Her Christmas List

Here is my sweet Miss Erin's Christmas list...

A DS / Case

Games

Easel

A Chalk Board ;)

My Own Garden

Spend the Night at Granny's House

Sleep in Mom's Bed

Sleep in Luke's Bed

I was pretty sure I could pull off most of these. Sleeping in Mom's bed is a tricky one though, especially when Patrick & I take up most of the bed.

So - Erin and I had a deal. After Dad got up and left for work around 6:15, I could get her out of her bed, and lay her with me until it was time to wake up for school.

Today was the day.

As I pulled her spaghetti legs (and kitty) out of the bed and laid her in mine, she said,

"You are the best Mom I ever had."

I was so shocked by her expression of love I had to ask her to repeat it.

"You are the best Mom I ever had."

It was just as sweet the second time she said it.

As she wiggled, twitched, and cuddled her way back to sleep, I excitedly laid awake, like it was Christmas morning for me.

For All Warm Things

For all warms things of this season I thank you, Lord.

For the warmth of my house as I come in cold from shopping. For the fragrant warmth of my kitchen as I turn on the oven and sift and measure and stir and bake. For the snug warmth of the bedrooms when (finally, after much commotion) my children asleep.

For the warmth of this cup of steaming coffee in my hand as I settle down (exhausted, and at last) before the fire that dances so warm and festive on the grate.

And for warm clothes, Lord. These slippers, this robe - all the untidy closets bursting. The car coat tossed across a chair. And the car itself, a warm car to take us places (once we get started). And those warm places: the homes of neighbors, friends, a warm church to worship in.

And the warm people there. The warm smiles and greetings. The generosity and kindness of people everywhere.

I am full of this warmth, Lord. It comforts me, it calms me. It makes me feel a glow almost as rosy as the embers in the fireplace. I want all people to be warm and rested and at peace.

Thank you for this blessed season of warmth in the midst of so much that is chill and stormy. Let it draw all of us together against the coming cold.

~~"For All Warm Things", Margorie Holmes,

from Hold Me Up A Little Longer, Lord~~

Camping 101

This weekend was our first ever "B" family camping trip!

We went to Chicot State Park.

Of course we were warned advised, that camping trips make memories.

(photo source)

So true. So much so, I have compiled a list of camping "do's and DON'Ts".

DON'T: Forget to put your daughters undies in the suitcase. Leaving them on the bed at home is beneficial to no one.

DON'T: Suggest to that daughter that she could share her brothers. OH THE HORROR!

DO: Remember that you are camping, and can wash them in sink & hang to dry.

~~~

DON'T: Forget to pack your own socks.

DO: Be thankful for a husband that doesn't mind sharing his.

~~~

DON'T: Walk to the bathhouse across the street in the dark without a flashlight, declairing that "It's not far, you can see just fine."

DO: Have the children scream in fright for their father when Mom falls down from twisting her ankle (nauseous from pain) and unable to get up.

~~~

DO: Hike 2.5 miles the next morning and re-adopt the nickname "Gimpy" that you had FINALLY grown out of from the last hiking experience 10 years ago.

DO: Enjoy the beautiful beech trees and fallen leaves. (and decide you definately need to plant a few of those)...

(photo source)

DO: Learn the scientific name for Oak is Quercus. Because you need a "Q" word on your A-Z scavenger hunt.

~~~

DO: Definately a "do" - get those flat marshmallows & chocolate covered graham crackers for super easy & just as yummy smore's!

~~~

DO: Explain to your children that bickering and negative words do not show a loving, kind heart.

But the words you speak come from the heart--that's what defiles you. ~ Matthew 15:18

~~~

DO: Be thankful for a roof over our heads on a rainy, cold night. However loud that roof may sound from falling rain & acorns :)

~~~

DO: Admire & marvel at the cypress trees growing in the lake's black waters and the two fawn walking unafraid along the woods edge.

~~~

DO: Watch out for little girls riding on bicycles whose mom is yelling indistinctly at her. You may be about to get run over.

~~~

DO: Promise your daughter (who wakes up crying on departure morning) that we will definately do it again.

~~~

(and no. not.one.single.picture.)

DON'T: Forget your camera

I've Got Work To Do

On an evening stroll this evening, my children & I had the following conversation...


Luke: Do you know who the King of the universe it?
Erin: Barrack Obama
Me: No dear, he is the president of the United States.
Luke: It's God!

I've got serious work to do!

Today Is Halloween

Today is Halloween, Today is Halloween

(to the tune of Today is Monday)

Ninja's & Moviestars...

Running off for candy,

Gonna eat it up, gonna eat it up!

Today is Halloween, Today is Halloween

Passing out candy,

To twin local plumbers,

way too much sugar, way too much sugar!

Today is Halloween, Today is Halloween...

Playing tag with Mom, she made me trip,

Had to get stitches, had to get stitches...

It made me cry a loooooooot! :(

A Little Late...

Last Sunday my Erin turned 7 years old.

Seven years ago, she wouldn't let me go to sleep on a Friday night. Quietly letting me know that although she was scheduled for Monday (and Patrick & I had one last peaceful weekend planned), that she had other things in mind.

Since day one she has:

Kept us on our toes...

Kept us awake worrying about our parenting ability (or lack of)...

Amazed us with her eagerness to learn all things academic...

And her compassion for others.

I love you my big girl. You make us proud every day and I am so thankful to be your Mom.

~Stars Shine Brightly~

I loved the way the sun was shining on our National Guard neighbors flag this morning.

Beautiful!