One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Welcome To This World" and I don't know about you, but after having a child of your own, it means even more. I look at my sweet baby boy and just imagine. Imagine what it would have been like.
"Tiny fingers sent to heal us...
Tender brow prepared for thorns...
Tiny heart who's blood will save us...
Welcome to this world."I can't even imagine.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hope
Lately, the news has been flooded with depressing news. There are the scandals on Wall Street and corrupt politicians, to the uncaring shoppers who trampled a Walmart employee on Black Friday, just to grab that single item at a bargain price. There are also reports on the local news of many bank robberies and even one family held at gun point, in their own home, while the intruders stole all of their wrapped presents under their tree. My own parents' house was broken into last week. Thankfully, they were not there and they didn't get anything of real value.
Hard times. Financial insecurity. Desperate people. Scary thought.
To be in such despair, having no hope, feeling a sense of urgency that would make you do things so careless.
All this amidst the season we are celebrating. The irony of it is amazing. Celebrating the birth of our Savior, our King and by His birth gave us hope and peace, the very opposite of despair.
It doesn't really matter how many pretty packages are under the tree or if we find good bargains at Walmart. It doesn't even matter if your floors don't sparkle for your guests, if your Christmas cookies are just perfect, or if you send out those cute Christmas cards this year. None of it matters.
Some people out their are missing it, missing the meaning of the season. In a desperate attempt to find money for presents for their children, or an attempt to hold on to their social status, they are missing it.
So don't find yourself wishing you had more for yourself or your children this Christmas, although very hard to do sometimes. Don't despair or have a lack of hope for the future, for our KING has come and brought us that very thing. In Him alone we find hope and a future. Him alone.
And for two other great Christmas reminders, one about not "missing it" and the other about the simple things, please check out this from Wendymom and this one from Lotts of Scotts. Two great reads!
Hard times. Financial insecurity. Desperate people. Scary thought.
To be in such despair, having no hope, feeling a sense of urgency that would make you do things so careless.
All this amidst the season we are celebrating. The irony of it is amazing. Celebrating the birth of our Savior, our King and by His birth gave us hope and peace, the very opposite of despair.
It doesn't really matter how many pretty packages are under the tree or if we find good bargains at Walmart. It doesn't even matter if your floors don't sparkle for your guests, if your Christmas cookies are just perfect, or if you send out those cute Christmas cards this year. None of it matters.
Some people out their are missing it, missing the meaning of the season. In a desperate attempt to find money for presents for their children, or an attempt to hold on to their social status, they are missing it.
So don't find yourself wishing you had more for yourself or your children this Christmas, although very hard to do sometimes. Don't despair or have a lack of hope for the future, for our KING has come and brought us that very thing. In Him alone we find hope and a future. Him alone.
And for two other great Christmas reminders, one about not "missing it" and the other about the simple things, please check out this from Wendymom and this one from Lotts of Scotts. Two great reads!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Friends
I am lucky enough to get the spend this Saturday night with my girlfriends from high school. We have had this annual Christmas party every year and it is always so much fun to re-connect with these dear friends and remember old days in the past.
Last Friday night, I went to an annual ornament swapping party with a different set of friends, many of which are in my small bible study group. These women also hold a very special place in my heart. I have shared some of my deepest thoughts with these women, and they with me.
Within the past 10 months I have made new friends via blogging, some of whom I have never even met, but feel like I know them very well. I have enjoyed reading about their lives, their families, their friends, their battles, their disappointements, and their joy.
My life has richly been blessed by friends. One of my dear sweet friends sent me this video today. Please take a moment to watch. I think you will relate.
*(Don't forget to pause my music player at the bottom of the page)*
Last Friday night, I went to an annual ornament swapping party with a different set of friends, many of which are in my small bible study group. These women also hold a very special place in my heart. I have shared some of my deepest thoughts with these women, and they with me.
Within the past 10 months I have made new friends via blogging, some of whom I have never even met, but feel like I know them very well. I have enjoyed reading about their lives, their families, their friends, their battles, their disappointements, and their joy.
My life has richly been blessed by friends. One of my dear sweet friends sent me this video today. Please take a moment to watch. I think you will relate.
*(Don't forget to pause my music player at the bottom of the page)*
Friday, December 12, 2008
He's Out of Control
You would think the combination of these things would be dangerous, wouldn't you?
My boy is a mess. At only 14 months old, he is giving me a run for my money! He completely wears me out. He is into absolutely anything and everything!
A few weeks ago, he managed to open up our linen closet and get out the plunger. I found him with it on HIS FACE!
About a month ago, I had to call the poison control center because I found him with my container of Burt's Bees Hand Salve, the top off, and it all over his hands and mouth. My husband's first reaction was, "It's all natural, so it can't hurt him." I thought about that for a second and then said, "T, there are lots of plants and berries that are poisonous so that just doesn't make sense!" I mean, I think arsenic is found naturally in the Earth's crust, so the "All Natural" thing just didn't add up. After a phone call, Poison Control did confirm that I had nothing to worry about, but he would have very soft lips for a while.
Yesterday, as I was helping the girls on the computer, he got a glass ornament of the tree and crushed it in his little hands. As I was brushing off the colored glass from his hands I heard a loud...CRUNCHHH. He had gotten a piece in his mouth and chewed it! I did manage to then get it out of his mouth before he swallowed any (I think).
About 5 minutes after the glass ball incident, someone forgot and left the door open to down the hallway. I went looking for him (I swear only about 20 seconds had passed) and found him with his hands in the toilet water splashing it all around.
I am a worrier by nature. I always think and worry about horrible things that can hurt my children, and even though I know God is in control and shouldn't worry so much, I do. I struggle with this issue every day. It's almost laughable that God gave me this little boy that eats glass and hand salve and plays in germ infested toilet water! I know he didn't give me this little boy on accident, and even though you would think that I would worry MORE...I think I am actually worrying less.
My boy is a mess. At only 14 months old, he is giving me a run for my money! He completely wears me out. He is into absolutely anything and everything!
A few weeks ago, he managed to open up our linen closet and get out the plunger. I found him with it on HIS FACE!
About a month ago, I had to call the poison control center because I found him with my container of Burt's Bees Hand Salve, the top off, and it all over his hands and mouth. My husband's first reaction was, "It's all natural, so it can't hurt him." I thought about that for a second and then said, "T, there are lots of plants and berries that are poisonous so that just doesn't make sense!" I mean, I think arsenic is found naturally in the Earth's crust, so the "All Natural" thing just didn't add up. After a phone call, Poison Control did confirm that I had nothing to worry about, but he would have very soft lips for a while.
Yesterday, as I was helping the girls on the computer, he got a glass ornament of the tree and crushed it in his little hands. As I was brushing off the colored glass from his hands I heard a loud...CRUNCHHH. He had gotten a piece in his mouth and chewed it! I did manage to then get it out of his mouth before he swallowed any (I think).
About 5 minutes after the glass ball incident, someone forgot and left the door open to down the hallway. I went looking for him (I swear only about 20 seconds had passed) and found him with his hands in the toilet water splashing it all around.
I am a worrier by nature. I always think and worry about horrible things that can hurt my children, and even though I know God is in control and shouldn't worry so much, I do. I struggle with this issue every day. It's almost laughable that God gave me this little boy that eats glass and hand salve and plays in germ infested toilet water! I know he didn't give me this little boy on accident, and even though you would think that I would worry MORE...I think I am actually worrying less.
Santa's Helper
M was an elf in the Christmas dance recital, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" a few weeks ago. Here are some pictures of my little elf.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Random Tag About Random Things
I was tagged from Auburn Girl Always to do a meme about seven random things. Perfect. I love random. It's what most of my posts are all about. Completely random. It sort of is how my mind works I must admit. Ok, so, well, here are seven random things:
1. I embarrassed myself Monday by crying in front of people and friends at my girls ballet class. Why? Well, I'm not sure really WHY I cried,(perhaps PMS) but I was frustrated with the $313 check amount that I was writing to the ballet studio. Don't get me wrong, I love this place as well as the instructor, but was completely overwhelmed with the amount I was having to fork over for ballet, after just spending $ on groceries and school that very same day. It was just overwhelming to spend so much $$ on ballet costumes, recital fees, plus the monthly dues all right here before Christmas. And on top of that you know your spending the money on something they enjoy, but for heavens sake, we know that neither one of them will be a prima ballerina when they grow up or receive any school scholarship for jazz! But the point is..I CRIED. I completely lost it. Feel.Like.A.Fool. (and by the way, thanks dear friend for the hug and words of encouragement, even though you probably thought I would leave there and check myself into some loonie bin immediately!)
2. I have to steal this one from Auburn Gal because I hate it too....SOCK FUZZ between my toes. Can't stand it! I can't wear socks to bed no matter how cold my feet are because my toes have to be FREE....PLUS I hate sock fuzz! The only time sock fuzz is a good thing is when it is in between my son's toes because then I can pick it out from tiny, pudgy toes!
3. I wish that I would have read more blogs before I created my own. I wish I had been more creative. Case in point: a lot of people refer to their children by cute little names. Let's see, there is Stinkerbell & Lucky, and the whole "Mck"Donalds menu...Mcknugget, SmallFry, etc. I mean, how cute! How clever. I feel very uncreative calling my kids, M, K, and J. ....How original!
4. I would have loved to have been born skinny and rich. I know it's completely selfish and vain...but it's my blog and my randomness, so I wish I was skinny and rich.
5. Being a mom truly is the hardest thing I've ever done. I fall short all the time. I forget to send things back to school, I yell too much (mainly in the mornings), I don't stimulate their minds near enough, I even forgot to go pick up one child from school this year already (well, I was 45 minutes late!). Despite all that, it truly is the thing that makes my entire life worth it, meaningful. My children bring me so much joy.
6. I am not good about putting things back in their places. Terrible, in fact. I am as opposite of OCD as you can get. I create piles all over the place and the piles generally stay there for a really long time before I ever actually put them back. My kids are following in my footsteps and I can't stand that. Now I have to put back 4 people's things/stuff! My husband, on the other hand, ALWAYS puts things back. I drive him nuts!
7. Not that I have to inform anyone about this, as they, I'm sure, have noticed, but I am not good with punctuation. I throw commas in wherever or leave them out or just use --- or .... when I feel like it. Again, it's my blog, so who cares? If you care, don't read it.
I know I am supposed to stop at seven, but just to leave you with one to grow on (plus, I have a tendency to talk way too much...especially about random crap...I can't shut up..)
8. I once went to the wrong baby shower. Very embarrassing. Even drank their punch and ATE THEIR NUTS BEFORE I realized I was in the wrong place!! (Different blog, different day...)
1. I embarrassed myself Monday by crying in front of people and friends at my girls ballet class. Why? Well, I'm not sure really WHY I cried,(perhaps PMS) but I was frustrated with the $313 check amount that I was writing to the ballet studio. Don't get me wrong, I love this place as well as the instructor, but was completely overwhelmed with the amount I was having to fork over for ballet, after just spending $ on groceries and school that very same day. It was just overwhelming to spend so much $$ on ballet costumes, recital fees, plus the monthly dues all right here before Christmas. And on top of that you know your spending the money on something they enjoy, but for heavens sake, we know that neither one of them will be a prima ballerina when they grow up or receive any school scholarship for jazz! But the point is..I CRIED. I completely lost it. Feel.Like.A.Fool. (and by the way, thanks dear friend for the hug and words of encouragement, even though you probably thought I would leave there and check myself into some loonie bin immediately!)
2. I have to steal this one from Auburn Gal because I hate it too....SOCK FUZZ between my toes. Can't stand it! I can't wear socks to bed no matter how cold my feet are because my toes have to be FREE....PLUS I hate sock fuzz! The only time sock fuzz is a good thing is when it is in between my son's toes because then I can pick it out from tiny, pudgy toes!
3. I wish that I would have read more blogs before I created my own. I wish I had been more creative. Case in point: a lot of people refer to their children by cute little names. Let's see, there is Stinkerbell & Lucky, and the whole "Mck"Donalds menu...Mcknugget, SmallFry, etc. I mean, how cute! How clever. I feel very uncreative calling my kids, M, K, and J. ....How original!
4. I would have loved to have been born skinny and rich. I know it's completely selfish and vain...but it's my blog and my randomness, so I wish I was skinny and rich.
5. Being a mom truly is the hardest thing I've ever done. I fall short all the time. I forget to send things back to school, I yell too much (mainly in the mornings), I don't stimulate their minds near enough, I even forgot to go pick up one child from school this year already (well, I was 45 minutes late!). Despite all that, it truly is the thing that makes my entire life worth it, meaningful. My children bring me so much joy.
6. I am not good about putting things back in their places. Terrible, in fact. I am as opposite of OCD as you can get. I create piles all over the place and the piles generally stay there for a really long time before I ever actually put them back. My kids are following in my footsteps and I can't stand that. Now I have to put back 4 people's things/stuff! My husband, on the other hand, ALWAYS puts things back. I drive him nuts!
7. Not that I have to inform anyone about this, as they, I'm sure, have noticed, but I am not good with punctuation. I throw commas in wherever or leave them out or just use --- or .... when I feel like it. Again, it's my blog, so who cares? If you care, don't read it.
I know I am supposed to stop at seven, but just to leave you with one to grow on (plus, I have a tendency to talk way too much...especially about random crap...I can't shut up..)
8. I once went to the wrong baby shower. Very embarrassing. Even drank their punch and ATE THEIR NUTS BEFORE I realized I was in the wrong place!! (Different blog, different day...)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
More Naughty Than Nice
We ventured out the other day to do a little Christmas shopping at the mall with the entire family in tow. It sounded like a good enough idea at first, but ended up with two whining girls in the department stores tired of walking, wanting to go home practically 10 minutes after getting there, and J fussing in his stroller because he didn't get his nap in. It's always crazy when you try to take kids shopping, much less 3 of them in the Men's department of Macy's. I mean, I about go crazy myself spending more than about 10 minutes in a Men's section. There is only so many golf shirts, ties and brown shoes that one can stand to look at!
No, it really wasn't that bad. A little whining and complaining, but that was to be expected. What did strike me was that we found ourselves surrounded by huge pictures of Calvin Klein models wearing nothing but their briefs. Bless my two little girls hearts! M looked at me in disgust and said, "Now, that's just inappropriate!" I smiled and agreed and just let it die, only until a half hour later we were cruising down the mall and passed Frederick's of Hollywood. Oh My. What is she going to say about this one And then it came..."Mom, did you see that picture? That was just gross. Her underwear was up her butt."
It's really sad when you can't even take your kids to the mall to Christmas shop without finding yourself exposing them to things you wished you hadn't.
Tis the season of this generation, I guess.
No, it really wasn't that bad. A little whining and complaining, but that was to be expected. What did strike me was that we found ourselves surrounded by huge pictures of Calvin Klein models wearing nothing but their briefs. Bless my two little girls hearts! M looked at me in disgust and said, "Now, that's just inappropriate!" I smiled and agreed and just let it die, only until a half hour later we were cruising down the mall and passed Frederick's of Hollywood. Oh My. What is she going to say about this one And then it came..."Mom, did you see that picture? That was just gross. Her underwear was up her butt."
It's really sad when you can't even take your kids to the mall to Christmas shop without finding yourself exposing them to things you wished you hadn't.
Tis the season of this generation, I guess.
Monday, December 8, 2008
I Don't Just Watch TV All Day, I Promise.
I have always loved the TV channel that does 25 days until Christmas. They run Christmas shows all month long and I think it's great, but since when is Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a Christmas movie? I think it should be a month long of Frosty, Rudolph and the Heatmizer...all those timeless claymation Christmas movies that I grew up watching.
However, I have noticed that my children do not get as excited as I do (or did, when I was a kid) when they come on. I remember it being such a treat to see Charlie Brown or Santa Claus Is Coming To Town coming on the TV.
They don't feel the same and I'm not sure why. Is it because we have purchased the complete box set of DVD's for Charlie Brown and the timeless Christmas claymation movies so they can watch them anytime they want...so what's the big excitement when it comes on TV?? Or could it be the animation is not nearly as good as the movies that they see today? Nevertheless, I love these movies and sometimes find myself watching them on my TV, while the kids are watching Hannah Montana on theirs.
Above all though, a Christmas movie that brings me so much joy and laughter...
Christmas Vacation. You just gotta love that movie! And you just gotta be thankful you don't have anybody in the family like Eddie....or maybe you do and you can just relate really well to Chevy Chase.
However, I have noticed that my children do not get as excited as I do (or did, when I was a kid) when they come on. I remember it being such a treat to see Charlie Brown or Santa Claus Is Coming To Town coming on the TV.
They don't feel the same and I'm not sure why. Is it because we have purchased the complete box set of DVD's for Charlie Brown and the timeless Christmas claymation movies so they can watch them anytime they want...so what's the big excitement when it comes on TV?? Or could it be the animation is not nearly as good as the movies that they see today? Nevertheless, I love these movies and sometimes find myself watching them on my TV, while the kids are watching Hannah Montana on theirs.
Above all though, a Christmas movie that brings me so much joy and laughter...
Christmas Vacation. You just gotta love that movie! And you just gotta be thankful you don't have anybody in the family like Eddie....or maybe you do and you can just relate really well to Chevy Chase.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Good Email
This was in my inbox today. I enjoyed it, so thought I would share:
T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt peopl e's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penney's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our Faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break"
Under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
PROUDLY SAY:
"MERRY CHRISTMAS",
Not "Happy Holiday"
T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt peopl e's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penney's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our Faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break"
Under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
PROUDLY SAY:
"MERRY CHRISTMAS",
Not "Happy Holiday"
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Could You Imagine Life Without A Washing Machine!?
My post from yesterday got me to thinking what kinds of things I couldn't live without, (or wouldn't want to) and those things that I possibly could live without. I am speaking of technology and "things", not family, friends, children, God, because of course that IS life. So here is my list:
Things I wouldn't WANT to live without (not that I couldn't):
washing machine
dryer
dishwasher
telephone
microwave
car
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Things I COULD (possibly) live without (not that I want to):
t.v.
dvr/teevo(I don't even have this now...is that even what they are called?)
cell phone
computer/Internet (I love it, but I lived without it for 30 years, so I figure I could give it up if I had to)
DVD player in the car (Ooh, but that's a tough call)
hair dryer (although it wouldn't be pretty)
curling iron
That's about all I can think of at the moment. Any other ideas?
Things I wouldn't WANT to live without (not that I couldn't):
washing machine
dryer
dishwasher
telephone
microwave
car
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Things I COULD (possibly) live without (not that I want to):
t.v.
dvr/teevo(I don't even have this now...is that even what they are called?)
cell phone
computer/Internet (I love it, but I lived without it for 30 years, so I figure I could give it up if I had to)
DVD player in the car (Ooh, but that's a tough call)
hair dryer (although it wouldn't be pretty)
curling iron
That's about all I can think of at the moment. Any other ideas?
Something to Ponder
What have I missed?? My hard drive crashed and I have been without a computer for a few days. Fortunately, they were able to save all of my stuff! Whew! Anyway, not having a computer for a couple of days was paralyzing. I couldn't read my favorite blogs, couldn't do a quick google reference, and most importantly, couldn't work. Whoever once said, "you don't miss it until it's gone," was so very true, however, I don't think that person was referring the the world wide web.
Seriously, think about it...we have everything literally at the tips of our fingers. It's almost too convenient, too easy. It's no wonder that we have become so lazy. I mean, why call a friend when you could just text them? Why go out and fight crowds at the mall, when you can just sit in your pj's and order all your Christmas presents? You can even find a partner on the Internet...who needs good old fashioned courting? Mmmmmm...says something about our generation, doesn't it? Just imagine what our children's generation will be like.
Oh, but it's so good to have a computer again!! What did I ever do without one?
Seriously, think about it...we have everything literally at the tips of our fingers. It's almost too convenient, too easy. It's no wonder that we have become so lazy. I mean, why call a friend when you could just text them? Why go out and fight crowds at the mall, when you can just sit in your pj's and order all your Christmas presents? You can even find a partner on the Internet...who needs good old fashioned courting? Mmmmmm...says something about our generation, doesn't it? Just imagine what our children's generation will be like.
Oh, but it's so good to have a computer again!! What did I ever do without one?
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