If It Could Talk...

There aren't too many things that I love more than sitting in front of a Christmas tree at night. 

It's warm and cozy. The ornaments tell stories, tales from years past (and even though I'm at my in-law's house, it's special to look at the tree and know there are so many stories on it). 

I am thinking I could use a cup of hot chocolate right about now.

What do you love about Christmastime?

Beauty

Tonight I saw a sunset unlike any I have ever seen before.

It was a raging fire in the sky, fierce in its beauty. The horizon had overcome the golden orb of the sun, but the glow from its rays, even as the darker night sky loomed, only became more intense. The land seemed to crash into the brilliant blazing streak that burned bright orange into the atmosphere and slowly faded into purple, and then midnight-blue.

I never want to forget that sunset. 

An Early Christmas

Before we headed to Florida, we had a Skype Christmas session with my parents. 

The kids opened their goodie bags all together.

There are always new socks. (They all put them on right away. You can see Eliana's.)

And coloring books, and stickers, and markers, and crayons, and crafty things

fill up their bags.

Grandma and Grandpa got them new ornaments. 

Nail polish (well, not for Christian), erasers, and GIANT pencils and pens. 

They got a kick out of all of it.

They took turns reading their cards (Christian read Eliana's to her),

which were very sweet and personal. 

Eliana got some big coloring books. (And something that is still on the way, so she will have that to open later.)

Christian received a cool story that he can insert himself into. We'll have to figure out how that works another day, as I have yet to pack (all the way) for the trip we're going on. Tomorrow.

They were so patient and respectful while waiting for another person to finish.

Michaela opened a canvas bag that came with iron-on patches. It was a lovely bag! Sturdy, maybe for library trips? 

I love how they want to get into each thing right away. They don't just rip off the paper and toss the gift aside. They check it out, and take time to appreciate it.

When Eliana opened this present, 

she said,"What is it?" She's so funny. 

When they explained to her what it was, a lap desk, she lit up. 

Christian's final wrapped present was a paper airplane set, with instructions and paper just the right size for designing far-reaching flying machines. 

There are already at least two planes that have taken flight in the house. There would be more, but he had to go to bed, then there was school, and then he had homework tonight.

Michaela's last gift was a calligraphy set. She loved it!

Grandma told her how Uncle Matt had been introduced to calligraphy at around her age, and that he had really enjoyed it. She also told her that he had made the name cards for Mike and my rehearsal dinner. I had forgotten that. 

Once everything was unwrapped (Mike and I had presents too, but there are no pictures of that), they got busy with their new things. 

I told you it was GIANT. 

Christian was writing with his pencil and he said,"It's hard to write with something this big! This pencil is going to last forever!" 

And today Michaela spent a significant amount of time learning two styles of writing, I think the foundation for the fancier stuff. She's very dedicated and disciplined (until it's math time...ha!). 

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for such a fun early Christmas!! We wish we could have been together in person, but are so grateful that we can visit with you on Skype! We love you more than you know!

Sweet Surprises

We gasp when we discover beauty in unexpected places,

but we shouldn't be so surprised,

because we know and have experienced,

someone is often creating something beautiful in unexpected ways in unexpected places.

I've Been Meaning to Say

I've been meaning to say
We fed the ducks 

She likes to wear her daddy's comfy t-shirts

She likes to listen to the pattering of the falling beads

Her sister wove a web with her long locks

I like to see her sweet face when all that hair is pulled back

She likes to take pictures

She calls this her camera

She's getting so grown-up

That is such a beautiful thing

He was a happy entertainer for his sisters' fashion show, in between outfits

They are pretty great 
I love them so
And I had just been meaning to say