Nativity

I do love Christmas. Although I’ve noticed that I don’t see nearly as many Nativity scenes as I used to. Now, I understand that the “separation of church and state” crowd has had them effectively banned from public buildings (I could go on for pages about this topic alone!), but even in yards and private buildings you just don’t see it any more. I don’t know about you, but an inflatable elephant in a Santa hat does not really say Christmas to me.

Kim and I try to raise good Catholic, Christian kids. We go to church on Sunday, kids in Catholic school, talk about Bible stories, discuss theology with the older ones, prayers at meals, bedtime, for sick friends, etc. and we still need to take time to emphasize the Christmas Story (not the one with the leg lamp). We take extra time to remind them why we celebrate and what the true meaning of Christmas is. That’s what got me thinking about the Nativity scenes. How many children don’t know the true meaning, aren’t told the amazing story of Mary’s faith, have no idea what a manger is? It really saddens me that our country is losing its’ Christian heritage. I don’t realize it most of the time because our friends are pretty much church-going, Christian people, but when I look around at the way society as a whole looks at this most important of days, it gives me the willies. It also makes me think about the early Christians who were persecuted and martyred for their faith. They certainly wouldn’t have backed down because a statue of a baby in a manger “offended” someone. Maybe I’m just rambling here, but it’s been on my mind. Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Gifts

Isn't it amazing the way gifts "touch" others? I mean, the most simple "no big deal" gifts are often the most moving, meaningful gifts that we receive. Children often show us that. We parents spend an insane amount of money on presents throughout the years...and what do they love??? Banging the pots and pans with spoons....or playing with the wooden characters of our nativity sets! And, some of the best gifts ever are the ones that we did not have on our list, but someone thought "they'll LOVE this!" I have countless presents that I have been given over the years that truly have moved me beyond words. One of those came a few years ago from one of my closest friends. She gave me a glass angel ornament with the following inscription:

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."

Even typing those words brings tears to my eyes, and honestly, takes a little of my breath away~ still. You see, Brittney, that angel ornament gift did and continues to touch me. I will always view the stars a little differently now. And Mom, I long for you to be here with us...especially during this, your favorite holiday season. I remember the house was always DECKED out. Real Christmas tree...with RED bows...beautiful ornament balls, along with many wooden ornaments...and of course, those which we made. Every Snow Village figurine made was set up in the hallway. Christmas floral arrangements on the dining room table and hearth. The nutcrackers, music boxes, the music, snow globes, wrapping paper, Christmas movies, bows, scotch tape, gift tags, Christmas cookies, tissue, tinsel, Christmas lights inside and out, advent calendars, the precious nativity that Kris has today, lining up on Christmas morning according to height, Christmas eve turkey, ..and the list goes on.

I want you to know that I hear you in every verse of "O Holy Night", "What Childs Is This", "Do You Hear What I Hear?"....I hear your sarcasm in Brittany and Tod....I see your strength in Mei-Mei....your goofiness in Mike...your desire to play and be a part of the fun shines through Dawn...your hilarousness/silliness in Jay. I feel your touch with Karen....your tenderness with Brad...and your unconditional acceptance with Kris. Your determination lives on through Cole and Colin....your empathy shines through Craig and Alex....and your "take the bull by the horns"-ness is seen in Dylan. Thankfully, we see your beautiful face in Ethan.Your heart will forever be seen in Dad. I can not thank you enough for gifting all of us with a love for this holiday season. Through that love, we have all come to know, in our own time, love, and worship the most amazing and divine Gift ever given..all wrapped in swaddling clothes.

"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"
~Dr. Seuss

Preparation

We do a LOT of preparing in this household. We prepare lunches for school, prepare our clothes for the next school/work day, prepare the house for the arrival of guests, prepare food, prepare children, prepare for work...and the list goes on. Most of these things fall in to the mundane routine of our everyday lives, and quite honestly, are often taken for granted. The insurmountable time we spend is infinite it seems. This preparation theme alone has dominated my thoughts as of late. This inordinate amount of time is being spent on worldly things ~ disturbs me, and really caused me to stop and think about the very core of our existence and creation. Our only job here is to bring glory and praise to God. So whatever path God has blessed you with, your job remains the same....bring Him glory. Wow, in Cole's words a long time ago, I "suck out loud" at this. (And yes, he did get some soap in his mouth) And don't get me wrong, like you, I am so in love with God, and the things of God. I just do not give Him all of me, all the time....but I want to, and He is so deserving. The liturgical seasons are such a beautiful reminder of God's most Holy Gift, Himself. As my mom and dad used to say, "Prepare, and prepare well." As we are about to enter one of my most favorite liturgical seasons, Advent, I intend to prepare and prepare well as we...

Await the Celebration

happy almost Advent

WAR!!!

I feel like I need to gear up for war. Washing machine runs, but that's it. Dishwasher computer system is JACKED (Kar & Kris, that word was for you!) up and you never know if it is going to be YOUR lucky day and you can run it. Master bath sink has been out of commission for many, many, many months....and now the boys bathroom toilet needs to go (and does literally). Fridge freezes EVERY single morsel of food or liquid in it...even set on "1." I almost threw the rock solid ice ONION at someone tonight.... Virus on desktop and Craig's laptop...but I'm sure the computer virus fairy will come while we are working to fix them... Brakes on van (completely done and redone THREE times) still squeaking.

So, how's life with you?

It's me, Mike!

Awhile back I was talking to a friend who mentioned that he was amazed I could keep up with all the stuff I do. Well, if you have read our blog you realize that I have let it slip. It's not that my thoughts have become too deep or too shallow to share, it's just a matter if time. I guess I shouldn't really use that excuse because Kim does twice as much as I do and still has time to update this thing, maybe it's just me...

Tonight Cole and I were watching the World Series and he said, "I don't like peoples breath after they eat Gushers or Fruit Roll-ups... How about you?" I told him I didn't have a real position on that subject. There are plenty of subjects I have no real position on. I have actually become quite adept at presenting arguments for both sides of issues, which sometimes leads people to think I am not passionate about the things I really believe in. It's a shame.

We had a good soccer season. Cole changed teams and played in Carrollton with his school buddies. This whole change to MIS has been a good one for our family. Especially for the lone female. It's been great going to football and volleyball games and becoming a vital member of the community. We have had that at other places to be sure, and this is not necessarily better, but it is the right one for us now. God is good.

There lots more where this came from, but I've got to fold some laundry before Kim gets home from here hair appointment. It's good to be back.

Jesuit Homecoming 2009

Craig and Valeria before the game!

We met at Valeria's house and Ellen, Valeria's best friend, met up with her date later at California Pizza Kitchen. Little blurry...after arriving 30 min. late for "picture" time because of Northwest Highway traffic...guess Mommy was a LITTLE shaking!!!! (Understatement)

How did we get this far so FAST?? #2's first Homecoming!

Two "first" Homecomings down.....2 two go!
More to come tonight....the DANCE!
So much fun!

She's won his heart!

Good things are happening at our house!! God is so amazing. And so is the power behind a praying parent! We have always lifted our boys up in prayer...for all the obvious reasons. But I remember even when Tod was little, Mike and I praying for "THE" girl who would win his heart. Gemina has won his heart, and has brought so much color to our house. Not only has she brought out the best in Tod, but Cole and Reed literally jump for joy at the sight of her...or at the sight of her car at the house! They also "watch" every move the two of them make...especially when Tod walks Gemina to her car. I thought the house was on fire the first time Cole sprint back to me...out of breath..."Mom, they kissed!"

God heard our prayers. And, God answered them. As always.

Tod and Gemina, know that we continue to lift you both up seperately and together in prayer. More than anything else, we pray that you both allow God to direct your paths, His Light to forever shine brightly through you, and that whatever it is you choose to do in this life....
it honors Him.
We love you.