Out on the Town

Though I'm not the greatest photographer, they're still the best looking kids out on the town tonight. A dear friend treated them to a local church production of "A Christmas Carol". They were so excited to get dudded up and even ironed their own clothes! I love seeing how their styles are shaping and I must say that so far I'm very pleased.

They've just arrived home (shortly after 11:00 p.m.) and are bouncing off the walls with excitement. What a blessing. Time to scurry them off to bed and then myself.

As a child, I would be so excited to rediscover all those ornaments that had been tucked away for so many months. Each one had some special story or memory waiting to come to life again.

The kids have received lots of ornaments over the years, but this year I realized I didn'tever hear their stories. They are always excited to get them out and they have favorites, but I wanted to hear their stoires. Sometimes you just have to get the ball rolling. Amazing how a simple question can let the flood gates of memories open.

Boy 1: A glass santa ornament given by our sweet old neighbor lady (a.k.a. The Cookie Lady). We were returning something to her that we had borrowed when she surprised the kids with the ornament. We have moved away from her now, but we will always have precious memories of her love and kindness.

Boy 2: The "ZuZu Ornament". Every year, we enjoy watching "It's a Wonderful Life" together as a family. A couple years ago, we were able to meet "ZuZu" at a local Christmas fair. She had all sorts of memorabilia from the movie. After much consideration, we chose "ZuZu's Petals", a picture of her and Jimmy Stewart on her bed with the petals. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Girl 1: A frosted glass ballerina. I knew immediately why. It was a gift from someone who came into our lives with great hope, but now only faded memories of what could have been linger in this little girl's heart. Tears were shared and arms embraced. Bonds were strengthened and walls came down.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year.

The Clock Turns Back

The usual hustle and bustle of the day was joined by stuffy, gunky noses, sore throats and the like. We've been incredibly blessed by our Lord the last few years in avoiding major illnesses. I'm grateful that even now, thus far, it isn't unbearable. We'll see what the morning brings as they all slumber now.

Though it's been awhile, it didn't take long to get into the nurse-for-a-day rhythm. Drink this juice, take this vitamin C, drink this tea, lay down and rest, etc. It brings such a sense of mommyness, a break from the regular routine, a chance to nurse a little more than nurture. At their ages, I'll take these moments because for a short time the world stops spinning and it's like they are babes in your arms again. Those sweet faces with big doe eyes look at you and say, "Mommy, I need you. Make it better." Yep. You can keep on spinning world, but today the clock's turning back in my home. Tomorrow will come soon enough when they think they don't need me to "make it better".

Lights So Bright

I love white Christmas lights. I'd string them through every inch of my house, but I think I'll wait to do that when I become an old cat lady with 18 cats running around and sharing tuna fish with them. It's all about self-control, right?

Tonight, losing myself in the twinkling lights on the tree, I was filled with warmth and joy. Have you ever noticed that? How the beauty of lights can have that affect on us? Have you ever wondered why? Plain and simple, it's Jesus.

John 1:4-9 "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world."

Even for those who have yet found the way to let Him shine in them. He's there, waiting to be ignited in each of us.

Early Evening Delight

Two warm drinks: $7
One Mint Brownie: $2
Christmas background music: $0
Cozy atmosphere: Free
One-on-one time with hubby: Priceless.

Our aim is to set this time aside weekly. Do we always make it? No. Do we cherish it when we do? You betcha. Deep conversation every time? No. Case in point, tonight we talked about Christmas gifts for the kids. Did we make headway? I don't think so. Guess we'll have to do it again. Too bad.

Simple Pleasures = Big Smiles

It's the simple things that most often make us smile and I've had my fair share of them recently.

A rareity happened here the other night.....the house to myself (okay, plus two dogs and a cat). A nearly perfect "alone" evening was planned. The fire was roaring, bible study materials positioned near the chair in front of the fire, but a Peppermint Mocha Twist from Starbuck's was missing. Off I went to complete the scene. Have you seen a Peppermint Mocha Twist in a mug (no lid, please)? I can't help but giggle every time I see it. It's piled high with peppermint whipped cream and shaved choclate sprinkled on top. Return home, nestle into chair, bible in lap, classical music in the background........ahhhhh, bliss.

After a few hours, the family arrives, low and behold, they've brought me a treat! One taste and I'm hooked! It's pepperminty, a little bit chocolatey....It's Christmas in a Cup! You must go to your local DQ and get this blizzard. If I had the authority, I would guarantee a smile or you get your money back.

Yesterday was packed with things to do in preparation for Thanksgiving. Tired and head pounding in the afternoon, I had put off the idea of baking anything for our women's bible study that evening. But I just couldn't stand it. At the last minute, I turned to my trusty EDF (Everyday Foods Magazine) and found a quick recipe. Choclate Gingerbread Bars. Seemed like an odd combination, but I'm here to tell you, it's heavenly, batter or bars.

So see, it's the simple things. Things that make me feel like a kid again. Things that scream, "Joy"! May you find your simple things that bring big smiles.

Magnified

On Thursday, the kids and I made a trip to my grandmother's house. I've recently committed myself to visiting with her at least once a month (she's about an hour away). When you're 96 years old, you just don't know how many days are left. I don't want to regret not spending that time with her. Plus, can you imagine the wealth of knowledge she has?! There aren't many kids in this world that can say they sat down and had chats with their 96 year old great-grandmother. And these aren't trips to a sad, lonely nursing home. This amazing woman still lives on her own, drives (though very limited, thankfully), sews, cooks, bakes, entertains, etc. Her mind is incredibly clear and can engage in great conversation. Tomorrow, she will have a full day of lefse making/training with my sister and niece(uff-da, for those of you non-Norwegians, it is a delectable flatbread made from potatoes! Yum Yum).


I truly am amazed by this woman. She has a great desire to live to be 100 and she's sooooo close. She has blessed so many people in her life time that I pray the Lord will bless her in return with this request. I could go on and on about her accomplishments, but the bottom-line is that the Lord has truly been magnified through her. Thank you, Grandma, for being such an inspiration!


And while Grandma magnifies the Lord, others of us chose to magnify ourselves. See for yourself! Ahhh, the fun we have at Grandma's. Good thing she wasn't in the room because I'm quite sure her hearing aids would have been making all kinds of screeching noises as we laughed in hysterics.