In Red Poinsettia Paper

There are so many wonderful things about this time of year, that it is really impossible to list them all.  There are the cookies, the tree, the lights, ornaments, candy canes, music, snow (if you are lucky), and many many more.  One thing stands out this year for me.  Over the last two weeks we have had a Secret Santa dropping off a little package every morning.  The tiny slips of paper each read something like this: On the 7th day of Christmas we'd like to give you a wise man visiting the King.  They change each day with each new package.  It is so sweet.  Someone taking time out of their day to make this season that much brighter for us.  The scene is unfolding like it was written in the Bible.  First came the stable for the weary couple who had knocked on doors all day, only to be told that there was no room.  Then entered Mary and Joseph, Mary ready to give birth to that precious child.  Joseph doing his best to stay strong and help his wife with the ordeal of labor.  They were alone, friendless in a strange city.  There to be counted and taxed according to law. 

Following the light of the star in the east to the stable rode the wise men.  Coming over the treacherous terrain as quickly as camels could go.  That night beneath the stars, slept shepherds with their flocks.  They were awakened up from their sleep by an angel of the Lord telling them to go and see the wonderous sight.  Everyone was in Awe.  Even the donkey and sheep were quiet for the new King.  Time seemed to stand still at the birth of the most wonderful person to ever walk the earth.  It is Christmas, and because of some wonderful person, we are enjoying the reason for this season in a whole new light.  Thank you, whoever you are.  For giving us hope.  With this simple manger scene, we are reminded that with God, anything is possible.

The Wait

A night to remember.  Everything is ready.  Waiting.  Will he come? 

Will he stop here?  Does he know where we live? 

Yes, yes and YES. 

Who's?

As I sit here on Christmas Eve, there are a few thoughts that are running through my mind.  We live in a nice little house in a  nice little town, for which I am very grateful.  We have a wonderful family and lovely friends.  We have so much more that I'm not even going to list it.  We are happy where we are.  Here, in this place, with these things, we are happy.  If it were all to disappear tomorrow, we would still be happy.  Sure life would be a little stressful, but our overall happiness would remain.  Why you ask.  How could we be happy with nothing.  Well, I refer you to Whoville with the Grinch-mas.  Yes, he only stole what he believed was Christmas from the Who's, but the concept is the same.  It is all about the attitude.  If all we have is each other, then happiness can be found.  Happiness is not purchased or obtained.  Happiness is an attitude.  A choice.  It does not matter how many or how few possessions you have, you may still not be happy.  Unless you choose to be.  Happiness is not a destination, it is the Journey.

Thin Blades of Steel

I love all the seasons.  Really, all four of them.  The year would not be complete without Spring and the newness of life.  Summer with all its heat and dust.  Fall and torrential rains.  And Winter with bone chilling winds and snow.  Each year I seem to fall more and more in love with each season.  Each one brings more and more things to light that just mean so much more to me.  We are enjoying a mild side of Winter, currently mild, right now.  Rain, wind, and the odd freeze.  Now I know that it probably won't last, and I'm not complaining either way.  But with Winter comes something that cannot be done in any other season.  Skating.  Ice-skating.  In a tent, next to a fountain that is still running in December.  I love skating.  Always have.  It was something that just seemed to be natural for me.

The first couple times on the ice I fell like any other beginner.  But soon I had the basics and began to really go with it.  Oh what fun!  The joy of the smooth glide over fresh ice.  The cool wind rushing past.  The slight insanity of knowing that all that was between me and frozen water was a pair of shoes with shaped metal on the bottom.  Skating is a part of Winter.  This year, for the first time since, well, a long time, Handsome and I had the opportunity to go.  We were invited by a close friend and took the kids along.  They loved it!  Putting on the skates for the first time caused a little skepticism, they weren't entirely confidant that those weird shoes would keep their feet warm on the ice.  But then, we go onto the ice.  Whee!  Those kids took to it like pros.  They each fell a couple times, getting back up and trying again.  Wow, they really took off.  Mr O and Peaches were both skating on their own by the time we were done.  That is definitely something we will do again.

The Forever Kind of Things

As I sit and type this post (for the third time) I am reminded once again how precious the little things are.  Time spent with those we love.  Little snippits of songs sang to each other.  Stories upon stories read to one another.  Flying kites in the wind.  Hugs.  The little things.  Someday, when my children are grown, I want them to be able to look back at their childhood and say that it was good.  I want those little things to stick with them forever.  Things that they will, in turn, do with their children without knowing why really, just knowing that it is a good thing.  Remembering the good times and sharing them with those that they care about.

What Else is there to Say?

Just a little something.  These photos were taken after the Provo Tabernacle burned down.  Now, it doesn't matter what faith or religion you are, this is amazing. 

Pokies

Some days just are precious.  Where everything about that day is just something that you want to save forever.  We had one of those wonderful days.  It began with a bang.  Mr O's class had their Christmas Craft Day, and I was able to go.  There was snowman soup: delicious hot cocoa that we stir with a candycane.  Ornaments to finish for the tree.  A Santa face to make.  Cookies to frost.  And the one that all the kids were jumping up and down for was the Yule Log.  Taking a simple log and turning it into a beautiful centerpiece.  Starting with a ribbon.  Each child tied a pretty bow and then added the candle. 

Then came the prickly part, the branches.  Adding on enough green to be beautiful to each participant.  The excitement was palpable as each branch added more loveliness.  Once enough branches were placed there were more choices.  How many pine cones?  Where to put them?  Will mom want just one, or lots and lots?  The decisions, the chewed lips and fingure nails, the stress of a 7 year old.  But each finished product was beautiful.  Each child took home something lovely.  Because really, it isn't about the end product, it is about who made it.