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!