Two down! Matt’s sister came Saturday and stayed until today, his mom and John came sunday and aunt Jane Ellen and uncle Ron came Sunday. We had a nice time with them here. Today we went to Bethany to his (paternal) aunt Ginger’s house for another celebration! Ginger makes lasagna every year for Christmas Eve. When came home only long enough to leave again for a candlelight service at church. It was a nice day. Really busy though! My mom kept Izzy during church tonight and was troubled that we had communion at church tonight. You see, in the church I was raised in we had communion every Sunday. I was taught that the word says to take communion on the first day of the week and have always believed that it meant every Sunday. The new church is AOG and doesn’t do communion very often. I really intend to study this for myself once the holiday rush is over because I don’t know how I believe at this point (sad but true). Anyway… It bothered me that she was bothered, and I tried to change the subject…

Speaking of changing the subject… Amanda hit the jackpot this Christmas! Not only did she get the car, she also got a lot of great presents~ they all did. If you have a son, and if that son got the guitar hero III for his WII… you’ll feel my headache :o)! Can you say, “loud music?”

At church Sunday evening we watched the Nativity Story. That was such a good movie. I took Amanda to evening services, Bailey and Emelia were at the park walking with Matt’s sister and Izzy was resting with Matt. I didn’t know it was “movie night.” I planned to watch a little and leave but I ended up watching it all. I got chills several times during the movie. It was a great movie and a great reminder of the sacrifice of Christ. I had several epiphanies during the movie.

I highlighted & cut Jane Ann’s hair last night after midnight… hit the ground running this morning, making big country breakfast and then getting all the kids ready and out the door. I think I’ll get my pj’s on and go to bed. I just hope I wake up before the kids do (and hope santa gets the stockings filled tonight sometime).

I hope you are all having a very merry Christmas. I am so thankful for Christ’s birth, and for His death on the cross. For me. For you. Thank you Jesus.

Have you ever considered carpooling to work? You should check out RideSearch.com Carpool

Like most worthwhile endevours, a successful carpool takes some forethought. A few simple questions while establishing the relationship and common courtesy can help pave the way to a smooth and successful carpool. Here are some suggestions and guidelines we’ve found to be helpful.

Setting the Foundation

For many, a preliminary meeting in a public location is an ideal way to start. Getting to know the person over a cup of coffee before arrangements have been made will give all parties a chance to get a feel for the situation, ask pertinent questions and share any concerns or special needs they may have.

(* When meeting with strangers, common sense and prudence should prevail. We recommend you review our Safety Suggestions for helpful guidelines.)

Logistics

Work Schedules

• For many, work schedules are suprisingly flexible. Determine who will drive and ride on what dates and how the rotation will work. Use the RideSearch Calendar or have your calendar handy. Don’t forget about holidays and your holiday work schedules.
• Will you ride every day, or only a few days a week?

Pick-up / Drop-off
Determine the initial pick-up and drop-off points. It is common for new carpooler to set their initial pick-up/drop-off points to a public locations or intersection. Some prefer Door-to-Door arrangements. With RideSearch you can specify a physical address or intersection when specifying pick-up/drop-off locations.)

Money

> First

Decide how the fares will be calculated. We suggest a formula similar to this:

(Total Miles * Cost Per Mile) / Number of Riders = The Daily Fare Per Carpooler

Example: Total Miles = 30 Cost per Mile = $0.27 Number of Riders = 3 (30 * 0.27) / 3 = $2.70 (per rider, per day)

> Second

Decide how and when the fares will be collected and then be consistent. Integrity in the financial aspects of the carpool are essential to maintaing “good will” within the group.

Comfort and Courtesy

It has been said that, “Good fences make good neighbors”. [ ? ] Discussing the items below can be very helpful in establishing as strong foundation for a sucessful carpool.

• Will food or beverages be allowed in the car?
• Is smoking acceptable?
• What about unplanned stops like Starbucks or the drug store?
• The Radio: On or Off? If on, to a mutually agreeable station or does the driver get to choose?
• Do considerations need to be made for allergies like pets or cologne?