Days Thirteen - Sixteen: Holiday Activities and Reflection

Instead of posting these pics Friday morning, sorrow filled my heart and I couldn't write.

I can scarcely describe the myriad of emotions inside even now, days after the tragedy.

After my baby's bath this morning, I held him close for a number of minutes.

He snuggled into me also and lay still.

A precious pause on an ordinary day.  A gift.

My kids are sick of may be a little bit tired of me constantly snapping pics of them.

Day Thirteen:  Our library had a Marionette Puppet Program which included singing and dancing -

I am thrilled that my kids throw themselves into activities, 

even if they seem a little different than what they expected.

 The storyteller used natural elements to represent a bear and other forest creatures.  

The marionettes represented a Woodsmen and Winter.  

In an era of lots of flash and technology as entertainment,

I adore stories told in simpler ways, through song and imagination.

Day Fourteen: Mireille is a part of a Book Club with the loveliest group of girls.  

They decorated gingerbread teddy bears and angels based on the book they read for November,

drank hot chocolate and wassail while playing Christmas games.

The boys stayed home and spent the afternoon playing together with Legos and games on the XBox.

Day Fifteen: We all went to see a local Christmas Program called "The Nutty Nutcracker,"

based on the ballet but with a unique twist. 

This year they incorporated the story into a 1940s radio program - a very creative idea and presentation!

Day Sixteen:  The Christmas Play 

 My son Barnabas was in the Christmas play at church...

after months and months of rehearsal, it was awesome to finally see the show.
The children did a marvelous job!
Now if I can only get the songs out of my head...

 The service started with all the little ones coming up on stage to sing Christmas Carols.

With support and encouragement from his big sister, Keizo was happy to do his part.

So far, this Christmas season has been a whirlwind of activities, fun and meaningful.  

The tragedy that unfolded last weekend reminds me to stop in the midst of the busyness 

and remember what is truly important.

To not take life for granted.

To treasure the moments together.

I reminded the older children to always turn to the Lord,

in happy times and in sad times.

To cling to Him - the only stability in an uncertain time.