Seeing Santa

For the past three years I have been taking the kids to see Santa in Downtown Winchester at a community center. Its such a great opportunity for parents because the photos are free with your own camera and they have crafts to keep the kiddos busy while you wait. Andplusalso, the people in charge really wised up last year and assigned each family a number as they entered so you don't even have to wait in an actual line. Sounds perfect, right? Except for one thing...the wait. Last year we literally waited 4 hours to see the big guy in red. Crazy, I know. But this Santa is awesome...real beard, very personable, and takes his time talking with your children about what they want and if they have been naughty or nice (thus the wait). So tonight when we walked into the community center to discover it was a totally fake looking different Santa, my heart sank. But guess who didn't care? That's right, my AMAZING kids. The wonder and excitement of the season was still there. There smiles just as big, their eyes just as wide. And to top it all off...when they each received their very special candy cane after sitting on Santa's lap, they explained to all who would listen the symbolism behind the confection. Now THAT touched this momma's heart more than any picture with Santa ever could.

Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!

WW | Santa

There was a lot of waiting...

And a little bit of this...

But then they saw this...

Christmas Eve

I'm sure John and I will be up late wrapping, wrapping and more wrapping. I plan on taking a little time to relax together and talk about how truly blessed we are. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and enjoys some magic tonight. I also thought I'd share the words of my favorite carol because we truly are celebrating the holiest of nights!

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,


It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hears the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall His break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise us,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.
(John Sullivan Dwight)

It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Holy Smokes! Has an entire month really passed since my last post? With a rambunctious three-year-old, a daredevil eighteen-month-old , and Christmas to prepare for, I can hardly find time to go to the bathroom, let alone come up with any witty words or download all the images off my camera to post. Yet at this very moment the toddlers are napping, I've wrapped up some wrapping and "the stockings are hung by the chimney with care"-- so I'll try.

Our family has been lucky enough to visit with ALL of our combined parents and in-laws already this holiday season. Since both our parents divorced, this rarely happens so it has been quite a treat. How wonderful for Carleigh and Nicolaus to enjoy time with Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Pap, Nanny, Grandpa Rich and Papa. And if you're wondering, the kids have the names down pat, John seems to be the only one who gets confused!

Christmas cards have been mailed, the tree is trimmed, Santa has been sat upon, and Selph the Elf (our Elf on the Shelf) has been on the lookout since December 1. We have finished our shopping with two weeks to spare so all that remains is some baking and enjoying the rest of the season with friends and family. And with all the gift giving, eating, drinking, and being merry...my wish for everyone this year is to take some time to remember the true reason for the season. Little Baby Jesus was born who ultimately gave us the greatest gift, the gift of salvation when he died for all of us on the cross. No gift under the tree or stuffed in a sock can top that one!

"Glory to God in the highest!" -- Luke 2:14

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have created and how you have blessed my family and me. I am especially thankful for time spent during the Holidays with family and friends. I pray they all take time to glorify you everyday and not just this time of year. In the busyness of the season, help me also to remember your perfect plan and your faithfulness and to pass on the knowledge to my kids that we've already received the perfect gift in Jesus.