Monday Afternoon

What a great way to spend a blustery winter day.  Jack got both the book and backrest for Christmas.  Lucy loves to sit with him.  I love that she loves it.

Slow Day

Today will be slow day around here.  We've got fevers and coughs.  Not to mention the wind is blowing fiercely this morning.  No need to go out in it.  We did have to drive back Christmas night in the snow.  The interstate was covered the closer we got to home but we made it just fine.
One of my favorite quotes from Christmas morning was from Samuel as he opened his stocking.
"Oh boy!  This is my lucky day!"

If all else fails, put them to work!

"When he came, there was no light.  When he left, there was no darkness."

                          Martin Luther

Merry Christmas

Checking Things Out

I wondered how long it would be until Lucy noticed the presents under the tree.  She actually didn't pay much attention the first day.  Then I found her checking things out.  Love it.

Fun Day

We went to the library this morning in search of Christmas books.  My favorite librarian was working.  She is always so chipper and quickly engages the kids.  She even let me look through a stash of books she had behind the counter.  We found plenty!  The first we read was Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas cookies.  Such a sweet story!  The second was The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Richard Scarry.  Cute book and it reminded us of our friends from the cul-de-sac in Charlotte.  Thanks to Bonnie, I picked up Miss Read's Christmas which is already proving to be a cozy read.
Last night some friends of ours came over and brought gifts for the kids. Sammy's was a Sheriff Woody pillow/stuffed guy.  He has not parted with it all day.  Woody even came to the library with us.  The nice librarian asked Sam if he was planning on reading all these books to Woody when we got home.  Sammy grinned ever so slightly and nodded his head.  Fun day.

p.s.  Do you notice a trend in pictures of Sam with no shirt?  I don't know what it is but that's the way he likes it right now.

Perfect?

I declared today our Christmas cookie and craft day.
We baked cookies and decorated with the sprinkles.
We sprinkled (or dumped) glitter and glued sequins.
We had our music playing in the background.
And it was fun.
But if I'm honest, I'd have to say it was not all Currier and Ives.  Somehow looking back, getting out glitter and cookie dough at the same time might not have been the best idea.  I was a little on edge.  Sometimes impatient.  I can't tell you how I wish I had more patience.  It seems like I get a little less patient the older I get instead of the other way around.  That saddens me.
And I need to add that bit in here with all the pictures and smiles because if you're even a little like me,  you look around and hear about other families enjoying all of these holiday activities and wonder where you went wrong.  I want to create these cozy, perfect memories.  Not that I didn't enjoy our day.  I'm just saying, it wasn't perfect and I think that's ok.  One more reason why I need the Christ of Christmas more than I need a good memory from a perfect day.

Having said that, I did get some cute pictures and I think the kids had a good time.

I've not seen so much glitter poured in one place in a long time.

(He was just getting started!)

Not had so much tempting sugar around in a while either.

Sam said to me, "Mom, I guess you've never seen anything like this before."

HAHA!  There were an awful lot of sprinkles on his cookies!

Sweet Sam

Two things from Samuel:
Kayla and I were getting ready to make Rice Krispie treats today.
He said, "Great!  The girls will do the making and the boys will do the eating!"
Love it.

The other night as I tucked Sam in, I said, "Good night, Sammy.  Mommy loves you."
He said, "Good night, Mommy.  Sammy loves you, too."
So sweet.

A Snowy Day

Well it snowed.  It was so pretty to watch.  The kids had a great time outside.  Lucy and I stayed in- she hasn't been her usual happy self.  I haven't felt quite right all day either- just a little off.  Maybe a good night's sleep will help?
Brian and the kids planned a festive dinner, complete with holiday dishes, candles, even ties for the guys!  Sparkling cherry juice and more homemade bread.  This time Brian made two loaves of whole wheat.  Yum!

For some reason he looks so big in this picture.

The three amigos

One of our first snows in our backyard

Just because I stayed in doesn't mean a good hot drink didn't hit the spot.  I learned how to make lattes this week.  This one is vanilla cinnamon.

Thanks a Lot!

It's been a while since I've had a haircut.  Got one today.  So glad!
Until Jack says to me, "Mom, I thought you were getting your haircut today."
"I did."
"Oh, it doesn't look shorter.  Just, uh, brushed."
Oh well.
Stay warm.  It looks like another winter storm is brewing!
By the way, the cinnamon bread that Brian and Kayla worked on together was quite the involved process.   They got up at 6:30 the next morning to finish it and believe me when I tell you, it was impressive.  The texture was perfect.  Yum!

A Few Things

Number one, it is so cold and windy that I cannot even think about going outside.  So glad we don't have to!  I am perfectly happy to watch the snow flurries from inside and be very thankful for a warm home.  Days like this make me want to bake, although I have not done much of that today.  In the past week I've made four batches of gingerbread.  Yum.  
I have been working on Christmas cards.  I think that's one of my favorite things to do around the holidays.  I love thinking about our family and friends as I write their names.  We are so blessed.
Number two, Lucy enjoyed her birthday cupcake a little more than her pancakes with whipped cream.  Although, after a while she was done with all the sticky icing.  If I'm remembering right, she enjoyed her first birthday cake more than any of the other kids.

Number three, Brian is on vacation this week.  I like the way things are turning out:

I'm not sure what they are making- I think it's coffee cake.  I could get used to this.
Finally, number four, Samuel was up early and ready for breakfast.  I said, "Please can you rest a little longer?"  He said, "No mom.  My belly button is so hungry."  
We got up.

1st Birthday

It's official!  My baby girl is one.  She actually shares a birthday with my dear friend, Beth.  So Happy Birthday Beth!
I have been just a little sentimental about this one.  She's been such a sweet baby.  Saying goodbye to "babyhood" is bittersweet.  But, on to her day.
We had pancakes and I put some whipped cream on Lucy's to make it special.  She was not impressed.

The other kids could not wait to give her birthday presents.  Of course she loved the paper best but I think she enjoyed opening them, too.

Kayla was so happy to give her this little baby doll.

The girl even read her card from Mimi and Papa.

 I have to say, though, that she saved the best for last.  I walked into the room and she looked right at me and said, "Mama.  Mama."  

First time.

I got a little teary.

Happy Birthday, dear Lucy.

Birthday Eve

A year ago tonight, I was 10 days out from my due date.  My dad was good and ready for his 6th grandbaby to be born and called to  harass me a bit (all in fun!) about getting this thing going.  I said I was right there with him and doing all I could to go ahead and have this baby girl.  I'd let him know when I knew.
Brian and the kids and I loaded up in the van to go do a little shopping.  I was hoping a little more walking would get the show on the road.  On our way, Brian's mom called to let me know she wouldn't be home that night but Grandpa was home and she would leave her phone on all night just in case this baby decided to come.  I sure was hoping we'd need to call!
For several nights I had been waking up somewhere around 3 or 4 a.m. I'd be up for an hour or so then fall back asleep.  This night was no different.  It was around 4:30, I was awake, and I was hungry.  So I got a bowl of Rice Krispies and settled in with a book, An Irish Country Christmas.  After a while, I noticed that first contraction although I wasn't sure that's what it was.  I took notice and kept reading.  In just a few minutes came another.
YES!  This is it.  Or at least I was hoping.  I woke Brian.  He called his dad to let him know we might have something going on.  We got ready, just in case.
I called my mom and dad.  Dad, I think you're getting your wish.
Contractions kept coming.
Grandpa came on over- I didn't ask how fast he drove but it didn't take long!
And we headed for the hospital.
Later that morning, our sweet Lucy was born.
How many December 10ths had I lived through? (well, 36)
And now, that day had such a new and special place in my heart.

"Star of Bethlehem"

Does anyone know the song "Star of Bethlehem?"
It has to be the version with a fiddle and guitar.
This song takes me back to Christmas when I was little.  I never heard it anywhere else except in my Grandma Pearl's kitchen and the country church my parents met in.  The choir special always included it.
I can almost smell the wood smoke, feel the cold outside, the warmth inside.
Hear my grandmothers cooking Christmas dinner.
Hear my cousins playing.
I hope I never, ever forget what that was like.
And do you know what I found on the computer tonight?  You got it.  My parents put the song on before they gave us their mac.
Isn't it funny, the things that become special and can take you back?
Who would've thought?

Emmanuel

It's early December and I am excited.  The snow has fallen all day and has been beautiful.  The kids have loved playing outside today.  There is that classic, storybook Christmas feel.
Among all the excitement, though, I am struck by how much need there is in this world.  My prayer list is growing by the minute it seems.
Lots of hurting people.
Depression.
Sickness.
Loneliness.
And as much anticipation as there is with Christmas, I cannot help but think that it is for these that this baby Jesus was born.  He was born into a dark, sinful, weary world.  Here for all those who are weary and heavy-laden.  Not for the healthy, but for the sick.  There could be great cause for despair but instead, I think that it is fitting that we prepare our hearts and even our homes to welcome in a king who came to seek and save the lost.  To bring hope.
Our Emmanuel.

O come, O come Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear,

Rejoice!  Rejoice! 

Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.

Let It Snow!

Who could sleep...

with this going on right outside?

Let it snow!

One More Distraction

Picture this:
Lucy was down for her morning nap.
Jack, Kayla, Samuel, and I were sitting on the couch reading together.
We heard something that sounded like a chirp.  Not a soft one either.
Was it right outside our window?
Jack slowly gets up, looks at me with wide eyes, and silently walks to the hallway.
Kayla and Sam follow.
Loud whisper, "MOM!  There's a bird.  In there!"
Oh boy.
And before I could get off the couch, that bird came flying into the living room, straight at me.
I screamed.  Not a squeak but a full-blown scream.  Then I ducked and ran.
We were scurrying around like crazy.  We are crazy.  It was a bird for crying out loud.  Just a bird.
"Mom???  What do we do?"
Kayla and Samuel had run upstairs at this point.
I was on the phone to Brian.  I knew what I needed to do but I think I needed to hear a rational voice at the moment.
Lucy is screaming in her bed now.  Poor thing.  What a way to wake up, huh?
Well, we opened up all the doors and I'm guessing the bird flew out the back door.  We never actually saw it leave.  So I've been peeking into rooms and around corners all day.
And all that for a little old bird.