A kids Christmas

After church we headed over to Nanna and Pops house for the afternoon.

 The kids did really well waiting for everyone to get there and then eat lunch before they were able to open any gifts. (Of course that was great motivation to eat up!!)

Last year you may recall the kids barely had any gifts on Christmas as we were not supposed to be home.  The year before Toby was a baby and we didn't have too much for Emma that year.  This year it was a blessing to be able to have gifts from everyone in the family, home and abroad, for them to enjoy.

In fact no sooner had Emma opened one gift, than she moved on to the next!  She definitely enjoyed the surprise every tim.  Toby on the other hand followed Emma's pattern of previous years, happy to play with the thing he opened (or whaever Emma had!).

 Our little Strawberry Shortcake...

Toby enjoyed Emma's new DVD player...

My gift from Scott - expect many more pictures now people!  This phone has a camera with a flash and a video camera, plus I got a tiny little camera from my family, to keep in my purse.  No more missing the kids key moments!

Toby really  liked Emma's guitar (don't worry, it's plastic, not wood!)

Scott tried out Kimberly's new Zumba on Wii!

Back home the kids got a gift each from Grant...

And then enjoyed their other new toys before bed

 

 

It was really a fun Christmas and the kids had a blast.  Right now, Emma is having a tea party in her room with her giant teddy bear!  

Now to find a good home for all the old baby toys that the kids don't need anymore...

This is how she decorated her room - with her jewelry! So cute.

Quote of the day

We were laying on the mattress ala the picture I already posted.
Emma, coming down the stairs asks "mom, can you help me take my dress
off?"

Not unusual, so I respond "sure. Why?"

"I have a plan. You're gonna be amazed at what I do. I'm gonna make
my whole body sparkle!"

Uh-oh!!

A few minutes later it was topped with (yelled from upstairs): "mom,
you're gonna love it - I decorated my whole room!"

Double uh-oh!!

Christmas Eve morning

This is how we are spending the morning!

Scott was up late at church and I am sick, so we set up the air
mattress for our early rising kids to play on (and us to snooze on)!!

Now that's a good morning!!

Reflections

Looking back 10 years, life was very different.  Fresh off my one-year sabbatical in Philadelphia, I was living in my own home for the first time, back in my home town.  I had never felt the burden of some, to leave the town and make a start somewhere else.

However, I was probably as lonely as I had ever been.  I had no goal in life and didn't really have any dreams.  (I've always kept my expectations low to avoid disappointment!)

So, as I sit here now, with my two awesome kids watching TV next to me in the bed I share with my aslo awesome husband, I'm awestruck.

I could not have scripted the past 10 years, a journey that has taken me to 3 continents and brought some of the most special people I've ever met into my life.

Just the last 5 years, as many of you have been reading about, we have experienced things that many people will not, nor would they, want to experience.  However I would not change a thing.  There is not one hesitation in my being that I am in exactly the best and right place I could be.  And for that I am so thankful.

Think back over the past 12 months with me...if I had been told or told you that Emma would be completely independent of the tube I doubt we'd have believed it.  If you could have told me that I would go back to work part-time (loving it) and Scott's parents would be able to watch the kids - ridiculous.  For Scott to be working as a foreman in a new company, where the future looks bright, I know he'd have laughed!

But, here we are.  Life is good and when I stop to think about it, which I should do more often, it brings me so much joy.  I really should stop and remember before I lose my patience over mess or laundry!!

It's so important to remember how God's ways are not our ways, and that He does things based on a big picture we do not see. 

When Jesus came as a human baby, the most vulnerable of people, born to an unlikely, unwed, couple in a dirty, animal shelter, it was hardly the arrival many would have expected.  

In the first couple years of His life, His family were exiled in order to save Him from the genocidal King Herod.  And he spent 30 years preparing for His ministry - God did not send a "wham, bam" Savior who dropped in, gave the word and dropped out, back to His glorious throne in heaven.

Instead, Jesus lived among the poorest of people, under hostile government of the Romans, and hostility from his own religious leaders who did not like the talk of freedom from rules and a spirit of love (that would've robbed them of their control and power).

And when it came time to bring victory to the Kingdom of God over death, it was through assuming our place of cruel and degrading punishment, as a sacrificial lamb, that He conquered death and displayed His power.  Not some display of visual might and glorification in front of men.

Although the prophets of the Old Testament did tell us, years before His coming, of these events, still many struggle to believe that this is the path that God has laid out for us to enter into eternity with Him.

I think most people believe there is a god, but if you want to believe that God is loving and actually does want you to go to heaven for eternity, surely you have to believe that the same God would so clearly tell you how you can do that.

Which begs the question, will you believe Jesus?  (If you're not sure what Jesus said, maybe it's time to read it for yourself or get to a church that will tell you.)  Don't leave it to chance, or even someone else to tell you, make sure you know your future.

Countdown to Christmas

It stands to reason that the week before Christmas I would get sick, but that has not dampened my excitement for this weekend.  The gifts are all wrapped (only took me 4 hours, kid-free!!) and I can't wait to see the joy I know the kids will experience when they open them.

Wednesday was Emm'a school Christmas show and we were very excited about that.  I didn't know until 12.55pm that Scott was on his way.  He made it with just minutes to spare, and it was a nice surprise for me and Emma.

Unfortunately I only recorded "Rock Around the Christmas Tree" - don't give me a hard time, I was devastated when I realized I missed the second song.

She did really well, and I didn't know how it would go because she was crying after she first saw me and couldn't come sit with me!

Afterward we took the kids to Chick Fil A for a treat.

Scott got out of work early on Friday and doesn't go back until Tuesday.  We have Candlelight communion Saturday evening and then church on Sunday, before Christmas celebration with Nanna, Pops and the rest of the family.

I hope to have lots of video and pictures for you after the weekend.  

If I don't get to tell you before, I hope you have a Merry Christmas.  Whether you are with family, friends or alone, please take some time to consider how much God loves you and that the gift of His coming is in the peace and joy from the hope of a second chance through Christ.

Christmas: God's Grace at Work

by Jon Walker 

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT) 

God says, “I will give you my grace.” What is grace? It’s when God gives you what you need — not what you deserve. Grace is when God says, “I’m going to take your problem and make it my problem.” Grace is God’s Riches given to you At Christ’s Expense. 

The Bible says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).In other words, you can’t earn your way to heaven. You can’t work your way in. It’s just a gift. 

Did you know that’s why we give gifts at Christmas? Because that’s when God gave the gift of his Son to you, by grace. We give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift at Christmas. 

I know you can’t tell by the way I look today, but for three years I was a lifeguard. Every lifeguard knows you can’t save someone as long as they are trying to save themselves. If somebody is drowning and flailing around in panic, a lifeguard knows to just stay back for a few seconds and wait until they give up. Because if you try to save them while they’re trying to save themselves, they will pull you under, too. 

When they finally give up and relax, you put your arm around them and just swim back to shore. It’s really quite easy. 

God wants to save you. Jesus Christ wants to save you from your hurts, your habits, and your hang-ups. He wants to save you for his purpose and by his grace. But you have to quit trying to do it yourself. You have to relax. You need to let go and let God be God.

Awww! Cute cousins.

Quote of the day

As I kissed Emma goodbye at school yesterday she looked up and said:

"I'm gonna take good care of myself!"

Toby is also bringing me great joy with words like "bus" or "bird"
when he sees something - and I can understand him!!

This was Toby on the phone to Scott this morning! He was walking
around, talking gibberish! He got really upset when it was time to
say goodbye.

Confession

Later yesterday Emma "remembered" that she did not, in fact, make up that song, but learned it at pre-school. 

She was adamant that she made it up herself, and only after hearing me say to Scott we'll know for sure after the school Christmas show on Wednesday did she say "Wait, I know!  I heard that song in Mrs. D's school."  She's quite the actress!

She does make songs up, but nowhere near as sophisticated as that one!!

Nativity

Today was a big day.  Emma was signed up to be an angel in the nativity at church, for both services.  She did great at the dress (and only) rehearsal yesterday.

 with buddy Savannah at rehearsal

This morning I put her in light leggings and white t-shirt (a little small) so that she blended in with her white angel costume.  Unfortunately she was not happy wearing the halo, but that was not a big deal.  

First service Scott was ready to video (since I was the narrator and on stage myself) but it didn't take.  She did so great and I was really proud.  At one point when I looked over she waved to me and my heart nearly burst with pride!

Second service he got set to video again.  Everything was running smoothly, but when the angels came in Emma, who was the leader (to her delight) was not with them.  Scott and I exchanged a disappointed look, but the show must go on.

Then the back drop fell over, for a great laugh and it was great to capture on video.

The next part was "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and then I saw Emma.  For this service they had brought in a part that had previously not been included - little stars.  Emma and Josiah came in for the song.

It was great...

If I'd known she'd have that costume on, I'd have gone with a whole different outfit!!

After church, Grant came over for lunch.  I put Toby to bed and came back to hear Emma singing a song of her own creation (or so she says) to Scott and Grant.  I caught the rest on video - it is priceless...

Here are the lyrics for you to sing along:
There was a little baby Oh my Lord (x3)
Way down in Bethlehem

The angels sing so sweetly Oh my Lord (x3)
 Way down in Bethlehem

They laid him in a manger Oh my Lord (x3)
Way down in Bethlehem

They named the baby Jesus Oh my Lord (x3)
Way down in Bethlehem

Playdate

The kids and I headed over the river to visit Abby, Joshua and mom Chrissie.

The two girls are just two months apart in age, the boys just two
weeks. Chrissie's expecting her third, we are not matching them this
time!!

Enjoying Chrissie's smoothie made with home-made yoghurt. I don't
know how she does it with two kids and one on the way!

Weekend past

On Saturday we met up with Melissa and Keith at Sweet Lucy's BBQ - apparently even better than those in Nashville!

We got there ahead of them, but the kids were easily amused while we waited...

 

We sat down to a feast of beef brisket, pulled chicken, chilli, wings - you name it, we had it!  And it was good.

The kids were however less interested in eating, and more for playing around.  It is a casual place and was not very busy, so we loosened the leash a little, letting them move around.  Toby got stuck under a bench, they found animals to play with...

 

and spoons to drum with...

 After an hour or so (!) the staf brought us some hats and coloring books - right before we left!

Then we went back to Mel and Keith's to help them put up their Christmas tree.   The kids helped hang over 100 ornaments (only breaking one), and also amused themselves elsewhere...

Poor snowman - usually stands up!

And who doesn't love a dancing Santa!

After I lamented over my one monochrome, sparse tree (more kid proof than kid friendly) Melissa donated a box of colored plastic ornaments to us.  They look great - and don't break!!

God Wired Us to Be on Mission

by Rick Warren 

"Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” (Mark 8:35 TLB) Why don’t we feel more fulfilled? Far too many people are asking themselves that question. We’re not happy, we’re not satisfied — in fact, we’re miserable.

Why? In his book Rich, Free, and Miserable, sociologist John Brueggemann shared a great story that illustrated why. Climbing Mount Everest is one of the challenges that inspire people to do something big. Lots of people try, even though nearly 10 percent of the people who do, die in the process. Many of the corpses still line the path up the mountain. Yet people still want to climb the mountain — though it has no real redeeming social value.

A few years back one climber, David Sharp, was clearly in trouble on the mountain. There were 40 climbers who noticed his obvious need but passed him that day. He died on Mount Everest because none of the other climbers were willing to put their personal goal on hold to help him.

That’s us. Our own personal drive to have more, be more, and do more causes us to lose sight of what really matters. But that isn’t how God wired us. Life isn’t about what you make, who you know, or what you do. Life is all about love — loving God and loving others.

Jesus tells us in Mark 8:35, "Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” (TLB). God wired you in a way that you’ll never be happy unless you’re giving your life away in his work. You were made for something greater than yourself. The Bible calls this your mission in life. Significance doesn’t come from status, salary, or sex. It comes from service. Only by giving your life away can you feel that your life has significance.

12 Days of Christmas

 From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.

Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.

Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

A friend sent this to me, and I don't know the authenticity, but it certainly is a good way to view it!!

I asked Scott to give Toby a haircut...he really did!!

Chilli

I was on top of my game today, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen! I
also prepared our lunches for tomorrow and made dinner.

For dinner I made chilli with the recipe my grandma gave me when I
moved out here. I've never tried it before,not wanting the
disappointment if it wasn't the same.

I am so excited that it came out great, and tastes a lot like hers!

This is our tree today. Notice all candy canes and delicate ornaments
have been moved 4 feet up the tree!

Unfortunately we did lose our World Series ornament. Oh well, they
are just "things"!!

Toby is especially partial to a candy cane at any time of the day.
Plastic wrapped or not!!

This is how Toby gets around when he has a drink but needs both hands!
His teeth will be very strong!!

New week

On Monday I had the day off with the kids, but far from taking it easy we had a full day!  We started out with speech therapy at 9am, followed by physical therapy at 9.30am.

This was a special PT appointment because it included a consult with an orthotic specialist.  As you may recall, Emma has very flat feet, no arches and protruding heels.

It went well and although Emma's feet are preventing her from running or jumping properly, there is still hope.  We are getting orthotics for her shoes, which over time will hopefully strengthen the muscles so her feet can flex and be more functional.

Something really interesting the consultant said was that shoes are like underwear - you should not accept hand-me-downs!!  Your feet leave indelible impressions in the sole, and when put on by someone else, it can impact how that person walks. 

Luckily Emma's sneakers were new when she was handed them down!  Even though they are not a fancy brand they are actually great - not too narrow in the sole and a firm heel with cushion. 

There is even more hope for Toby because his feet are still growing.

After that we had to go to the jewellers for my semi-annual ring inspection!  A hassle, but worth it for the assurances.  It's about a half hour drive away, and I thought Toby might pass out on the way, but no. 

After that we stopped in the mall for a browse and some lunch, before heading to Melissa's for an impromtu visit.  By now we were well into nap time, but instead of sleeping in the car Toby and Emma pigged out on Chick Fil A nuggets!

A fun couple of hours at Melissa's, where Emma ran from Harley and Toby chased the little dog!  He also rolled around in the dog bed getting himself covered in fur!

We left there about 3pm and still Toby did not sleep in the car!

We arrived home and all was fine until...

It was only 4pm!!

We woke her up and all went grocery shopping - Toby finally fell asleep then and slept all around Walmart!

This week has been great.  Scott's been home in the evening, and making dinner for us to eat together.  The kids even ate fish ("chicken"!) and green beans (in cheese sauce!) tonight.

Then Emma treated us to a song...

Toby managed to eat one of the blue candy canes!

Emma drew this picture at therapy on Monday, and I just had to bring
it for my desk.

It's a rainbow "because you're wonderful."

Feeling happy

I had a monk on today.

If you are not a member of my family you might not know what that means.  It's how we describe someone who is being mopey, down in the sumps, grumpy.  (Probably because monks always look miserable in pictures!)

I can't tell you why.  Probably an emotional hangover from yesterday.  It was clear from my total lack of patience with the kids and Scott, immediate frustration over the smallest thing and the refusal to join in the excitement as Scott hung obnoxious blue led lights like icicles from our gutters!

I searched my soul throughout the day, for the source of my lingering sadness, but came up empty handed.  

I was totally gutted when Emma asked me why I was "being so mean"!  In my defence, neither Emma or Toby was listening or following instructions!!

I wasn't feeling particularly spiritual as we headed to church for prayer night, more like a reluctant child going to see a parent they know won't like their attitude!  

But rather than let that stop me from going, I did what I know God wants us to do when we feel alone and confused and far from him - run to him as fast as we can!

Scott opened the service with a word for the people in attendance.  I listened, but honestly I could not get past my own pity party!  Then we all took time to pray by ourselves.

I was hoping for a strong feeling of God's love and support.  I wanted to feel His embrace and assurances that I was doing okay.  Most of all, I wanted to know what was causing my feelings.

However, that is not what happened.  I know God heard my questions and cries, but his response was that of a WISE, loving parent.  

The issue is not what caused my stress last week or yesterday.  The past is past, and hopefully this week will be different.  However, I need to choose to make it different.

I can't change the past.  But I can choose the future.  Our emotions are subject to our will - we can choose to be happy, by not dwelling on circumstances, or in my case the feelings that circumstances had produced!  (How much time have I wasted in life being sad about being sad?)  (That was rhetorical!)

Sounds so simple, but for me, to understand this is so freeing.  I can change my mood, I don't have to wait for the memories of a tough week to fade!

And I did just that.  Be happy today.

Sunday treat

Today we did not go to our church.  Instead we went undercover at a new church in the city to check out one of their programs.  We invited Scott's sister and her boyfriend to go with us, and afterward we hit a local eatery for one of their world famous cheesesteaks (and cheese fries)!!

Then the kids tried to catch the pigeons!!

I don't like missing Pastor Bob's preaching, but it was nice to have an excuse to show the kids a bit of the city!

Christmas Tradition

Definition of TRADITION

1

a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) 

Traditions can be good or bad, as with many things, it depends on your perspective.  America, for such a young country, is steeped in traditions.  

Our little family of four has yet to really develop any traditions for Christmas.  Emma's first was spent in the hospital.  Her second Christmas was spent in England.  Toby's first Christmas was at home and probably the calmest we've had.  Last year we were heading to England, but the weather threw us a curve ball and we had Christmas at home, with no tree!


This year we will be spending Christmas here and we are looking forward to both kids being able to appreciate every aspect.


Many people think I am incredibly organized and mostly I am (even when it's annoying!), but I have yet to successfully prepare for Christmas.  


I'm not talking about Christmas Day, that doesn't faze me at all.  No, I'm referring to the process that is gifts!  Selecting tokens of one's love for another to present to them at Christmas is a source of much anxiety for me.  I want it to be something that brings joy, not disappointment. 


I'm not sure if it is the (real or imagined) expectations of others, or the challenge of getting things purchased and delivered around the world in time.  Then last week, Scott was working all day and evening, so I have struggled to find time to even shop.  

Yesterday, after a week of work and managing the kids by myself (which should normally have been pretty straight forward) the pressure was too much and the kids being a little bit defiant broke me.  I put Toby in time out in his crib and sat on the sofa to sob!

An earlier text message to Scott prompted him to ask his parents to come and relieve me for a while!  Pops showed up after I had gotten the kids settled in front of a movie with some nuggets.  I took off to get some of the shopping done.  

I feel so ridiculous even getting stressed about it, I know full well that material gifts are not the purpose of Christmas, even when you can't be there in person.  It's a choice to stay focused on the reason for the celebration.  (Hint: it's not about you or me!)

Later on, when Scott was home we were able to bring some of the joy in celebrating Christmas, to the kids.  We decorated the house...(Grant helped out too!)

 

Metamorphosis (More playdate pictures)

Gift idea

Toby seems to be enjoying his friends chair. I'm struggling for
Christmas gift ideas..are you thinking what I'm thinking?!

End of the Tube

This morning I sent an email to Emma's GI doctors.  We are 8 weeks out from our next visit.

As you know, miraculously we were able to stop using Emma's tube for water back in the summer.  It was been a bit of a struggle incorporating drinking into our schedule, as Emma can only drink one sip at a time (not gulp it down like Toby!).  If you're not sure why that might be a pain, try drinking a glass of water one swallow at a time. 

Increasingly Emma comes to us and askes for water, and has even drank most of a cup by herself due to thirst.  She also helps herself to water from her bedside cup during the night (which is also whenI do most of my drinking, weird!).  This is a great step forward as it shows she recognizes thirst and can do it by herself.  The challenge: she won't do it by herself!!

I can sit with Emma at times and she'll drink a cup of water in 10-15 minutes.  However, more often she will put up a fight with distractions and whining, especially with people other than me.  It's really fair enough, what's fun about being forced to drink!   However, we are perservering until the act of drinking becomes easier and more natural (which it is slowly.)

I'm sure you're wondering, as most people have been asking us lately, can we take the tube out now?

This was the question I posed to her doctors, with the caveat that we do have to vent her about once a week or so.  Sometimes I think she uses it as a diversion from sleeping or drinking, but her belly does get bloated because the air cannot easily escape.  The doctors gave me the answer I did not want to hear - have her tough it out!

What? No magic pill that reduces the gas so that taking out the tube will not result in permanent bloating or discomfort? That sucks!

But there you have it.  Over the next week we'll have to be stern and do our best to explain to her that we can't vent her.  It will be tough, but let's pray (and this is the strangest prayer request ever!) that Emma can burp more often!