Anything but tradional

This years Christmas was like no other.

different.
yet.
fun.
and.
at the same time...
bittersweet.

Christmas eve began at Church.
Celebrating the baby in a manger,
the birth of a Saviour.
that is the central focus of this Holiday we call Christmas.

then dinner at a local diner.

and a off to see Tangled
which was shown at a local movie theatre for free
(along with any movie they show)
on CHristmas eve,
to local military men and women and their familes.
It was fun!
but different.

just another way to keep our minds off the fact that daddy wasn't here this year.

then a fun surprise.
LEGOLAND!
They sold an internet special for $9.99 per person

so instead of waking up and unwrapping presents...
we walked right by them
and scurried out the door...

for a Christmas Day adventure!

What a wonderful day!

we were pilots
and heroes
and explorers
and tourists
we were pirates
and knights
and maidens.
We were shark bait!
and builders
and dinosaur explorers.
we were put in jail...
and ate pizza for lunch.


except.
we were missing him.

but with our paid admission we get to return and take him when he comes home.
it was a good day.
a good distraction.

then as we came home we came home to the smell of bragiolle, and pasta, and artichoke casserole wafting as we entered our doors. Grandma had prepared Christmas dinner.

so hungry children gathered round the table and enjoyed Grandmas dinner.

but our day was still not over.

off to the living room with excited eyes as they waited to open presents.
3 hours of delight
and laughter
and treasures
and smiles
and paper shredding.

late into the evening....

and as I snuggled into bed with the baby boy I heard from down the hallway excited chatter about the days events.

and we missed him.

but even though it was anything but traditional.
we survived Christmas
and look forward to a day when we wont have to be apart.

but it was a good day.

the night before a night or two before Christmas

As I was sitting wrapping gifts for my children for Christmas this poem I once read popped into my head.

Twas the night before Jesus came and all throught the house

Not a creature was praying not one in the house

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.



The children were dressing to crawl into bed

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.



When out of the east there arose such a clatter

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash



When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be the day.



The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus, returning just like he said

And though I possesed worldly wisdom and wealth

I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.



In The Book Of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name

When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.



The people whose name had been written in love

He gathered to take to His Father above

With those who are ready He rose with out a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.



I fell to my knees but it was too late

I had waited too long and this sealed my fate

I stood and cried as they rose out of sight

Oh, if I had only been ready tonight.



In the words of the meaning is clear.

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all.

Thank you Lord, Help me to remember what this season is truely about. Let me not grow weary from meaningless things that will one day pass away, help me to teach my children to Love You with all their heart. Lord. Help me.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

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