Thursday, December 31, 2009

A New Year's Eve Party

When we first had children, we struggled with what to do on New Year's Eve. Money was tight, and the ability to last in a pleasant way the night through with younger folk was a challenge. I took the 20 dollars we had and went and purchased the kids' favorites: boxed mac-n-cheese, Ramen noodles, a dessert I can't recall...I think it was Jello, and rented some family favorites from the family plan at the rental store. I remember The Apple Dumpling Gang in particular. With a happy, "this is a party" flair, we strung lights, set the table nice, played music and had a great time. It seemed to fit for us.

It has changed as the kids have grown. Now we watch an annual movie marathon of Lord of the Rings, the food list has shrimp, bubbly grape juice and mini hot dogs on it, we play games, I get the house clean and pretty, and at some point around 5, I'll turn on some jazzy music, and announce "Let the party begin!"

It's always been my heart to learn how to "make our fun happen" and I've found creativity, elbow grease, attitude and love to go very far in my loved ones' lives and it brings the fun right back to my doorstep.

I always share things that I have wondered how other family's have done. This is just one way of course. I'm looking forward to tonight. Ok, maybe it's because I get to hear some of my favorite lines and we'll be quoting them for days! :)

May we find moments to make merry and remember with gladness! Happy New Year's!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Unless the Lord builds the house

"In other words, if created things are seen and handled as gifts of God and as mirrors of his glory, they need not be occasions of idolatry-if our delight in them is always also a delight in their Maker." John Piper, Desiring God, pg. 143

Psalm 127
A Pilgrim Song of Solomon
1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks.
If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.
It's useless to rise early and go to bed late,
and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sleep in Heavenly Peace


Silence.
Looking.
Believing.

Giving over the cares. Asking, whispering, crying, listening.

Trusting.

Refusing what is not Him.

Love new every morning.

A Presence near.

A vision clear.

Loved, and then loving.

Forgiven, and then to forgive.

Under a protective wing.

Safety.

Shelter.

Letting go.

Embracing.

Accepting.

Peace.

Divine peace.

All is calm.
Sleep in heavenly Peace.
Jesus Christ, our Saviour is born.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

What Shall I Give?

Psalm 116:12 What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.



I leaned into his arm while in the Christmas checkout line.
"Remember how nervous and anxious we used to get when we would Christmas shop? So many things out there that the kids would love, but we couldn't afford it?"

He smiled, remembering with me. Now we know that fads come and go. Interests come and go. Even the little ones will love their boxes and paper.
It's the memories we smile at.
Jake yelling with hysteria at an action figure.
Hannah's Border Collie Christmas.
Ornaments eaten by the big dog.
The dalmatian stuffed animals because they loved 101 Dalmatians.
We are more at peace shopping this year.




Sophie sneaking off with the nativity set. It's ok with me :)
Bella eating a gingerbread ornament. Squirrel becomes a Scottish Terrier.
It's ok with me.
Little girl taking her time to work through a workbook. It's ok with me.


My older children, public high school choir concert, with their buddy Bannon. It's ok with me.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gingerbread

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. -Laura Ingalls Wilder








Thursday, December 10, 2009

Monday, December 7, 2009

Look Around

Tidbits of our weekend we discussed by email this morning. My husband, my confidante, and shoulder to rest and lean on ends his note to me:

"Have a relaxing day and enjoy the kids enjoying the season. I love you."

A few of the pictures pictures, of me enjoying the kids, enjoying the season.