A Christmas Recap

From house decorating and cookie baking, to grocery store trips and gift wrapping,  it's just so easy to get caught up at Christmas, and forget what really matters.  This year, we joined our church for the annual Christmas caroling at a local nursing home, and I couldn't even sing the first song- my eyes filled with tears as I watched my wild, free spirt toddler stand on her own and stare with wonder as the room of elderly patients filled with lively songs of Christmas.  She mouthed the words to "Jingle Bells", that first song, and erupted in smiles as it ended and applause rang throughout the room.   She was participating, and she was so proud of herself.  

And I stood and stared, as my baby is growing into the sweetest little girl- and it seems as though it's happening too quickly.  But she's brave and happy, kind and thoughtful.  And though she's learning to really hold her own against a toy thief, she loves to make others smile.  I was filled with so many emotions that night.  

And I realized just how important it is to teach children about the joy that can come from small acts of kindness.  And just at that small age of two, she's learning just that.

My nephew is just learning to walk, and as he stood behind his new walking toy this Christmas, she walked along side him saying "you're doing it, Noah!" She's really learning.

Our Christmas was filled with family and smiles.  Molly was blessed with  several babies, and we haven't put them down since.  I love listening to her while she calms and soothes her new babies.  My exact words to her, poured out to her new babies.  I'm  on a mission to be the most kind person I can.

Many friends are home this weekend, and I'm so happy for the time with them, the gift of Christmas, the growth of a two year old, and the excitement of a new year ahead. 

Merry Christmas.

Lisa

A 4th Birthday

Something really magical starts to happen as children get close to the Christmas season- and it's been the best gift to experience.  Between talks of baby Jesus and Santa Claus, we've been helping my sister plan her oldest son's 4th birthday party.  And that's so magical in itself!  That boy was my parent's first grandchild, and we were so excited to meet him.  My sister's a planner, so we knew him as Quinton from 20 weeks in utero.  And after his stressful and emergency cesarean section birth, I think we all have a bond with that baby boy that just can't be shaken.  Even here, at 4 years later, I can feel the energy my brother-in-law had as he drove that baby cart from the OR.  And I can feel the pain my sister felt when he was admitted into the NICU just a few short hours later.  But God is so good.  And Quinton is so healthy.  And I'm full of tears just thinking that this was all four whole years ago.

How do they do it, those little ones?  They grow into amazing little people so, so quickly.  And they form their own unique selves without looking back.  They are confident, joyful, cautious, warm, loving little sponges who can change the month of December for adults into the best month ever- each year better than the last.  And for our little buddy, Quinton, there is no more truth- he is constantly filling our lives with more happiness and joy than I can explain.

Happy 4th birthday, Quinton :)

A Christmas Tree Hunt

We've been so excited to have the perfect day, perfect weather for a real Christmas tree hunt after our latest spur-of-the-moment tree find the other weekend.  Of course, when you're tagging along a two year old, plans can go a bit array in just mere seconds.

I had to work Saturday morning (it's just one Saturday a month, but believe me- it's tough after a long week to pull away from your family for even just one more morning), so I was encouraged to have some really good family time with the remaining few hours of daylight.  It was a brisk seventeen degrees, but the sun was out and there was a light, fresh snowfall, so we decided it was perfect tree-pursuing weather.  And after about four minutes outside, I realized we were in need of an accelerated hunt.

But, apparently, when it comes to Christmas trees, I'm picky.

Even though we were appropriately dressed for the weather, Molly's pink little nose and ice cold fingers were enough to free the true toddler.  And after a few minor meltdowns- we found a bridge!  In the middle of the tree farm!  And as luck would have it, that day, our two year old was fascinated with bridges!  So as Daddy and Molly walked up and down that little bridge, I found the perfect little tree.

Only to bring it home and realize that none of our lights worked, and the tree stand wouldn't fit into the galvanized bucket I found in our barn a few months ago.  But either way, we have a sweet little tree, and brought home a pleasant toddler in the process.  And that- considered a success!

As far as the rest of the weekend- I tortured my husband into shopping (aka chasing a two year old around a mall).   And btw, does anyone else's husband say "it hurts me" to walk into a mall?!  We had a twenty minute conversation about the physical pain he was about to endure while entering a mall.  Come on, it's not that bad.  Men, seriously.

Of course, we had to stop by Santa's house in the mall.  Even though Molly decided it wasn't quite the time to visit with Santa, he stopped between children to wave and jingle his bell toward Molly- forcing the sweetest grin I've seen in a while.  We've got two more Santa-ventures in the future, so here's hoping to a warmer approach next time :)

Happy Monday,
I hope it's a good week ahead!

Lisa