Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

If you hadn't noticed, I am off on holidays. So here's to wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year!! Blessings!

WW: The Many Face's of 'R'

WW: Cousins

There is about four and a half months in age difference.

Santa?

I suppose this is post is in the season of the holidays but in contrast to some of the things mentioned in the last post. As a Christian mom, I have been trying to teach my children the true meaning and purpose of Christmas. Now for many of you that also have similar beliefs, where does Santa fit in? I am not one of those people that believes that I can keep my children away from the commercialism or the hype of a big jolly man dressed in red, especially when different members of family and friends enjoy this part of the season. I have decided that I will tell my kids of the stories (or let them watch the Christmas shows) that have Santa as the main character since I don't really want them clueless when Grandma asks if they want to put some milk and cookies out! (just an example) Along with this, I have also told my kids that Santa is not real *gasp*. The problem I have now encountered is that my soon to be 5yr old, when asked anything reguarding Santa, proudly and smugly announces "Santa's not real". Why is that a problem you ask? Often this announcement comes in the presence of children hold on to the fact that Santa is real (and shocked parents who do not want there children to find out this devistating fact). So where do I find the balance between teaching my children what I think is right and being considerate to what others are trying to teach their children?

Loving the Holidays!

I love the Christmas season!! We have enjoyed so much of it already. The decorating, the baking, the shopping, the family time, the anticipation, the gifts (we had early Christmas with my parents since we are going to my in-laws for Christmas this year), learning the true meaning of Christmas (kids bring a whole new perspective on this one!), the excitement and wonderment that the kids exude has me re-living my childhood memories :) It is always special to have just experienced childbirth close to this time of year as well - thinking of Mary travelling on a donkey at nine months pregnant!?! How much you want to bet that she could relate to my feelings of soreness and swollen feet!! Imagining having to give birth in a barn?!? And yet as a mother totally relating to the feelings of wonder while looking at your newborn baby - how much more did she treasure these feelings, knowing that she had just given birth to the Savior or this world!! Being a mom, it has sure added another dimension of meaning to Christmas!!