From Jesus to Santa to comfy plaid pj's

Merry Christmas Eve Eve.  I was thrilled this morning when Mason asked a random question that sparked a conversation sharing the details of the Christmas story.  He was completely under the covers in my bed and said "Why do we have an angel at the top of our tree?".  I asked him if he remembered the significance of the angel in the Christmas story.  He told me he needed to hear the story again.  I took a few minutes to remind him of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds and of course the role the angel played in that special time.  After church, we discussed more over lunch with Dad and sisters and talked alot about angels and the star.

What a great opportunity to join in discussion with all of our children with the span of 15 years between the oldest and youngest.  Of course it wasn't long before the topic turned to Santa and the fact that we hadn't visited him yet.   So we cleaned up the dishes and made plans to visit the mall.  It's Christmas Eve Eve and Santa is still sitting on his comfy chair waiting with open arms to listen to the list of those most desired wishes.  He limited Mason to 3 things.  We snapped a few pictures and were on our way.

I remarked at how relaxing it was to walk in the mall 2 days before Christmas and know that I didn't have to buy a thing.  My shopping is done and there was no stress or list or concern of any kind.  We  picked out a pair of shoes and got that favorite Happy Meal and chatted with friends we saw.

Mason told us when he was ready to go.  He wanted to watch a favorite show and put on his comfy pj's.  So today, he got his wish.  I wonder what Santa will bring.  Whether Santa comes or not, I do know that Jesus is here and we will celebrate His simple birth giving Him glory and praise that only He is worthy of.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Live Today

Recently I've shed many tears and fervently prayed prayers for people I've never met.  I can't fathom their pain as I weep for the loss of those little loved ones as well as the families of the courageous heroes we now feel we know so well through the sharing of pictures and stories.   I do know that God knows their pain and I ask Him and trust that He is comforting in a way that only He can.  I pray that in His good time the hearts of loved ones, families, community will heal, not forget, but be healed with a greater love and understanding of God's provision in our times of tragedy.

We live in an evil world.  These times of implorable acts can bring about such panic, rumors and mayheim at times. Our schools have been riddled with rumors and threats, investigations, what-if's and administrators scrambling to find sources, review safety policies and remind students and parents of the safety in schools.  I admit that 95% of the time I feel that the kids are safer in school than anywhere else.  Recent events tend to sway my steadfastness and play on my emotions as a mother.  I am pleased to give my high school-aged daughter the choice and am proud that she chose to go to school and not be afraid.  She is quite aware of what goes on in our world and tends to shield me from what she witnesses locally in an attempt to calm my spirit and desire to protect her.

Then comes December 21, 2012.  So many stories, theories, anecdotes, end of the world weather reports flying all over your choice of social media.....I can't help but smile.  I truly believe the Bible when I read that Heaven and Earth will pass away and that no one knows the hour but the Father.  If it's His choice to end the world today it's not because Mayans ran out of room on their stone calendar or anyone else's prediction, fortune-telling or other farse.  (Just a side-thought:  maybe the Mayans opted for the day-planner or something a little more pocket-sized.)

So we mourn with those who mourn but not as those who have no hope.  For we hope and long for the return of Jesus and we live today, not in fear, but knowing that God has a plan.  He doesn't make mistakes and He will come again.  

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

That's my goal, to encourage.  I am encouraged by these thoughts as we move closer to the birthday celebration of the One that brings the gift of life to all of us.  The word "believe" is used everywhere you look.  If you don't BELIEVE in this gift of life, I  encourage you to seek the His truth today.

We woke up this morning, some may be surprised, others relieved.  Many awoke still racked with grief for those lost or other crisis in their own lives that may not make the headline news reports.  

I choose to accept today as it comes,  each day is different, some are more joyous and/or difficult than others.  I urge you to use your day for good.  Share love, patience and gratitude.  Hug your children or someone you love.  Check on a neighbor.   Smile or wave to a stranger.   No one knows the day or hour of the end of this world as we know it.  All we know is that we have today.  Live it!

Happy birthday Gub!  Enjoy your special day.

thankful, I am.....

for a mother that taught me to sew, crochet, cook and the basics of taking care of a home.  They are not only a resource for providing things for my family.  They are creative outlets for expressing myself in a way that makes me feel productive and satisfied.

I've used my sewing machine two weekends in a row, for tasks large and small.  Today I am working on a new crochet pattern to make a fun hat.  We'll wait to see how it comes out.  I sometimes have bigger hopes than abilities.

Thanks Mom for those good lessons that last a lifetime.

thankful, I am.....

for safety during Hurricane Sandy.  We personally were spared any major damage from the wind and rain and flooding.  We enjoyed sweet family together time.  I can't begrudge the extended work-week and rescheduling of details because it's all worth it when we can enjoy some at home escape time.

We readied our home and yard for high winds and hunkered down for the storm.  Once we were storm -prepared holiday shopping lists were made, gift projects were started, video games were played and homework was done.  I even got some help on the house cleaning during that time.  We never lost power...so we had the glow of our electronics conveniently connected with wi-fi to keep us in touch with the outside world.

So the generator sits at attention awaiting the next storm.  I will be more thankful if that one brings snow. 

thankful, I am......

for the right and ability to vote for MY choice without fear.   I've never been an extremely political person.  I don't always know my opinion on every issue nor am I aware of every issue out there.  I am so fortunate and feel a sense of duty to weigh the options and voice my opinion in this free land.  I voted today and was thankful.

Birthday Bash for the Big One - Homecoming for the Nutmeg

Well it was quite the event-filled weekend in our house.   Kelsie came home for Fall break and brought friends with her.  We enjoyed birthday festivities and some nice family time.  Homecoming weekend at our high school added more activity and special events.  We had favorite meals and snacks and worshiped together on Sunday.  It was an enjoyable family weekend.

Friday was a beautiful day to be outside.  We took advantage of it with a walk around the lake.

  

We began our birthday bash on Friday night.

BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

 
We treated the kids and their friends to the Stanford Grill.
It's a lovely restaurant with great atmosphere.
 

 

Live jazz music and a patio with seating area in front of the fire can't be beat.

 

It's a sushi poke, of course.

 

Saturday was Homecoming Day and Birthday Day!  I enjoyed some quiet time at home preparing fun foods and tidying up (it makes me happy) while the gang went to the game.
 

After another round of cake and singing, present time is always fun!

Mason's card with chocolate cake and rainbow sprinkles.

   
 













      
Then suddenly it was time to get the girlie
dressed for her big dance.


 

Standard pose for these sisters.

Megs loves to pose and J was a good sport and had fun with it!!

Daddy took the "adults" out later. So, again I found myself with a quiet house, 6 year old tucked into bed and movie of my choice. Ahhh, the simple joys of life.

21!

Favorite Foto Friday

Last week we had a mid-week day off and no plans.  Michael suggested a quiet breakfast out and then drove me to the airport loop which is a great, scenic path.  It was beautiful as the trees were just beginning to turn.  It was loud as the planes were taking off and flying just over our heads every 2-3 minutes.

 During our few uninterrupted hours over breakfast and strolling, we got all of the surface stuff talked out, then discussed some sports and politics and then took some time to talk about more difficult subjects.  The ones that sometimes hang there and create "thorns" we don't have time to address because we're busy living life and driving kids and not scheduling together time.  We spoke honestly and it was good, not easy but good.

As a little girl, I always dreamed that marriage would be blissfully happy days spent with the one you love, one after the other with romance, and roses and sweet love songs in the background.  NOT!!!  Marriage is HARD WORK.  Well worth the effort I must say.  But hard, none the less.  It has to be nurtured and watered and sprinkled with thoughtful planning, careful words and rocky tough times that provide endurance for the long haul.  I find that a Christ-centered marriage makes those tough times a little more manageable and provides a common focus and end-goal.

Recently our pastor encouraged those married in our church family to work hard to deepen our marriage relationships to guard from the pain of divorce.   To delight in and care for the one we are married to.  To love and live for one another is the way God intended.

So today I purposely celebrate my husband.   I am thankful for someone who loves me and loves the Lord and isn't afraid to work hard at this marriage thing.  Love ya babe! 

Christmas in September

Well the big day is just 90 days away but today I want to stop and consider the atmosphere and good feelings of the upcoming Christmas season.  It's very appropriate that on the 25th day of September a staff meeting agenda item included the holiday decorations for the sanctuary and the annual Christmas cookies for the jail ministry.  In my mailbox at home I found the first mention of Dazzle Dash (the day they allow you to walk instead of drive through the Christmas lights at Merriweather) and the Operation Christmas Child brochure announcing the collection for shoeboxes filled with gifts for needy children around the world.  It all makes me think of the smells of cinnamon and the shapes of sugar cookies and the warmth of the fireplace. 

My son is not shy to share that he is counting the days 'til the 4th Tuesday in December.  It's a magical day filling the dreams of many.  I anticipate the focus on family time, fun foods and music but mostly the spirit of the season.  People are more prone to help those in need, seek out volunteer opportunities and simply share God's love in a real and personal way. 

My desire is that we would all put some thought into spreading that love and joy throughout the year.   Some do and I applaud them.  Let's join that small number in celebrating that spirit of the season more than once a year.

I love the "count down to Christmas" display my neighbor has on her porch.  She put it up on day 99.  We all cheered..... except her 4th grade daughter.  "NO!  It's too early."  But I don't agree.  It's a good reminder; not only of numbered shopping days but for preparing our hearts and minds and beginning the season of giving now.
 

Merry Christmas in September! May the joy of THE season fill your heart with love for others throughout the year.

Looking back

Entering a new season always make me look backwards.  We had a nice, easy summer.  Michael says we all took vacations but him.  In fact, I traveled with each of the kids but he didn't go anywhere far unless you count the trip to West Virginia for volleyball camp.  He would vote "no, that doesn't count."

Meagan had a big summer with driving class and permit test and 16th birthday trip.  It was a sha-bang kinda summer!

It's the pink game at Happy Valley - PSU.

The good 'ole post PSU boot.

Learned the Snowball Reel with her Dad.  No boot required.

Learned to drive......

Good baker.

Good sister.

Rocks a party theme.

It's a "nutmeg" kinda day!  Love ya girlie!

Welcome Fall!

We welcomed my FAVORITE season today with a walk, bike riding lesson and one doggy swim in the water along the trails near our house.  Such crisp fresh air just makes me smile inside and out.  The scenery wasn't bad either.  I practiced my photography and those kids of mine practiced their posing.

She is SO brave!  I would have fallen off that tree for sure.

Marley loves the water.  It was cold but refreshing. 

View from the bridge.

Yah!!!  It's Fall.  ENJOY!!!