...Not even a mouse

During the Christmas season I love to hear classics like "Breath of Heaven," a song told from Mary's perspective...and "Joseph's Lullaby," which offers a peek into Joseph's heart. But have you ever thought about the birth of Christ from the animal's perspectives as they watched history unfold in their stable? Over the weekend the kids performed in our church's annual Christmas program--this one entitled, "Not Even a Mouse."

It's a story of Sarah church mouse who learned about her ancestors, Hannah and Anna, and their trip to Bethlehem to witness the birth of the Messiah. Laney played one of the twin mice and Max played the part of the donkey. It was pretty cute...and I left the play meditating on 1 Cor. 1:28: He chose the lowly things of this world. Thank goodness He did!

Christmas Caroling

For some, it's an ancient and honored tradition. For others, it's a lesson in public humiliation. (Just kidding). My mother-in-law had the best of intentions when she tried to round up the family to go Christmas caroling in her neighborhood. Delaney's been begging to go and she didn't want to disappoint her. All the guys refused to participate--even my husband, who just hours before entertained a thousand church go-ers in an Elf costume! Go figure...

In any case, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law led Max and Delaney in singing "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger" to some friends in the area...all of whom were pretty surprised when they opened their doors. No one wants to hear me sing, so I snapped photos instead!
My precious niece (who Jeff affectionately nicknamed "Beezus") kept belting out "Jingle Bells." She stole the show.
Have you gone Christmas caroling lately? I often think of it as a vanishing holiday tradition in this day and age.

J.Elf

No, you're not delusional. You really are looking at a picture of Jeff in an Elf costume! He read announcements in church decked out in elf gear for comedic effect. Delaney's squeal when he walked out on stage was priceless. My family's overdosing on holiday cheer this weekend. As I write this I'm blasting Amy Grant's Christmas music while the kids are tangled in Christmas lights...they're decorating our little Charlie Brown tree and poking fun at ornaments from Christmases past.

This holiday season I'm especially grateful for the dear friends Jeff and I have made over the years. We spent all of Friday and Saturday night gift swapping, playing games, and enjoying the company of a close group of friends we've treasured over the past three years. These friendships have enriched our lives beyond measure...But I can't say the same thing about the gifts we get at our annual "Goodwill Swap." Jeff brought home two large, ceramic Chinese lions which he proudly displayed on our fireplace mantel...to my chagrin! Seriously, if anyone wants 'em, send me an email before I take them back to Goodwill! Happy Hot-Chocolate Sipping, everyone!

Teddy Bear Christmas

'Tis the season of holiday parties, frantic shopping and Christmas programs galore. Jeff and I have one Christmas program down and three more to go to support the kids. Max and his classmates performed in a play called "Teddy Bear Christmas" on Tuesday. It was pretty cute and parents especially appreciated that it was short. Every play should have a 30 minute cap, you know what I'm saying? :) Max did a great job...

But of course his big sister, Delaney, egged him on by saying she thinks her play this Friday will be better than the one Max performed in. "I've got the lead role so I'm practically on stage the whole time," she explained. "And it's for a more mature audience." It took everything I had not to bust out laughing...Someone's gotta bring that drama queen back down to earth!

Thanksgiving

The flu slammed our family pre-Thanksgiving so I apologize for my absence in cyberspace! Here's a snapshot of the kids on Thanksgiving Day. Jeff was in heaven as we celebrated the holiday weekend with his extended family. I don't know anyone on earth who loves his family more than my husband. He could play game after game with his brothers 'till kingdom come. Meanwhile, my idea of holiday heaven is being locked away with my husband on a tropical island, enjoying his company without interruption.
I fell in love with Jeff around this time of year three years ago...what really drew me to him was his sacrificial love for his children and family. Little did I know I'd be signing up for an indefinite amount of snowy winters once we said "I do."
This is always a difficult season for me because I'm thousands of miles away from home. I broke out in tears last night, begging Jeff to let me move back to Hawaii. I don't know if I can handle another winter storm and I long to be with my loved ones. But my husband is a loyal family guy to the core, which I both love and hate. He can't imagine moving away from his kids until they're off to college.
I love Jeff enough to make this sacrifice for now...but let me tell you, I'm counting down the days 'till Max turns 18! Then I'll be saying so long to snow for good!