When What to My Wondering Eyes...

Between our travels and our traditions it has been hard to find time to visit this place of thought logging, but today I have a small window to share a few small thoughts.

If you have had an encounter with Bug, you know that she loves to share what's on her mind.  I must admit that at times her "think out loud" thought process has driven me crazy, however at Christmas time it is quite the opposite.

She is so in awe of all things Christmas.  From the birth of Jesus, to Santa coming down the chimney.... it is all Christmas, all the time:

-Every star in the sky is "the bright star from the Heavens, Mommy!"
-She wraps up her sister in "swaddling clothes" and sings Away in a Manger to her.... With a slight lyric change: "Away in a Manger, no crib for YOUR bed"
-The blue Cinderella dress is now worn to play "Activity (nativity) Scene"... I usually have to be the shepherd.
-We write a new letter for Santa almost daily
-Daily there is a request to "ask Daddy to go buy us a chimney", in fear that Santa will skip us
-Constant.... CONSTANT caroling.... her playlist: Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, Go Tell it on the Mountain, and songs she makes up as she goes along; usually on the subject of Jesus, Christmas Trees, Santa, or Mary and Joseph (sometimes all in one song) *each song ending with a big finish; which is just doing a curtsey while singing the last line of the song again very slowly.
-She wants to wear Christmas dresses every day

and my favorite
-She will look at one of us randomly and, with a huge smile, say, "Merry Christmas! I love you!" followed by a huge hug..... which Peanut usually wiggles free of.

I have been so impressed by her heart and mind these past few weeks.  Since we started talking about baby Jesus and why he came to Earth, there have been some very interesting conversations.  We have been telling her about Jesus and his birth and sacrifice since she was a tiny baby, always hoping that something would sink in.  The other day my 3 year old looked at me and said, "Mom, Jesus came to Earth as a baby and then grew up to save us from our sin."  Then she proceeded to tell me what sin was and that it makes us unhappy.  Then "Baby Jesus" came back into the room, dragging swaddling clothes behind her and Bug began to direct us all.  She sang to Peanut and spun around the room in her Cinderella/Mary dress, leaving trails of glitter and excitement with every step.

I hope you are finding the Miracle of Christmas as exciting as we are this year.  May the next few weeks be filled with joy, love, glitter, and a big finish!

Love the One You're With

In a few hours, the girls and I are headed west.  To west Texas, to be exact.

We are joining my dad's side of the family in celebrating the birth of his mother on her 90th birthday!  My aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousins' families are all gearing up for an entire weekend of celebrating.  There is never any shortage of laughter or late nights.... sometimes accompanied by dancing and dress up from Aunt Mary's closet.  We, cousins, are spread out; in age, interest, home, and profession.... but we all have one lovely lady in common.  Our Nanie/Nannie.

*I recently (last night) discovered I am THE only one to spell her name with one 'n' in the middle, but as I said last night, I have been spelling it that way for as long as I can remember.... so for the sake of simplicity, today in this post, she will be known as Nanie. (which by the way, my computer is trying to auto correct)*

My Nanie is glamourous, strong, confident, God fearing, loving, classy, comforting, smart, hilarious, beautiful, and everything I hope to be as I grow and raise a family of my own.  I can think of no better way to honor her, than to go to her home and surround her with love and togetherness.

I am a middle cousin.  If you are middle cousin, you know that you were too little to play with the big kids, but "too cool" to play with the little kids.... because you were always trying to act "cool" so the big kids would let you trade stickers with them.  Now as an adult middle cousin, have realized that I actually happen to like all of my cousins and the people that they married, even the children that have produced.  I am proud to say, I have a hard time relating to anyone with family/holiday/etc drama.

I know there are people that dread family time, but I can only value it.  Although we may not see each other often or keep up with each other very well.... we have come from the same place, we share some of the same genes, personality traits, and values, and we are family.

Have a great weekend

To see how we have been gearing up for this weekend and honoring Nanie/Nannie, look HERE.

*the lovely people in the photo are (from left to right) My Granddaddy Jimmy, Memaw, Nanie, and Granddady Thronton, at my parents' rehearsal dinner.*

NEWS: Artificial Pancreas

No original words from me today.... just some news from JDRF.  If you have donated prayer, time, efforts, or money to JDRF, you should read THIS.   I'm sure it's surprising to some of you that all the "gear" in the picture is exciting..... "Yes, I would love to add more 'gear' to my 3 year old's body!".... but it's the simple truth: It's a STEP in the right direction.

Hope you are having a great week!