A Christmas Post
This December has been something crazy. I thought by now I'd be resting my feet for a minute, but January jump-started as well.
December's been busy in a fun way, though; filled with family and friends as the Dudley's and Martin's (minus daddy Martin) visited, as well as my family and Shaun's.
Baby Noah Dudley isn't a baby anymore, and even the Martin's new arrival, Caleb, is already getting to be a big boy! He and Jack looked like dolls sitting on the couch together and were instant friends even for all their infancy . Madalyn IDOLIZED Caleb's big sister, Grace. They took turns rubbing backs at the breakfast table and hugged a morning greeting like twins separated at birth. (I thought their little heads might pop off, so tight was their embrace!)
Christmas morning, though, it was Uncle John who was the hero in the house as we had a relaxing day with family. Really relaxing- (I temporarily checked out to take a nap and when I woke up the kids were in bed and everyone was gone! :/) But that's why grandparents are so great. They understand the exhaustion and are happy to give you rest.
And then Grandma and "Daddy's daddy's" visit brought in the new year. Dadaddy was so inspired by his grandchildren that he was even willing to take a ride down the stairs on his stomach like they do to join in their fun. Talk about getting "down on their level." And though it's hard for everyone to say goodbye when they head out the front door Missouri-bound again, Grandma might come in the Spring with Uncle Ryan.
And then aside from out-of-towners visiting, there were the social happenings with the local folk; a Christmas cookie exchange and a play group party at our house, to mention a few.
At the kids play group party we dished out green and red macaroni for the kids (that looked really gross) but they loved it. We also made gingerbread houses, played a nativity game, had a gift exchange, and sang the Happy Birthday song to Jesus. The kids were tuckered out and sugared out when that bash came to an end- you can imagine.
Another evening, our babysitter, Brittany, brought the kids Christmas cookies. (A very welcomed surprise, and always a sign of a good babysitter. :) ) Madalyn greeted her covered in lotion from head to toe and I'm glad to report Brittany has still returned to babysit them after that sight.
We also had fun this season with the usual traditions; driving around looking at lights with Christmas music and hot chocolate, decorating the tree (Madalyn did most of the work- took the job very seriously,) making our own cookies, reading Christmas books, leaving cookies for Santa and talking about THE reason behind all of the celebration.
A Santa Claus side note: Our kids have been told that Santa gives gifts because it's said that he's so excited about the greatest gift ever given- God's gift of Jesus- that he wants to give gifts, too, in all his joy. We're letting them believe what they want to believe on that front, us asking questions more than giving answers. The stories we tell and facts we give center more on the birth of Christ... I know not everyone lets their children believe in Santa, but for me, looking back on my own experience, I see "the Santa Claus years" as a great big analogy for faith in general; for childlike belief and wonder; for the magic that IS His Promise delivered. I don't think a child can differentiate between pretend and real anyway at this age, so I figure why bother trying to differentiate for them? And while I'm sure a good debate could play out for both sides of the Santa Claus issue, long thoughts short: it doesn't bother me.
We were wondering, come Christmas morning, exactly how much of the Santa Claus thing Madalyn would understand.
Evan woke first and we all went in Madalyn's room together to wake her. Her eyes popped open at our giggles, and still in her sleep she mumbled "did Santa Claus come," her feet moving on their way before her body was in agreement. She got it alright.
Evan's favorite gift was the mini planterium projector that had been wrapped under the tree from us. Madalyn loved- well- everything. The tiny Ariel and Cinderella dressable figures might have been her favorites, though. However, she can't dress them herself which means I got to wiggle the tail on and off and on again throughout the day. (And how many tiny shoes are now cushioned into the dust in my vacuum bag, I wonder?)
She also loved her blue flapper dress and after trying it on said "I have to go show Evan!" (You'll see that picture in the stream.) Also note in the pictures how the purple Dora Explorer backpack migrates from Madalyn's stash to Evan's. That would be because Shaun and I deabted over where it was better suited. He won out, placing it in Madalyn's pile... but as it turns out, (what do you know,) I was right. Evan liked it more. Much more. So when the gifts moved t their bedrooms, into his pile it landed.
Puzzles were also a big hit. And the Lite Brites. The Lite Brites that are now everywhere... along with the tiny rubber shoes, My Heavens!
Evan also loves his shaving kit. He frequently asks Shaun to start the shower because I need to shave, he says.
Then he gets in and shaves his stomach. And sometimes his sister's (if he's feeling generous.)
But what I really must mention is that husband of mine who I just don't give enough credit, like when I wrote this.
First of all, because the banana hammock is actually really growing on me. (Oh- and the banana tree, too.) :) But secondly, because this year he really out-did himself in the gift-giving department... drum roll, please...
This year he not only got me the camera lens that I really wanted (and really love) but also a new computer.
(cymbals)
This year he says he wants me to start my own business.
(cymbals again)
This year he traded out his favorite hobby (his stock market play-around money) in order to grow one of mine.
(Long roll on the cymbals that softens and tapers.)
Six and a half years and I would deem this his most romantic gesture to date, probably because of the sacrifice it involved. There really is something about an authentic sacrifice, isn't there? Nothing says I love you quite like it. And of course sacrifice is what Christmas is all about; Shaun has the Christmas Spirit; the same spirit that gave up His only Son. Hard to fathom, but true.
I think I want to be like him when I grow up.
