This Christmas Season

For some reason, this Christmas Season has been so much more stressful than in years past.  I believe it has a lot to do with the additional desire I've had to help others (and the extra time that takes).  While I know that serving is good, my balance has been thrown off, and I am sorely missing the quiet times during the day to sit and ponder and connect with God.

Today, I was able to slow down and take some of that time, and I was amazed to see how heightened my senses were to the wonderful little things that have been surrounding me this whole month!  My children!

I was putting together a Christmas wreath for Miriam's bedroom door (because Tane and Tait had one on theirs--and all things must be equal and fair wherever possible), and my ears perked up at Tane singing a christmas song in the other room.  It happened to be the song we traditionally sing as we deliver little gifts to our neighbors and wish them Joy for the season.  This was the first time I heard his version of the popular song ( he usually sings very softly in front of people) and I couldn't help but smile....

"We wish your a Merry Christmas,
 We wish your a Merry Christmas/
 We wish your a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

"Good tithings we bring to you and your kids,
 We wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!"

As cute as it was...it was even more amazing to realize that he does listen to us when we explain things like tithing, and words like kin.  It was so fun to see how his 4 1/2 year old brain translated those concepts.

One of these days, I'm hoping to post a video of another recent precious moment:  Miriam skipping back the ipod over and over and over to memorize the words to Hilary Duff's "Santa Clause Lane".  If no one is watching her, she is quite the singer, dancer.

A few more precious moments:

Overhearing Miriam sing a made up song to Colter about the reason that we give gifts to each other at Christmastime...because the wise men brought gifts to honor and show love to Jesus.

Colter's first giggle, his constant smiles, and his flapping arms and legs and mouth when he gets excited and tries so hard to communicate with me.

Tait's not-so-quiet running dialogue during sacrament meeting, about every wonderful thing that enters his two and a half year old head.  And the many friends and neighbors who love to listen and laugh.

The creative new ways Blair has found to show his love for me this past month.  His quickness to say "sorry", and his even "quickerness" to forgive my "sorries".

Absolutely not one single complaint from Miriam or Tane this week when I asked them to do their daily chores...and even getting extra mile help vacuuming and mopping floors of all things!!!

Tait's darling lisping "I luf you mommy!"

Colter sleeping through the night 2 times this past week!

A husband who cheerfully occupies the kids when I desperately need some alone time.

Tait trying to hug the ginormous picture of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane in the entryway of our chapel saying "Jesus!  I luf Him, mommy!"

All of these have happened within the past week, and most of them today!  How many other darling, wonderful things have I missed during the rest of this month, while I've been so busy "doing"....
I will not be making that mistake anymore.  I plan to spend the rest of this season absorbing the tender moments with the wonderful little miracles that Heavenly Father has given me.  And learning from their childlike awe and faith of the greatest miracle of all--the birth of a Savior, and King!

My family......and me.

Recently I have been working to reconstruct some misconceptions I've formed about myself.  It's always an interesting journey to pause, evaluate, and sometimes redirect ones path to finding self, purpose, and happiness.  Perhaps one day I will have my vision restored, if I can ever fully peel off these crackling layers, and begin to see myself as I know God does....  But just for today, I feel grateful for the layers He has helped me remove in the past year.  This may not make sense to many of you, so I hasten to add the key to my search for self-understanding: 

That he who will find himself, must lose himself to God.

I was actually only intending to post this great picture of my family (we're so lucky to have a photographer in the family now--Thanks Terral!).  And I found myself thinking about what an influence these great people have had in shaping who I am, and who I am trying to become.  I sure love you Family!

Pensive photography

Miriam's Uncle Terral is photographer.  He asked us if he could use her as a model for a school project, and this is the end-result.  I love seeing this softer side of her.  It reminds me of several of the special attributes she came to earth with--compassion, kindness, nurturing, and sensitivity to the Spirit.

Angel of Mine

Seven week old sweetheart. 

Hmmm.  Can you tell what we like to do at our house?

We just can't get enough of his cuteness!

Haircuts

I always like to do something very different with my hair after I have a baby--as evidenced by my picture on my "Blessing Day" post.  I had my hair permed, and cut 8-10 inches off with layers.  Kind of drastic for me...and sadly, I miss my long hair.  I should have just stuck with curls for my "change". 

Miriam has been talking about getting her hair cut for a while, but I made her think about it for a long time before I consented (knowing how long it takes to grow out).  But she was sure that's what she wanted.  Blair was a little bummed about it. He really loved her long hair--but he wasn't the one who had to wade through the screaming and the crying every single morning trying to fix it.  (Can you tell I wasn't as sad to help her go "short?)  She really likes it, and it has made my mornings a lot more pleasant!

Blessing Day

We blessed Colter on November 1st.  He was 6 1/2 weeks old, and keeps growing at an incredible rate.  We had a record number of family members who were able to come and support us, and we had a wonderful brunch with all of them.  I'm so thankful Blair and I have large, loving, supportive families.  We love occasions that bring us together.

I'm also super grateful to see the way Blair honors the priesthood that he holds.  He has had many opportunities to use this special gift this year, and if anything, the respect and faith and awe we feel toward this sacred powers has increased with thought and use.

Colter is such an angelic addition to our family.  He so very rarely cries, and is easily comforted (at least by Mommy).  I'm not sure if my memory has just faded, but it sure seems like he is growing faster, and learning quicker than my other babies.  He definitely started smiling at us earlier.

Halloweeners

They hold a history fair at Miriam's school for Halloween, and each class dresses up according to a specific time period in history.  The first grade studied Ancient Egypt.  Miriam made a perfect little Egyptian Princess.

Of course that wasn't what she wanted to be for the "real" Halloween.  Thankfully the Tinkerbell costume from two years ago still fit nicely. That's our little little pixie!

I was really pleased with how Tane's Batman costume turned out.  And I discovered a new favorite craft help--sticky back felt!  I love convenient time-saving inventions like that.  I'm compiling a mental list of the people I want to meet and thank when I get to "the other side".  Whoever thought of this stress saver will get my thanks.  Along with the genius who came up with wet wipes--one of my all time favorite inventions!

Tait was our darling little "ghostie".  He really made trick-or-treating fun this year, walking up the street singing "Ha-ppee Ha-o-een!" over and over to anyone who would listen.  Along with his cute "tri-er trea".