Happy Wednesday!  I hope everyone is having a great week.

Can you believe we’re now into November?  The next six to eight weeks are basically going to be a blur for me.  I’m sure many of you can relate!  In a couple of weeks, my fabulous five-year-old son will celebrate his sixth birthday.  Then we’ll pause to give thanks and eat ourselves silly on Thanksgiving Day.  After that,  my absolute favorite time of the year.  This year’s holiday happenings will include a wedding (in which I’m singing), a violin recital, three school holiday programs and a trip to my in-laws.

Have you started your holiday shopping?  This morning we had a fun segment in which we talked about some of the fun toys on the market this year.  I’ve received a couple of calls this morning from parents who missed all of the product names.  In case you’re interested, the Super Y toys, Caring Corners, Thomas toys and playhouse gym were all by Learning Curve.  You can just go to www.learningcurve.com for more information.  The educational games can be found at www.LearningResources.com.  You can find the Star Wars goodies at www.unclemilton.com and of course Little Tikes toys can be found at www.littletikes.com.  A special thank you to the companies that sent the toys.  They are being donated to the RTV-6 Toy Drive.

I think it’s important as we start the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, that we take time to give thanks for our many, many blessings.  I also think it’s important to remember those who are down on their luck.  Sadly, there are many people who are in that group right now.  If you can, I would encourage you to give to the toy drive and/or your local food bank this holiday season.  I can’t imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning without any presents.  It also breaks my heart to think of children and adults going hungry.

I have found that when I’m having one of those “hum bug” moments, helping somebody else makes me feel happy and merry again.  Even giving someone a simple compliment can make them feel better and let’s face it.  Smiles really are contagious.    Here’s to a wonderful holiday season… and to spreading that holiday joy all around us.