Nativity

I have been tickled to watch my children this holiday season as, in the course of their play, 

they've often chosen to act out the Christmas story. 

Choosing a doll and some kind of bed to put him in, Laila became Mary and Max would be Joseph. 

Or sometimes he was a shepherd, a wise man, or even a donkey.

On one occasion, I was asked to join in and was watching over the baby while

 Mary ran off to get something or other. 

Max as shepherd kneeled down and told me "you have a cute baby"

And so it was appropriate they got to assume those same roles 

when Grandma put together a Nativity play for our Christmas Eve entertainment.

The whole production was wonderful and quite touching. 

the kids did a great job getting into their roles:

Mary with her calm & contemplative attitude,

the angel's clear proclamations,

Joseph and his cool demeanor,

the wise man's convincing following of the star,

and the shepherds caring for their "sheep"

the result was a palpable feeling of love as we all sang the hymns of our Savior's birth

"Glory to the Newborn King! 

Peace on Earth!

Joyful!

Off Year

We did an off-year Christmas Eve Eve with the Westovers. 

Dinner and then the kids got to decorate the tree. 

Max was too busy with the new train track downstairs to be drawn by ornaments.

faux

I finally did it. I went artificial Christmas tree this year.

No more "nature in our living room"

with pine needles on the floor and water sloshing about.

Instead we've invested in a tree that will stand each year

We can set it up right after Thanksgiving

we don't have to worry about how to dispose of it when the holiday is done.

but it was an agonizing decision

What about fresh pine smell in the house?

What about choosing a new, unique tree each year?

tall, sparse & skinny vs. squat, full & bushy

but I suppose that enough time goes by between Christmases each year

getting the same tree out will seem new

so here's to the faux Christmas tree:

no mess & less stress now and in the years to come ;-)

Advent

Last year's advent adventures proved to be a little overwhelming for all of us. 

So this year I toned it down to a cute Nativity puzzle. 

Each day we choose a scripture and a simple activity that is Christ-centered and short for a small child's attention span. 

Then we get to choose a puzzle piece to glue onto the puzzle.

So far we've learned the importance of gratitude, 

enjoyed Christmas songs together,

shared childhood Christmas memories with each other, 

and reminded ourselves to keep a prayer always in our hearts.

We started late, so each child gets to put a piece on each time. 

And I let go of the idea that we MUST do it everyday.

But by Christmas, our picture will be complete

and, hopefully, our hearts will be more full of our Savior's love. 

It's autumn time

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.

For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."

-Edwin Way Teale

I got to teach the preschool about Autumn and Harvest and I am really loving this time of year.

the colors 
the crisp, clean air 
crunching leaves 
eating the fresh gifts of the garden 
(which I haven't enjoyed as much this year since I currently hate food)


I thought that my favorite season was Spring because it brings new life and renewal.
But today my favorite is Autumn, 
because it is sowing much that will flourish in the Spring.

just because cake

Nobody's birthday and no holiday in sight. 

It was just a regular Sunday evening. 

And just because I couldn't stand the thought or smell of almost any food, 

didn't mean I didn't suddenly need a big piece of chocolate cake. 

But we were out of eggs.

Just because I wanted it, he toted the kids over to his parents' house on a quick trip
 to borrow said missing eggs so that he could make me that cake. 

As sometimes happens, it took longer than expected,

so the kids were sent immediately to bed.

one, however, snuck out to help Dad, who insisted on still making cake, 

despite the lateness of the hour, 

just because I had a craving.

So when I finally got a taste of that much-anticipated cake, 

complete with homemade frosting, I ate two big pieces.

It was the sweetest, most moist, tastiest cake I've ever eaten, or will ever eat.

 just because it was so full of love

New suit

When the not unexpected 60 day notice came, my excellent husband didn't skip a beat. 

He polished his resume, went out and bought a suit and proceeded to apply and interview with the zeal of someone doing their most favorite thing.

It was almost like a full time job for a while there, running from interview to interview, taking calls from recruiters and filling out online applications. 

Not to mention taking night classes at the university.

He was unstoppable in that new suit.

Sixty days and four offers later, when it came time to say 'farewell' to 5 good years at that first "real" job it was also immediately time to say 'hello' to the next one. 

No lapse in paycheck, no lapse in insurance coverage, no lapse in livelihood.

What a man! 

Our working warrior who braves the world everyday so that we can live happily and comfortably; 

And then comes home with a smile on his face, always ready for a romp with the little ones.

And so I am grateful that he is a hard worker, a smart worker, obedient and full of faith; that he is Loving, Loyal, Fun and Light-hearted. 

Most of all, I am grateful that he's my husband, my best friend, 

and that we get to work together for all that is truly valuable.

Thank you, Joe. I love you.