Joseph is loving his lego presents.
Noah can't BELIEVE he got many of the things he was hoping for!
Gabe digs his new scooter. Having an unfinished basement is a good thing sometimes!
12.26.2009
Merry Christmas Memories
Joseph is loving his lego presents.
Noah can't BELIEVE he got many of the things he was hoping for!
Gabe digs his new scooter. Having an unfinished basement is a good thing sometimes!
12.25.2009
Because I Simply Must Remember
With the traditions of the day that all are enjoying, I don't imagine this post will be read by many. And that's okay. But this Christmas I enjoyed a moment so sweet, so perfect that I simply had to write about it to remember. This blog has become a sort of journal for us all and it helps us recall what we treasure so much...each other.
On Christmas Eve, I took our children to our church's Children's Christmas Eve service. Our oldest son stayed to acolyte at the Candelight service and I brought home the youngest three. When the littles were tucked into bed, just J and I were left to enjoy the quiet. We drank peppermint tea (his fav) and ate chocolate peppermint biscotti in our darkened living room by the light of the tree. It was beautiful.
We talked of Christmas and Jesus and what the next morning might bring. Then I shared with him how when all of the children go to bed, his dad and I have a glass of wine by the tree. Later in the evening, we dance. It's our tradition. J was touched.
A few minutes later, he quietly held his hand out to me and said, "Dad's not here. Would you like to dance with me?"
Are you kidding? Would I travel across the world to accept?!
"I would love to," I replied.
And there we stood, swaying quietly by the white lights. Just as I began to tear up, he twirled me.
No presents needed this year. I have all I need.
On Christmas Eve, I took our children to our church's Children's Christmas Eve service. Our oldest son stayed to acolyte at the Candelight service and I brought home the youngest three. When the littles were tucked into bed, just J and I were left to enjoy the quiet. We drank peppermint tea (his fav) and ate chocolate peppermint biscotti in our darkened living room by the light of the tree. It was beautiful.
We talked of Christmas and Jesus and what the next morning might bring. Then I shared with him how when all of the children go to bed, his dad and I have a glass of wine by the tree. Later in the evening, we dance. It's our tradition. J was touched.
A few minutes later, he quietly held his hand out to me and said, "Dad's not here. Would you like to dance with me?"
Are you kidding? Would I travel across the world to accept?!
"I would love to," I replied.
And there we stood, swaying quietly by the white lights. Just as I began to tear up, he twirled me.
No presents needed this year. I have all I need.
12.22.2009
Happy Birthday, Sugarplum!
Happy Birthday, M! Is it really possible that an ENTIRE year has gone by since we celebrated your last birthday? How far you've come in just one year! You're becoming your own little person with likes and dislikes and so much more. How privileged we are to have you in our family!
The big 4 year old received a pink princess scooter to keep up with big brother G, some adorable dresses from her great aunt, and special surprises from grandparents. She loved them all!
12.21.2009
It's All Over...Or is it?
Every year, we get a kick out of listening to our kids as they try to determine what's real and what's not about the Santa Claus story. We've never lied to our kids. We're big on being as real with them as possible. But... we admit that we let them chose to think what they will about Santa. We like to think of it as a bit of a mystery. We've always owned up to the presents under the tree. But the stockings...they just somehow always get filled. The kids spend lots of time thinking about how this might happen. When our oldest declared that we must be Santa and looked for confirmation by saying, "Right?" We admitted the truth. But the youngest three still haven't figured it out.
J is a big dreamer and loves fantasy. He enjoys thinking about dragons and elves and fauns and all sorts of things that require imagination. And apparently...he still believes. This year, though, at age 9, he's decided it's impossible for Santa to make all of the toys for the children of the world. "He MUST shop at Toys R Us." Well son, that's pretty close!
For G, it's fear that has kept him a believer. He once declared, "I'm always gonna' believe. If you don't, the stocking will be empty!" But this morning while cuddled up in our bed he whispered, "I've been thinking. There can't really be a Santa Claus at all. There are lots of poor children in the world. If Santa brought a toy to every child, there wouldn't be kids without toys at Christmas." I guess that's what we get for our charitable family Christmas giving!
Our friend Heather would be proud...they haven't figured it ALL out, but they're really, really close. :-)
12.20.2009
Things I Love
One of my favorite things about parenting is when you catch your children doing something kind...just because. No one watching, just doing it to do the right thing. Today, N was building an awesome fort with neighborhood kids when his little sister came outside hoping to sled. The big kids were in a spot much too dangerous for her. N volunteered to come over and take her sledding for awhile. She LOVED it! Thanks, N!
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