We're all a little Nutty

Today it snowed AGAIN, and we had the hill to ourselves because no one else wanted to be out there at 10am I guess! The kids made me laugh as they were more interested in throwing snow (correction, giving snow to Ian to throw at them) then in sledding, but we all had fun.

One afternoon we stopped in at a store that advertised "Father Christmas here today." We weren't planning the trip so the kids were baffled at how Santa knew their names and stuff about them (never mind the guy with the walkie talkie talking to mom and dad and that Santa had a microphone in his ear). Mckay didn't know what it was all about, but he was not excited to play along. When Santa got done lecturing him on being nice and looking for ways to help out, etc., he darted off his lap and out the door to the car, yelling, "That was the worst experience ever!" Thank heavens he was just a helper for Santa because Mckay's expressions of gratitude were less than gracious. We had a blast celebrating with our cousins! Santa proved he could indeed do anything by granting Lizzie's impossible wish for a Barbie that isn't made anymore. LEGOS! The kids love our Christmas season tradition of camping out every possible night by the tree. Ian never actua...

We have been stressed the past 2 days because Lee's dad had a minor stroke yesterday morning and we're unsure how quickly he'll recover. As we live just a few houses away, we have been busily helping them get where they need to be. It has touched my heart to see Lee nurture his father and help his mother. Despite the fact that Lee's mom is convinced she is a burden, it has been such a delight to be able to help them so much, even though all we can do is tend to their emotional and physical needs. I have witnessed Lee help and comfort his father in ways I never imagined; I have felt guidance as we made urgent medical decisions correctly; I have been amazed with my children's expressions of love to their Grandma; and I have been touched by Lee's brothers' concern and willingness to sacrifice in any way necessary to care for their parents. Despite the unknown that still lurks around this situation, I have felt joy today. The Christmas songs on the radio see...

I recently reread the story of how Herod was convinced by his mistress to behead John the Baptist. That has always struck me as so horrible. I am also amazed that King Herod at the time of Jesus' birth was so paranoid about being dethroned by a baby -- to the point that he was willing to slaughter an entire generation of babies just in case. Well, we now know what became of the wisemen after he found them "departing another way". Yep -- you guessed it -- off with their heads. Ian was kind enough to reenact it for us on Sunday morning. I have allowed the kids to play with the nativity pieces each year recently because they enjoy it so much. I read a story several years ago that empowered me to do so, about a mother who threw a fit when one of the pieces got broken and then remembered that loving her children was more important than any trinket. Having said that, I amazed myself with my calmness I displayed when I heard the tell-tale "chink" come from the o...