Christmastime

This Christmas season has been my very favorite of all. We've finished our Christmas shopping without getting too wrapped up or stressed out thinking about what our recipients would want. Christmas music plays all day long at our house.... only pausing while we watch the Veggietales dvd, St. Nicholas. Joel requests hot chocolate almost everyday and I'm happy to make that for him.... and a cup for myself as well! I remember last Christmas, I was nursing Henry at least 2 times each night... I was very happy and very grateful but, also exhausted. This year I feel like the kids are at such fun ages, there's an abundance of energy and laughter throughout the house.

Norah loves doing Bible studies and craft projects; that time with her I cherish. When she sees a cross or a picture of Jesus, she's quick to give it a kiss. A couple weeks ago we were in a Christian bookstore. Norah walked in and saw a 3-foot tall statue of Mary. She smiled at the statue, said "hi" in her sweetest voice then, gave Mary a long hug. When she was finished, she stared at Mary for a moment then whispered "high-five" and gently gave Mary a high-five. She's such a joy and, I wish I had just a portion of her aww and wonder.

When we drive around at night to look at Christmas lights, Norah says "Daddy's window" or "Henry's window" or "Norah's window," whosever window is closest to the lit up house... she makes sure we all see the lights. Henry points and grunts and sometimes says "Christmas tree." There's no doubt that these two little kids have put Joel and I in our place when it comes to celebrating the birth of our Savior.

We're reading books about the night Jesus was born, and doing so reminds us all of the reason for the season. Henry is our "wild-man" but, he'll always stop running and sit down if there's a book being read. He's the sweetest little boy I've ever met, though I may be a bit partial! This morning he hit Norah with a spatula and she cried. As soon as he saw her crying, he immediately started crying and even after Norah was back up and running and playing, I was still hugging Henry and consoling him. This boy has himself a very tender heart!

I hope your having a great Christmas season!