Christmas Randomness

It was a crazy week, as many of mine are. That word "flexibility" has really had a work-out this year. Kristen got strep throat the week of her finals, so she had to try to do her on-line tests when she wasn't sleeping! I had the girls a lot. Thank the Lord she is feeling back to normal and her exams were finished by the deadline. I was even able to get my shopping finished and the wrapping complete. I did quite a bit of on-line ordering this year - what fun to have packages coming every day or two. I managed to escape Wal-Mart madness the entire time!

I've shown my nativity sets the last couple of years - I have 3 sets that are specifically for the kids to play with. I've had to be very creative in the placement of the others this year, because the littles can climb up on the couch now and reach the shelf above it, where I have put many of them in the past. As Kristen said, this was "deja vu" as we watched the twins play with the Fisher Price Little People set - they look so much like their big sisters.

When the angel is placed on the top of the stable, it plays "Away in a Manger."

The children's program at church this year was very simple, but meaningful.

This might be the last year I can find matching dresses in all the right sizes - so far Sam's has come to my rescue, but I think Care Bear will be too big by this time next year. I wish I could sew like I used to.

This last picture has nothing to do with Christmas, but I love it. The table and chairs have been used so much since I got them from Freecycle when the big girls were little. They use it every time they're here, and now the twins are using it every day. (Note the black magic marker art under Katie's stuffed animal?) I decided to serve them their lunch on it the other day for the first time - they ate much better than they do in their high chairs. Emma got up and handed me her bowl and spoon when she finished her mac and cheese. So cute.

The twins are definitely turning into twos. I have been saying all week that they have been a bit behind developmentally because of their preemie-ness, but they are right on target with being stereotypical twos!

I got the following piece in an e-mail this week and wanted to send it on. I love it.

The "W" in Christmas (author unknown)

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage--held up l arge letters, one-by-one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down – totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W."

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence...

Humbled by His love

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.