exchange game at my mom’s house)

Hallelujah! We Made It!

Well, we stuck with TV Free Week and we made it! With very little complaining from Ben. We did read a few books together, so some productivity came out of our experiment. I noticed this morning that Ben must be scanning the newspaper now, too, because he told me about that completely innappropriate headline from the cover of Saturday's El Dorado News-Times (Magnolia Jr. High Teacher - figure it out).

Just FYI, I did not feel any more motivated to clean my house without the distraction of the TV. I feel in my heart that I was meant to have a maid - just hasn't fit into my budget yet. :)

Congrats to Ben!

What's Your Homepage?

Just curious as to what everyone's homepage is.... mine is iGoogle. It used to be just Google until I personalized it.

You can click the picture for larger image...

It is exactly what I want to see all on one page when I first open the Internet...

What's Murphy's stock doing?

What are Murphy's peers' stocks doing?

What are oil prices at right now?

What's making news on Arkansas Business?

What's John Worthen of El Dorado News Times saying on his blog?

Has Cara updated her blog?

Has Susy updated her blog?

Any new e-mails?

Just to tickle my philosophical itch, what's the quote of the day?

And speaking of day, what day IS it?

If you could see more of my iGoogle homepage, you could see more news ticks on my page too.

What's YOUR homepage?

The Wildcats Have Unfinished Business

The Wildcats' 1st Pep Rally of the 2008 Football Season was held at Murphy Oil's headquarters this week. The EHS band, cheerleaders, majorettes, flag line, coaches, and of course, the football team filled the building with anticipation of the upcoming season. Hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks were served by the Booster Club. It was fun!

Looking forward to football weather.

Dance, Baby, Dance!

Stifling an urge to dance is bad for your health - it rusts your spirit and your hips. ~Adabella Radici

TV Free Week... Ugh

Every year, our church encourages us to try a week without the distraction of television (the first week of school). If we make it, Ben gets a coupon for free ice cream at church. Last year, I made an executive decision that we were going to take on the challenge. We started Sunday, and by Friday, my whole family hated me. Okay - they hated me starting Sunday, but they broke me down by Friday.

We're trying it again this year. Here's my normal routine: alarm goes off, turn on Channel 7 and watch Daybreak. While I'm getting ready, it's Good Morning America. No T.V. in the car or at work (duh). As soon as I walk in the door at night, I turn on the T.V. in the kitchen and watch news, or the Daily Ten on E while I'm cooking (a.k.a., spreading PB and J on the sandwiches). While we're eating, Ben watches one t.v., and we watch another (because we never agree on what to watch). The T.V. is usually on the rest of the night (whether we're watching it or not). Then, we go to sleep to the History Channel. Really pathetic, I know. My name is Magen and I'm addicted to t.v.

Did you know t.v. is actually addictive? Yup - check it out. We often associate watching television with relaxation.

http://www.trashyourtv.com/TV-and-Addiction-Articles

Anyway, Ben was at "After School" today and, of course, it's raining, so they can't go outside and play. So, the teacher turns on a movie. Ben is not actively engaged in t.v.-free week enough for it to register that he's watching t.v. during t.v. free week - he's just doing what every other kid at "After School" is doing. I only know because I asked what they did since they couldn't go on the playground. So does that count? Is he out? Cause, if so, I'm not suffering through this another day of this.

Second Grade Rocks

Ben says that he wants me to put the following note about 2nd grade on the blog: "it's really fun, he doesn't have to do "little kid" stuff anymore, and it's just great."

He was so excited about starting school this year! I'm glad he was glad! There are a few kids that he knows that are in his class: Evan, Shelby, and Sammy.

By the way, I have no sympathy for you moms who are having trouble getting back into the routine of getting up early. Jealousy, maybe, but no sympathy. As my mom would lovingly say to me, "suck it up!" And as she does, I mean that in the most loving way. Right, mom?

We Could All Use A Dose of This

A plug for Beth, September 12 is National Day of Encouragement. Really, name ONE person you know that couldn't use a good dose of encouragement? I really think this quote by Elizabeth Harrison puts it in perspective: "Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize."

What will you do to spread the encouragement bug? I was thinking it would be nice to send an encouraging e-mail or even better, write a note to someone that you know.

http://www.letsencourage.com/

I Went with the Watch

Thanks for everyone's vote on what I should pick for my 5-year anniversary gift from Murphy... I ended up going with the wrist watch.

Need Your Advice on Something...

Okay, so this week is all about Ben. He's super smart. Really catches onto things quickly which leaves him somewhat unchallenged in school at times. They have an Accelerated Reader program in which he can read books on his own time and get "points" for reading books. They get a certificate each nine weeks to reward them for whatever "point club" they're in at the time. I think the A.R. program is great - the more you read, the better.

Here's my dillema - Ben is a good reader, but really not motivated to want to pick up a book just for the fun of it. He couldn't care less about getting a piece of paper at the end of the nine weeks showing what point club he's in. Personally, I wouldn't care about that if I were 7 either. SO, how can I motivate him to want to really take on the challenge of reading as many books as he can? Another school district has an A.R. Club store (more points you have, the better the stuff you can "buy"). That's cool, but they don't do that at Ben's school.

What are your suggestions to motivate Ben to WANT to get as many points as possible without me having to BEG him to bring library books home? Each book is worth about 1/2 point.

THOUGHTS??? Thanks.

Ben Met His Teacher

We got to meet Ben's new teacher this week. Yes, it is likely that I was the only parent that brought a camera to meet the teacher, but I have a responsibility to my blog... er, I mean to document these precious moments in our lives! Ben wasn't particularly ready to start school until he met Mrs. Dunn. When we were leaving he told me, "I wish school was starting tomorrow!" I wish I was starting the second grade again, too, Ben!

We got Mrs. Dunn a little gift to start off on the right foot - a "teacher survival kit." Bear with me, I'm documenting this so that I can repeat it when Mary Claire starts school.
Here's all the stuff that was in the bag. It had wet wipes, cough drops, lint roller, lotion, manicure set, sewing kit, safety pins, Blistex, toothbrush travel set, star stickers, notepad, an egg timer shaped like an apple, Skittles, M&Ms, Snickers, and Tylenol. These CUTE Wildcat Jersey bags are available at Expressions on the square!

Ahh, The Smell of Fresh Pencils...

Bought school supplies for Ben. Don't you love the smell of fresh pencils to remind you that a new school year is beginning? Before you know it, pumpkins will be ripe and the leaves will start to turn! Some things on his list that weren't on the list when we were growing up: dry erase markers and antibacterial hand cleaner.

A Slap in the Face...

It's amazing how easily we can get bogged down with all the obstacles that seem so big in life...

that is until your 7-year-old puts things in perspective for you. Someone much more capable than me is in control...

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14

Weekend at the "Lake House"

Last weekend, we went to the "lake house" in Locust Bayou. It's very exclusive and chic so you may not have heard of it before. Very hard to get into. Paul and Katie were fortunate enough to know us so we got them in. You're welcome, guys. :)

Katie and I lounging on the beach at night (the only way to avoid the paparazzi).

Mary Claire and Ben hanging out in the suite. I cropped the butler out of the picture.

Ben taking lessons from the on-sight rock skipping pro (just outside the photo).

Jason and Mary Claire after planning their day with the concierge.


Here's Paul - the boat was FULL of bass when he was finished. He ended up having to throw a lot of them back because the boat was starting to sink.

The royal dog - Mylie (yes, we named her after the teen pop star, because afterall she did give her to us). We found out this weekend that Mylie (the dog) is a superb and willing swimmer. After seeing Jason and Paul in the boat, she swam all the way across the lake to get to them. They took her back to the shore, and after they had gotten out a ways, she repeated her swim across the English Channel to get in the boat again. :)

All in all, it was a great weekend, and worth every dime we dished out to stay there.

Before and After

Now here's a tough dude. Some kid threw a big rock at him. Don't get me wrong, Ben was throwing rocks, too, but he said he was only throwing "small" rocks. :) Boys.

He was nauseated for a bit and was seeing "black dots" - the Doctor said he had a mild concussion.

About eight hours after it happened, and Ben was feeling a little more like himself, he said: "Pride comes with pain." Ha! Such a philosopher.

Should have stayed in bed...

Daycare called and Ben got his nose busted on the playground... So much for working today.
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What a day

When you've already had to call poison control and are having to deal with a strange rash - neither of which are related incidents or apply to you... You know its going to be a bad day.
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A Change at Murphy...

EL DORADO, Arkansas, August 6, 2008 – Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) announced that Claiborne P. Deming, President and CEO since 1994, will retire effective December 31, 2008, and will be succeeded by David M. Wood who currently serves as Murphy’s Executive Vice President, worldwide exploration and production operations.

Mr. Deming will continue as a member of Murphy’s board of directors, and will succeed Mr. William Nolan as Chairman of the Board’s Executive Committee. Mr. Nolan will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Wood joined the Company in 1994 and has held several positions including Vice President and Senior Vice President of frontier exploration and production and President of Murphy Exploration & Production Company. In January 2007 Mr. Wood became Executive Vice President with responsibility for all of the Company’s exploration and production operations. Mr. Wood will relocate to the Company’s corporate headquarters in El Dorado, Arkansas, become a member of the board of directors and assume his duties as President and CEO effective January 1, 2009.

Mr. Deming said, "David is an extremely talented and accomplished individual who has excelled in building an exploration and production program, recruiting exceptionally skilled professionals and executing world class projects. He has the leadership ability and skill to grow the Company’s business well into the future and I wholeheartedly commend him to shareholders.

"As for me, I plan to continue following industry developments particularly at this pivotal time, and I will of course remain involved in the Company but at the board and executive committee levels. I have no specific plans however I certainly intend to stay actively engaged in business affairs. Simply put, after what will have been nearly 15 years as CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, it is time to turn it over to someone of David’s capabilities."

The forward-looking statements reflected in this release are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. No assurance can be given that the results discussed herein will be attained, and certain important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially are contained in Murphy’s January 15, 1997 Form 8-K report on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Susy got married in Central Park!!

http://darbydoodle.blogspot.com/2008/08/so.html

Scholarships for all matches enrollment turnaround

Associated Press - August 2, 2008 3:44 PM ET

EL DORADO, Ark. (AP) - Since Murphy Oil Corporation announced its program to provide college scholarships to every graduating senior in the El Dorado School District, the school system has seen two straight years of rising enrollment.
As of last month, the El Dorado district had 102 new students for school this fall. When school started a year ago, enrollment was up by 140 students. About six months earlier, the scholarship program, called El Dorado Promise, had been announced.
Before the scholarship announcement, enrollment was declining. In the fall of 2006, enrollment dropped by 128 students. The greatest drop was in 2002, when the school system lost 142 students.

www.ElDoradoPromise.com

Poll Results

Okay - so it's between the ring and the wrist watch...

Sterling Topaz Ring 5 (38%)
Wrist Watch 4 (30%)
Swarovski Crystal Earrings 3 (23%)
Desk Clock 1 (7%)

Total Votes: 13

I'll let you know when I pick. Difficult decisions, people!