Some Christmas Favorites

Post Christmas

We made it....phew....that is how I feel at the end of December, moving into a new year.  I can take a deep breathe and say, we made it.  This year December felt like a race, I love the idea of experiencing Advent, focusing on the waiting but this year it didn't happen, which makes me a bit sad, but the reality is that it is hard to slow down in December and this year I didn't have the energy to put on the breaks.

My grandfather's funeral was at the beginning of December, it was so lovely that our whole family could be there together, and the time we spent remembering our Patriarch was perfect.  But it put a wrench in my plans, so this year I decided to give up my plans and do what I could.  Which is all one can really do.   So after we came home from the funeral (our second time flying as a family in two weeks time, which is a lot for us) we basically ran through the month.  It doesn't seem like a big thing that one little trip, but it was.  And the emotional energy it takes to grieve the loss of a grandfather, these things took a toll on this mama.

So, December felt like a sprint to me.  To do all the things I hoped we could do; a Jesse Tree with the kids everyday, decorating the house for Christmas, gifts wrapped beautifully under the tree, a handmade item for everyone, and in between all of this slowly enjoying the waiting.  Some of these things happened in small portions and they happened as space was made for them, and some didn't. 

Now, we move forward into 2013....

• There is a 1 year old birthday to celebrate....
• A new house next door to celebrate.....
• With new neighbors to welcome to our community....
• A 4 year old who will turn 5 (eek, that is old!).....
• And who knows what other blessing will come in the next year?

Mary

Phoebe played Mary during the Children's Chapel performance at church last week. It was a sweet sight to see all the children reenacting this miraculous story. This was done as a way for the little ones to understand the story more and to engage it in a way other than just hearing about it. The 'performance' wasn't for anyone other than themselves, which was quite lovely. I was able to help with chapel that day and I prayed that these little one's hearts would be touched by the story in a new way. 

Phoebe had her one line down, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord." And she still says it with gusto even now when we mention Jesus or the Nativity.   I hope she will keep those words in her heart, mind, and soul as she grows to understand them more each year.

Here are some pictures from the little play.

The cast listening to the beginning of the story.

Mary and Joseph in the stable

Everyone came to worship the baby Jesus

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55 ESV)

8...9...10 Months?!

I had every intention of giving a 9 month update on Justus, but didn't have the perfect picture and never found the time.  Then....he turned 10 months, ack, time is flying!

Our little man is growing, moving, eating and teething; just as he should be.  And I love the long naps he takes, which give me time with Phoebe, and time by myself when she is at school.  Our days have a nice rhythm of awake, eat, play, sleep that we all count our hours by.  Awake time gives all of us free reign on noise level so Phoebe can play, I can do chores, and when the mister is home he can use power tools.  During nap time we choose quiet activities; Phoebe has been enjoying puzzles and creating distant lands for her little people to travel to.  When they are both awake, I take advantage of their alertness and often run errands, they both loving being out and with people so the grocery store is a favorite! :)

Justus update:

• Eating: Most anything, still nursing, loves fruits and veggies and his most favorite is what he can eat with his fingers (all by himself!)
• Teeth: 4 in and another on the way, he has been a champ at teething.
• Mobility: Crawls (super fast!), pulls up on everything and cruises, he also loves climbing the stairs
• Sleep: Mostly through the night (this week), 2 solid naps each day
• Toys: He loves playing with the play kitchen, all the pots and pans make for great sounds
• Books: He doesn't love books as much as P did, he will take anything she is reading and try to rip it apart.  
• Most Common Question about J: Is he always this happy?  Yes, yes he is!
• Stats: (at 9 months) 28.25 inches, 19 lbs 7 oz.  (Phoebe was 20 lbs. 28.25 in. at 1 Year)

j at 9 months

9 months at Yards Park

J at 10 months