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Dec. 3 - Agenda for today...
~ Teach in Tobin & Shav's Sunday school class. (Check.)
~ Make waffles for lunch. (Check.)
~ Take Josiah Christmas shopping. (Check.)
~ Enjoy a fantastic concert by the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. (Check.)
It's been a glorious day. :)
Dec. 3 - My dad :)
Dec. 3 - It is completely ridiculous how much time I spent on a new blog look for December (we're talking, HOURS on three consecutive evenings), but it's finally done. I'm sure no one is nearly as excited about it as I am (with the possible exception of Jeff). ;-) In the end, I COULD NOT decide between two backgrounds, so I asked the expert and Jeff chose the one I'm using. Truly, two are better than one...because when I get stuck in such an *important* dilemma, Jeff rescues me. ;-)
Dec. 3 - It is completely ridiculous how much time I spent on a new blog look for December (we're talking, HOURS on three consecutive evenings), but it's finally done. I'm sure no one is nearly as excited about it as I am (with the possible exception of Jeff). ;-) In the end, I COULD NOT decide between two backgrounds, so I asked the expert and Jeff chose the one I'm using. Truly, two are better than one...because when I get stuck in such an *important* dilemma, Jeff rescues me. ;-)
Dec. 3 - "Can you just stay here and snuggle with me a little while?" one of my sons asked a few hours ago as I kissed him goodnight. I sighed, then said, "Not tonight. I need to go down to the kitchen and finish the dishes." Which was true, sort of. There were dirty dishes that needed to be washed, and I did go down and wash them, but the reality is that I was D-O-N-E. Done with people contact. Done with giving of myself. I didn't want to talk to anyone or touch anyone. I just wanted space...and quiet...and a cave. The evening had not gone quite as I had planned, and I was ready to kiss it goodbye and hope for better things on the morrow. I was NOT ready to linger and snuggle. But I felt bad as soon as I said the words; and as I went down to the kitchen, I was kicking myself for not accepting my son's invitation to come into a part of his heart. As the years go by, my times of being invited in are slipping away. I hope I have the grace to respond differently the next time he asks...
Dec. 6 - Since giving thanks isn't something to do only in November, I'll take a moment tonight to say that I'm grateful for the makers of Tylenol and Puffs Plus...because both of those items certainly made this cold I caught less bothersome! I'm also thankful that my cold seems to be leaving as quickly as it came, and hopefully tomorrow I'll feel even better. Until then, I'll just keep grabbing soft tissues, one after another. :)
Dec. 7 - Sometimes I'll say to Shav, "Do you know what? You're a treasure!" Then he'll look at me with a mischievous glint in his eye and exclaim, "No, I'm not!" And I'll say, "Yes, you are," and I'll tickle and hug him, and he'll laugh and laugh. And then he'll say to me, "Do you know what?" And I'll say, "What?" And he'll say, "You're a treasure!" And I'll get the biggest grin on my face and wrap my arms around him in a huge hug and say, "Oh, thank you!!" It's a silly little game at this stage of life; but I hope that, at ALL the stages of Shav's life, he'll always know what a treasure he is. :)
Dec. 7 - I always get a little discouraged when a child of mine wets the bed the night after I put fresh sheets on it. If he would only wait a week or so, it wouldn't bother me as much because I would think, "Oh, well, it was probably about time to change them anyway." (Not that I really change everyone's sheets every week or anything like that, because I don't.) But to put fresh sheets on a bed, and then in just a matter of a few hours find them wet? That's just flat-out defeating. But even in this, there is much for which to be thankful... Like a bed, an extra pair of sheets, a washer and dryer in which to clean them, A CHILD, a urinary tract that works (albeit not at the best times), etc. ;-) I will choose gratitude. :)
Dec. 9 - She makes me smile...
Dec. 10 - A memory came to my mind this evening that made me smile... Some time ago, jokes (corny, for the most part) were being told around the dinner table; and Jeff made Josiah and David laugh when he said, "When is a door not a door?" (Answer: when it's ajar.) :) Right after that, David piped up and asked, "When is a car not a car?" Instantly I thought, "Oh, David. He's just trying to copy Jeff's joke, but it's not going to work, and he'll say some completely silly punch line, and it won't be funny at all, but we'll try to chuckle halfheartedly so his feelings won't get hurt." But then David gave the answer: "When it turns into a driveway." And we laughed and laughed, for real, and I was reminded of how much of a little comedian David is becoming. He doesn't pull off every joke he tries to tell, but he nailed that one. The gift of laughter is a special gift that David gives to those around him! :)
Dec. 10 - Have you seen this? If not, take a look! It's creative, beautiful, mind-boggling, and just plain FUN!! :) Makes me wonder what Beethoven and Chopin would think if they could see what people are doing with pianos these days. :)
Dec. 10 - This evening during the Piranha Hour before supper, I asked Josiah to read a book to Tobin and Shav so they could be happily occupied while I finished getting dinner ready. I reached into our basket of Christmas books and pulled out Miracle in a Shoe Box (by Franklin Graham) for him to read, telling him that I chose that one because I can't get through it without crying. :) He sat on the couch and read it to the little boys; and then when it was over, he asked, "What's so sad about that??" "When the dad comes home," I answered him, my voice choking up even in that brief reply. "Oh, for pete's sake," he exclaimed, "I'M GLAD I'M A BOY!!" ;-) (His future wife can thank me someday. Because of me, he's well acquainted with all the things that can trigger a woman's tears...) :)
Dec. 12 - If you asked me tonight to name one thing I'm especially grateful for, it would be snuggles with a freshly-bathed, sweet-smelling, footy-pajama-clad baby.
Dec. 13 - I laid Moriah on the changing table this morning and opened the drawer to pull out a fresh diaper when it hit me, a verse I hadn't thought about for a while: "Serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2a). Those two words: WITH GLADNESS. I'm very familiar with the idea of serving the Lord through serving my family and other people, and all that I do I *strive* to do as if I were doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). But do I always do it WITH GLADNESS? Sadly, no. Too many times I serve with a grumpiness in my heart that I would be ashamed for anyone to see. But God sees, and He calls me to something higher: a JOYFUL pouring out of myself. Serving with gladness. That's my mission for today. :)
Dec. 14 - I didn't tell them why; but during quiet time this afternoon, I went around to each of my kids, hugged them, chatted with them for a minute, smiled at them, flashed them the "I love you" sign, etc...simply cherished the sight of Josiah laying in the sunshine on David's bed reading a book, David doing a puppet show in the door of his room, Tobin leafing through a Magic Schoolbus book, Shav playing with a little stuffed tiger, and Moriah sitting in her highchair eating a banana. After reading of the tragedy in Connecticut, what else could I do but take the time to show a little extra love to my kids? My heart aches for those parents who will never get the chance to do that for their children again. Oh God, be the God of comfort today!!
Dec. 15 - I'm enjoying the sound of a gentle rain falling on our roof. If it were only about 15 degrees cooler, it would be SNOW! Oh well, I'm thankful for the rain we're getting tonight...and I'm thankful that one of these days, we'll get the white stuff!
Dec. 16 - Shav wanted to be like his big brothers and take a Bible to church with him this morning, so on our way out the door, Tobin grabbed a Bible off the shelf and gave it to Shav. Actually, it wasn't a Bible, but instead was a Bible trivia book styled along the lines of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Shav didn't care, however, and happily carried "his Bible" along with him. On the way, he was flipping through the pages to "read" it; and from his car seat, I heard his little voice pipe up and say, "The Bible says, 'Dogs will not bite'." And then, "The Bible says, 'Tigers will not kill people'." "Aha!" I thought, "He must be 'reading' about heaven!" ;-) Then he said, "The Bible says, 'Batman is not a real thing'." Hmmmm, I'm not exactly sure what chapter and verse he was reading then; but at least he was speaking the truth!! :)
Dec. 17 - This week is highly unusual for me because of one simple reason: I have NOTHING scheduled in it. I am so grateful for the wide open space on my calendar, time in which to stay at home, cuddle with my kids, prepare for Christmas, and simply soak up this time. Soon enough, the days will be filled again with violin lessons and gymnastics class, children's choir and trips to the library; but for now, home sweet home is a very welcome place to be. :)
Dec. 20 - I awoke last night to the sound of little feet pattering across the hall and into my bedroom. The clock said 2:41. Tobin's head appeared beside my bed, and he asked anxiously, "Is David inside or outside?" "He's inside," I mumbled. Satisfied, he turned and left, climbed up the ladder to his bunk bed, and went right back to sleep. :) I've learned that, with little ones in the house, you just never know what might wake you in the night and what burning issues might need to be dealt with to reassure their sweet heads! :)
Dec. 20 - Jeff surprised us by coming home for lunch today, which made us all happy. :) While he was here, he opened the freezer door to get some ice for his tea; and while he was doing that, he said something to Josiah and David like, "Who wants to volunteer for a test to see how well you can endure cold?" While that is NOT the kind of test I'd like to volunteer for, they were both quick to say, "Me, me!" "OK," he answered, "I need you to run outside and shut the door of the woodshed." Off they excitedly sped, both barefoot, Josiah without a shirt, to run up the hill to the woodshed to shut the door. While they were doing it, I was thinking, "Boys and men are just DIFFERENT from me!" :) For one thing, I wouldn't have thought to ask them in that way. Rather than framing it as a challenge like Jeff did, I would more likely have presented it as a need that existed and shown them how they could show love by meeting the need. For another thing, I would have admitted defeat and said that I couldn't handle the cold and that someone else could do it...I wouldn't have competed to show that I could! And lastly, if I had to go out on this cold, damp day, I would have certainly worn shoes and a coat! We sure are different, but that's such a good thing. I want to always appreciate our differences, rather than wondering, "Why can't they be more like me??" ;-)
Dec. 21 - The first snowflakes of the season started falling this morning, causing great excitement in the Fisher household. The meteorologists aren't predicting any significant snowfall, but we can always hope, right? ;-) In any case, it's a nice way to begin winter. We hope for many more snowy days in the future! I could be wrong (and when I'm 85 years old, you can remind me of this), but I don't think I'll EVER get tired of snow!! :)
Dec. 23 - It's sort of a bad thing when you write something on your shopping list in code so that no one who happens to see your list will be able to figure it out...and then you forget what it is. Oh well, I hope it wasn't something important!! ;-)
Dec. 24 - "SNOW!" Tobin shouted a few minutes ago, pointing out the front window. "Really?" I thought as I turned to look. Sure enough, IT'S SNOWING!!! What an incredibly special way to prepare for Christmas!!! :)
Dec. 24 - The snow hasn't even quite covered the ground yet, but already a snowman has been constructed (Henry is his name), a sledding path has been smoothed out, snow angels have been made, snow has been eaten, and a snowball fight between two boys is in progress while the other two boys "jump" on a snowy trampoline. How many things have I crossed off my to-do list? Not one little ol' thing. Do I mind? Nope. ;-)
Dec. 26 - It's snowing! And (I never thought I would say this, but) I'm SAD!! My brother David and his family were planning to come down from Pennsylvania for our bigger family Christmas celebration today, but with the weather, they (wisely) decided not to come. I'm reminded of the truth of Proverbs 16:9. Even in this, I will be thankful: that they aren't fighting the storm out on the roads somewhere, that the snow here is beautiful, that we're safe and warm, that the pace of this day is a bit more relaxed than it would have been otherwise. Today is a gift!
Dec. 27 - I'm 36 years old, but I still haven't figured out how to get ready for, and celebrate, Christmas...and still keep my bedroom neat. Right now I've got wrapping paper, bows, gift bags, etc. scattered about that need to be put away. I've got two laundry baskets of clean clothes that need to be put away. I've got a huge pile of dirty clothes that need to find their way to the laundry room. And various other items that need to be put away but have somehow ended up in my room. A few days ago, I was apologizing to Jeff for how messy the room had become, and I told him that after the holidays, I would make it a priority to get it cleaned up. "That's OK," he said with a mischievous grin, "I like living in a laundry pile." Good man. ;-)
Dec. 28 - I feel old when I say this, but I'm having a really hard time believing that Christmas is already over. I guess I must have blinked, and it happened when my eyes were closed. Note to self: must do a better job of keeping eyes open in 2013. ;-)
Dec. 28 - Tonight I'm grateful for...
1. the beautiful light shining from my neighbor's windows and reflecting on the snow-covered grass,
2. more snow in the forecast,
3. the way Moriah's smile is a whole-body event (not only does her face break into a grin, but from head to toe she wiggles when she's really happy) :),
4. Facebook for the connections I so easily have with loved ones near and far (the majority of whom I would literally never be in touch with otherwise).
Gratitude. It does a body good. :)
Dec. 30 - Pondering this tonight, and saying Amen!... "How much we ENJOY what we have is more important than how MUCH we have. Life is full of people who have more than they know what to do with, but cannot be content. It is the capacity to enjoy life that brings contentment." (from Bits & Pieces, Vol. M, No. 1F)
Dec. 31 - Early morning, last day of the year.
Dec. 31 - What a way to bring in the new year! The boys and I went sledding ("IN THE DARK!") tonight; and because of the mix of snow and ice and thawing and refreezing that we've had recently, the snow was PERFECT. The best sledding snow we've had since we've lived here perhaps? From the top of our hill by the pasture fence, we could slide all the way down to the back of my parents' house; and, if we steered right, we could go to the left of their house and slide even further. It was amazing--the feeling of whooshing down the hill faster than we ever have before, crunching with each footstep on our way back up the hill, laughing crazily at various people's tumbles and wrecks (nothing serious, of course), watching the big, bright moon play peek-a-boo from behind the clouds. I loved every second of it and--imagine this--had to be convinced to come in by the boys! ;-) This was the stuff of which legends are made. :) I have a feeling that years from now, we'll be sitting around reminiscing, and someone will say, "Do you remember that New Year's Eve when the snow was packed just right for sledding and we went out that night and had so much fun? And Josiah and Shav nearly hit a tree, and David tried to go down standing up and he fell down and called out, 'I am hurt. I am very much hurt.' and we laughed and knew he was fine. What a night!" Yep. What a night. :)
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That's it. The year is done. Both Josiah and David were a little sad tonight at the thought of it never being 2012 again; but for me, 2012 lives on...here on the blog and, most of all, in our memories. It's easy to say that 2012 was the best year of my life, but to that I'll add two words.
So far. ;-)
Dec. 31 - Early morning, last day of the year.
Dec. 31 - What a way to bring in the new year! The boys and I went sledding ("IN THE DARK!") tonight; and because of the mix of snow and ice and thawing and refreezing that we've had recently, the snow was PERFECT. The best sledding snow we've had since we've lived here perhaps? From the top of our hill by the pasture fence, we could slide all the way down to the back of my parents' house; and, if we steered right, we could go to the left of their house and slide even further. It was amazing--the feeling of whooshing down the hill faster than we ever have before, crunching with each footstep on our way back up the hill, laughing crazily at various people's tumbles and wrecks (nothing serious, of course), watching the big, bright moon play peek-a-boo from behind the clouds. I loved every second of it and--imagine this--had to be convinced to come in by the boys! ;-) This was the stuff of which legends are made. :) I have a feeling that years from now, we'll be sitting around reminiscing, and someone will say, "Do you remember that New Year's Eve when the snow was packed just right for sledding and we went out that night and had so much fun? And Josiah and Shav nearly hit a tree, and David tried to go down standing up and he fell down and called out, 'I am hurt. I am very much hurt.' and we laughed and knew he was fine. What a night!" Yep. What a night. :)
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That's it. The year is done. Both Josiah and David were a little sad tonight at the thought of it never being 2012 again; but for me, 2012 lives on...here on the blog and, most of all, in our memories. It's easy to say that 2012 was the best year of my life, but to that I'll add two words.
So far. ;-)
