A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Ho. Ho. Huh?

The little lady and little ninja (?) were pleased to hear they made Santa's "good list."  While, the littlest could of cared less...

 

Fa la la la la.

One of the highlights of the season thus far has been attending the little lady and man's Christmas programs and festive classroom parties.  It is impossible for me to sit through any sort of children's program without shedding a few tears, and now that I am privileged to be watching my own children participate in sharing the great news of the Gospel through merry song and playful finger plays, the tears came the moment they hit the stage, standing tall, bright-eyed, and doing their very best to be ever so still. How beautiful it is to hear the voices of children, strong and pure, as they sing the great carols of old. 

 

 ***

 

 True to form, the little man belted out the words he knew, refrained from performing any hand motions or simple choreography, smiled bashfully, and very subtly unbuttoned his Christmas plaid to reveal his favorite undershirt just before the performance was over. 

 

 

The little lady, the consummate performer, beamed as she sang each note, keeping her eyes fixed upon her teacher, head held high, appreciating the magic of the moment, as her family members looked on, captivated.



Merry Days

As we count down the days until Christmas...

 

we lay track beneath tree, only to move train and track to the cold concrete floor of the basement, where it has a prayer of surviving the holiday season, free from the clutches of baby hands,

we bundle and boldly face the elements, rosy cheeked and wide-eyed,

 

we lay beneath lights white, turning page after page while fire warms,

 



 

we wave a white flag to winter, enticed by afternoons indoors, Christmas pj's and festive dance parties,

we crack open favorite cookbooks, covering counters in flour, sugar and spice, the aromas of Christmas filling our home

 



we plot and plan, as we prepare gifts of cheer, humming favorite carols

 

 

'Tis the season.



Advent: Day 12

 

 

from The Greatest Gift Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas

by Ann Voskamp

 

 

Every little thing is going to be okay because God is working good through every little thing.

 

All that's happening is happening to make miracles.  The mundane is what's making miracles.

 

God comes through mangers.  The mundane holds miracles.  Every little thing is going to be okay - you have a Kinsman-Redeemer who takes you and is redeeming everything.  The miracle of gifts is always unfolding under the impossibles.

 

"Joys are always on their way to us," assures Amy Carmichael.  "They are always traveling to us through the darkness of night.  there is never a night when they are not coming."

 

The miracle of gifts...is never not coming.

 

When your Father's hand isn't readily apparent, it's only because He's readying gifts.  Gifts always come out of the unseen and hidden places.

 

It's a miracle itself - how you don't have to order a Christmas miracle.  The miracle of Love is happening all around you.

 

Christ coming freely, willingly, now - coming unseen into everything.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - coffee date



A cup with Joe

Friday mornings the little lady attends school (across town) for two hours, providing me the perfect window of time to run errands with the little man and littlest in tow.  And, so we forego morning naps in favor of riding the escalator at the "fancy" Target, browsing the children's section at Barnes and Noble, driving further west to scan the aisles of Michael's craft store or stumble upon the perfect household find at Marshall's.  We stroll, we purchase, we check items off of grocery lists, and just before our two hour window as a trio is up, we break for coffee and baked goods.  It has become one of my favorite moments of the week, as we visit local cafes or try out a new Starbucks location (so many to choose from). I watch as my little man scans the selection of sweet treats before announcing his choice, and then settles for his second (Perhaps, right now is not the time for a frosted cupcake, sweet boy).  Once seated, the magic happens, as I enjoy the warmth of an Americano, and the pleasant company of my blue-eyed babes.  Crumbs cover the table as we chat about all things fascinating to a boy of four, how Dad surely wants Batman for Christmas, how the building across the parking lot resembles a castle, how funny Junie looks as she stuffs puffs into her mouth, how delicious chocolate milk is, and why the barn at the zoo smells so bad...the cows have gas, obviously.  I wish I could record each conversation, bottle up each playful moment as he hops on and off his chair between bites in order to plant a crummy kiss on the engorged cheeks of his little sister.  These are the moments I treasure, these are the moments I seek to capture as I once again grab for my iPhone, call out his name, point and "click."

 

 

 



T-gives 2013

Decades of tradition,

 favorite dishes prepared in love and presented in pretty bowls,

laughter and listening,

 tiny plump hands held by those wrinkled and aging,

 beautiful moments one after the other,

family gathered in celebration,

hearts full of gratitude.

 



A Picture is Worth is a Thousand Words - men in the kitchen

Children at Play

 

It doesn't take much to influence who your child will become.

- Wess Stafford

 

As temperatures continue to drop and snow covers grassy lawns, we find ourselves settling into the slow and steady pace of winter.  Outings are thoughtful, and less spontaneous as the thought of stuffing layered little ones into car seats yet again exhausts.  And, in the quiet and often long afternoons of winter, I struggle, not with what to do, but with what not to do. 

 

As a young child, I grew up in a home, under that watchful care of a mother who allowed me the freedom to create.  I am told that I "created" all over the house, collecting items, creating sacred piles that could not be touched, redecorating, reorganizing, creating worlds to be discovered, classrooms, and projects for my younger brother.  It must be said that I remember living in a tidy and well-organized home, and I'm sure that my creative contributions often cluttered our main living space or at the very least were an eye sore.  Perhaps, it drove my mother crazy, the creative chaos, but I wouldn't have known, all I remember is her daily support and enthusiasm for my creativity. 

 

As fate would have it, I now find myself staring at piles, sacred piles, all around our home.  They are a sign of a little lady busy at work, a little lady born to create, born to strike the notes of the piano as she prances by, born to shift furniture, stack items, repurpose toys, write, draw, fill bags with anything and everything, always prepared for the next big adventure.  And, when I enter yet another room to find order replaced by creative chaos, I struggle to hold my tongue and the nagging urge to clean, sort, and stack.  I'm simultaneously impressed and fatigued by her creations. 

 

Wess Stafford in his article "Moments That Last a Lifetime" writes, "The spirit of a child is a lot like wet cement.  It doesn't take much effort to make an imprint.  Any time you see your child go skipping by, you're in the presence of a construction zone and ought to ask yourself, What is being built here?  Is there anything I can do to advance this cause?  Discipline and routines are important, of course, but so is our response to those unplanned, seemingly trivial moments."

 

So many of our shared moments as a young family appear at first glance to be "seemingly trivial."  It is easy to miss the significance of toys stacked high, decorated by a single strand of Christmas lights, but I know that to her it is important, just as my mother knew.  It is my prayer that this winter season, I learn the value of a "mess," and that I embrace the clutter, for it IS sacred.   

 

 Teaching little brother the art of perfectly placed furniture.

Luke Skywalker meets Princess Leia in the aisles of Michael's craft store.

 



 An afternoon spent coordinating "Joey's wedding."

 

Early morning devotions in the master bedroom closet, a moment almost missed due to my need for order and morning routine.  Thankfully, I stopped long enough to hang the lights, and stand back amazed.

 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - feeling inspired

The little lady was delighted to receive an invitation to her piano teacher's recital, which was held on UW's campus.  With eyes bright, and eager anticipation, she sat through two sonatas before we enjoyed a stroll down State Street in search of hot cocoa. 



The quiet moments of motherhood

"Sometimes the SLOWEST way is the FASTEST way to joy."

Ann Voskamp

 

 

'Tis the season for hurriedness and productivity.  We string lights, we bake, we shop, we wrap.  All of the hurry, all of the rush in an effort to make lasting memories for our loved ones.  And yet, it is the quiet, everyday moments that often leave the greatest impression.

 

Beauty to behold HERE.

30 Days of Thanksgiving 2013

I am thankful for...

 

- our home, its sounds, comfort, protection, and for the people that enter sharing life

- Jeff, his companionship, friendship, support in all things, and the love that unites us

- God presence, His faithful pursuit of me, and His calling me to be one of His own

- the Church, the community of believers at the Vine and Redeemer City

- prayers answered

- the community of believers that gathers each week, unity in the Body

- the precious gift of June Elizabeth, her generous smiles, bright eyes, love of people, her active body, and for the joy she brings each family member

- the generosity of others, unity of Spirit, and observing the body of Christ at work

- the joys and sorrows of life which propel me forward, clinging to hope and building perseverance

- my sweet sisters in Christ, and the many seasons of life we've been able to share

- the generous collection of donations for the refugee families, and prayers offered up on their behalf

- the opportunity to sit across from friends, share a cup of coffee, and encourage one another in word and deed

- the early morning quiet, a time to study, pray and reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness

- our Joseph Bradley, his sweet and comical presence, his love of music, bright eyes, and the tender affection he pours out to those he loves

- quiet days as a family, moments filled with listening, laughing, observing, playing, lounging and loving

- His outpouring of grace, freely, and His sacrificial love that I might be called a child of the King

- the safe arrival of the refugee families, for needs being met, and for their openness to God's love

- God's word, which is active, the truth of Scripture that stirs souls

- the opportunity to cook for others, break bread and encourage one another in faith

- the opportunity to stay at home each day with our children, caring for, nurturing, attending to, and sharing life with three dynamic souls

- simple pleasures I am able to experience each day, that so often I take for granted

- redemptive ("one-way") love

- coming to the end of a long day with my husband by my side, for quiet moments shared, no words spoken

- the gift of music and the way it stirs each member of our household

- extended family who love and encourage across the miles

- His timing, perfect, even when I doubt

- freshly fallen snow, the glow of white Christmas lights and the familiar melodies of Christmas

- the anticipation of extended family gathering to celebrate the season, traditions shared

- the blessing of family, knowing I am loved, cared for and thought of, experiencing such lofe

- returning to our home, a safe and peaceful refuge, the joy we experience within its walls, sharing life as a family of five