Christmas Fun

Just thought I would share some of the silliness of the day. Life can get a little heavy sometimes, so it is nice to share smiles and giggles.

The kids have performed a program for the family every year. This year had to have been the fastest ever. Grandma quizzed the kids on the Christmas story to see if they knew what was REALLY in the Bible compared to what we have traditionally come to believe.


My little one got a this princess craft as a present and couldn't wait to put it together. She is one mighty cute princess, don't you think.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas to all!

This season was unique; it included a heart surgery, a funeral, and a new house guest all within three weeks. Not much time was left for shopping or entertaining. In a large way, it was a blessing. Christmas is often swallowed up by commercialism and busy schedules. How often we miss what is really important. The three events that changed our season brought families together at a different level. They put things in perspective that otherwise may have been out of balance.

We enjoyed our Christmas Eve with my brother and his family as well as my parents. Our evening included dinner, a candlelight service at church, and cherry pie to finish off the day.

This morning my little kids waited patiently for me to get ready for the day before we dove into our family Christmas presents. My big kids needed a little prompting. (When does that happen?) It is a joy to watch them give their presents to each other.

After a traditional breakfast of blueberry muffins, we cleaned up, packed up, and moved out for a few days at Grandma's. Their big surprise gift was a Wii system. We won't be seeing them much for the next couple of days.

I am thankful for a few moments of quiet to write.

I am thankful for family.

I am thankful for my Savior who came as a child with the purpose to die a horrible death because he loved me.

I am thankful for His example of a detailed plan of salvation laid out before time began, but executed in simplicity.

Enjoy your day, friends. Merry Christmas!

A Little Indulgence

I love dates with my husband. He told me he was going to surprise me for this one. As we were driving, many ideas crossed my mind, but as we passed each possibility I became more confused. Where would this road take us? The only way I knew was to the shore – but it is December. Then I remembered a conversation from awhile back. We had wanted to eat at the Bobby Flay restaurant in the Borgata, a casino in Atlantic City. Could this be our treat tonight – 5 kids home with spaghetti and us out for a few hours eating great steak? Mind you, this is not a restaurant we would frequent because of expense, but it was a special night for us.

We arrived at Atlantic City early. The crowds were small, but it didn't diminish the beauty and extravagance of the hotel. We sat at a quiet table for two and were waited on by very attentive servers. The food was wonderful, but the company was outstanding. I felt like a newlywed taking pictures – not like a woman married for 18 ½ years with 4 kids (+1 foreign student).

We took a look at the dessert menu, but decided that a venti cup of Earl Grey tea and a cookie at Barnes and Noble would suit us fine. We made the 45 minute drive back home and settled into a familiar seat at the book store. We sat in comfortable silence, shared a few things of what we were reading, made observations, browsed the bargain books, and then left for home. The unfortunate thing is that it was only 8:30 when we arrived at the house so only one out of five kids was in bed. Oh well. I enjoyed my date with my husband.

I realize that I blog a lot about my marriage and my family. I hesitate sometimes because I don't want others to think that I have it perfect or that our family has it all together. Come to our home any day of the week and you will know otherwise. However, I do consider myself to be blessed. I like to share those blessings with others. Please join me in appreciating the blessings in your life no matter how small (or how big).

I don't consider our life to be indulgent or extravagant. I do have 5 kids in our home for goodness sake. I enjoy an indulgence every now and then and tonight was one of those nights.

She Said Yes . . .

Twenty years ago.

It was a cold, rainy night in Philadelphia. My sweetie took me to dinner at Wannamakers in the city and finished the evening with a carriage ride at South Street. It was then that he "popped the question". I wish I could say that my immediate response was "Yes", however, it was "Did you ask my dad?" Actually he had and that was all part of the plan. He knew that having my father's permission was important to me. If I knew that my father had given his approval, I would be expecting a ring shortly. My sweetie wanted to surprise me and surprise me he did. In fact he had gotten the ring while we were at school in OH and kept it in his pocket the entire 9+ hour trip home for Christmas break. I had told friends that there was no way we were getting engaged over the holidays, and I was certain that it would be a spring engagement. Boy, was I wrong. Both our families knew what was going down that night and I was completely out of the loop. That night we were able to visit with both sets of parents and celebrate our engagement.

Our engagement extended 1 ½ years (which I do not recommend). We were married in June of 1990.

Twenty years seems so long ago now. I look back and can only say "wow!" God has chosen to bless our marriage and family in so many ways. I am undeserving of such lavish love. My hubby is an attorney who unfortunately has to deal with many marriages that have not stood the test of time. Our marriage takes work and is always in need of tweaking. However, twenty years ago, when I said I would marry my friend, I had no idea what blessings would lie ahead.

I am so glad that I said "yes".

Early Christmas

My Christmas Present came today.
It came by FedEx in a really big box.
It is approximately 6'x3' in size.
Any guesses?
No?
So I will just have to tell you.
My hubby bought me a sweet desk for our home office (I'll take pictures later).
Even when I was a teacher in the classroom I never enjoyed a desk quite like this one.
At first thought I imagined it to be too big for the room especially since my hubby has one identical to it in the same office.
On second thought, I think I will fill every inch available.
This gift has an interesting element to it.
I am a teacher by trade and have the tremendous blessing to teach my own children in our own home. I am not paid for my abilities outside of eternal investments. Not that I am seeking recognition, but in a sense this desk adds some validation to my job. I happily taught from whatever seat was available in whatever room. I will continue to move to be with my kids. However, having my own space to work and having an effective filing system are huge.
The kids all have their own desks and space to work. This gives Mommy space for herself.

Valentine's Day in December

What? Yes, my friends, Valentine's Day can occur any day of the year - at least according to my husband.
My sweetie surprised me this morning. He sneaked out while I was getting ready for the day and returned with my van filled with gas and a Starbucks mocha latte in hand. Oh, and my drink had a little heart drawn on the lid.
"Happy Valentine's Day! I love you!"
I have been struggling with a bad cold, not one that keeps me down, but one that is annoying. You all know that moms cannot get sick. They have to keep moving and take care of everyone else. I am married to someone who appreciates that fact. He knew that life gets crazy sometimes and that I would appreciate a break.
I couldn't help but smile as he presented me with his present of love and appreciation.
My kids are watching. They see that the little things matter in marriage. They are learning that it is important to show one another how much we love them.
I am so blessed with my husband. No marriage is perfect, but I am thankful for the one that I have. God has taught us a lot over the 18 years that we have been married.
Not every day can be Valentine's Day, but I am thankful that we can celebrate it in our home more than once a year.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my God is The Great Physician.
I am thankful for excellent hospitals close to home.
I am thankful for diligent, intelligent surgeons.
I am thankful for compassionate nurses and staff.
I am thankful for a change in the schedule that allowed the surgeon to focus entirely on one operation.
I am thankful that my father-in-law came through over 7 hours of open heart surgery.
I am thankful for my kids who were able to take care of themselves so I could be at the hospital with Grandma and Daddy. They are so awesome.
I am thankful for the power of prayer.

Baby Fix

I love babies.
God has blessed me with four treasures in my own children.
In another life I would have lots more.
Practically speaking, I knew I had to stop somewhere.
However, my husband and I know that in some shape or form we will have kids in our home for many years.
I am not sure how God will work that out - foster, foreign host, adopt?
In the meantime, I can enjoy the sweet smell of newborns and the joy that they bring to families that I am close to.
This tiny, newborn boy I visited today was precious as I held him close and spoke softly to comfort his squirmy cries.
Before I left I placed him in the arms of his new father, who is beginning to realize what a huge responsibility came with this blessing.
I got my baby fix and left to share the rest of the afternoon with the children God has already placed in my home.
I thank God for babies. They are not inconveniences, accidents, or excuses. They change our lives, warm our hearts, stretch our faith, bring us joy and bring us to our knees.
Christmas is a great time to be reminded of the preciousness of babies as we contemplate the baby that God placed in a manger.
This little one's earthly mom and dad must have been blown away at the awesomeness of God in that little baby. I am sure Mary held Jesus closely and calmed his fussiness with the gentleness and cautiousness of a new mom.
I always tell new moms to enjoy every minute because their little ones grow up too fast. What was going through Mary's mind - Jesus, don't grow up too fast? She knew what was his destiny as the Son of God. How much more precious was each moment with her son.
I think I need a Christmas baby fix. God, give me a fresh look at the babe in the manger.
Show me again the awesomeness and purpose in your plan.

A Little Blessing

I was reminded today how cool my little ones are. My little man had made Christmas story puppets this morning in Sunday School. Once home, he and his sisters proceeded to develop their own puppet show with scenes and all. This project took a few hours and it was a blessing to watch them work together and be creative. One extra blessing was the quiet that I had to enjoy a little nap before I attacked some much needed Christmas shopping.

Just Because

I post this just because I love my kids and I love Christmas. We decorate the day after Thanksgiving and this year was no different. I am so thankful for my kids and the great help they are to me. I enjoyed watching their creativity. Every year they find their favorite ornaments and place them on the tree. Mind you, my tree is very kid friendly. Christmas this year seems very different for me. My kids say that I am in denial. (Of course I write this 1 1/2 weeks before Christmas and I have a total of 2 presents bought and nothing wrapped.) I don't think denial is the correct word. I try to talk myself into thinking that I am purposely not getting stressed out over what is and isn't done. I know it will all get done - when I am not sure. In the meantime, I will enjoy the Christmas season as it comes - one day at a time.

Better Late Than Never

I finally got these pictures on my computer.
At my Nana's funeral all of us cousins had the chance to chat even for a short time. It was a special treat to see all of them who had traveled from MI, OH, PA, NC, NJ, MD, and TX. Why is it that funerals and weddings are the only times we get together anymore.
That needs to change. Why wait until we have to get together?
I am blessed with a great family. Of course all families have their own quirks, mine included. However, it is a blessing to have family who enjoy each other, can laugh together and know how important family is.

Peanut Brittle

For the last 15 years our family has enjoyed the tradition of making homemade peanut brittle. The recipe has traveled over many years through numerous generations of Schrolls. Each batch is systematically measured out (in pounds, not cups) and carefully cooked on the stovetop (not over the fire) to precise temperatures. Within an hour the mixture of nuts, sugar, and corn syrup is poured onto marble slabs and slowly stretched to a thin candy. A delicious sight!

This year all the kids enjoyed being involved in various stages of the process, from greasing the slabs and utensils to the tedious, continual stirring. As the kids grow, so do their responsibilities. My little man reveled in the fact that he was now big enough to stir and measure. That is a promotion from dishwasher.

My big girls worked together to measure and each shared time stirring. My sweetie joked that it won't be too long before they do the entire job themselves. Grandpa joined in the fun, but let the rest of us take over the duties.

My little one was still too young to participate fully, but she managed to get her time in. Ultimately, she is much better at chilling on days like this.

When all was said and done, we packed up more than 40 pounds of candy. Thankfully, not all of that is consumed by our family. We have enough problems with cavities, thank you. We gift quite a bit of it.

Traditions are special things to enjoy. I look forward to continuing this one for many years to come.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for friends who share over a cup of tea.
I am thankful for people whom God puts in my life to both challenge me and encourage me.
I am thankful for beautiful flowers on a gloomy day.
I am thankful for dates with my husband.

Naughty or Nice

My father asked my little one this morning, "Are you being naughty or nice?" She responded with an innocent face, "Naughty, but it doesn't matter because it is Christmas." Somehow I think she has things a little confused.

Change of Pace

I did something out of the norm today. We put the books aside for the morning. I planned a lighter school day, and we spent the morning with my mom. We put the kids to work cleaning baseboards and dusting furniture. We cleaned windows and helped carry boxes out of the upstairs storage closet. When all was said and done, it looked like Christmas in her home.

My mom helps others so much. She has spent the last week and a half helping my grandfather with funeral arrangements as well as cleaning out his house. It felt good to give back a small portion of my day to help her a little.

Now we are back to the books. I love to teach, but sometimes it is a good thing to learn life lessons that are not found in books.

Hopeful or Hopeless

Finally, I have time to sit and write.

These two words, hopeful and hopeless, sum up many of my thoughts over the last week. As we enter the Christmas season, life turns double flips throughout our days. Is there hope for a calm, peaceful, meaningful Christmas? Is it hopeless to expect my house to be neat and orderly in the midst of craziness? Is our economy in a hopeless state of disrepair?

I watched hope lived out this week at my Nana's funeral. She loved Jesus. She no longer lives here on this earth, but because she placed her hope in her Savior, she now lives in heaven with Him. I walked into the church and felt hope in the midst of sadness. Life doesn't have to be hopeless. Nana lived 92 years and weathered both good and bad times. I am sure there were moments of hopelessness due to jobs, economy, and war; but her life wasn't lived that way. What a joy to know that same Savior and know that each day has purpose. My Jesus walks every moment with me as He did with Nana. There is nothing that can come into my life that God has not ordained with purpose. Hopelessness is not part of God's vocabulary.

Honestly, my anxiety level is higher this week than it has been in a long while. We are enjoying the beginning of a host family relationship with a Korean 9^th grade student. Transitions bring challenges, but those challenges are not surprises to God who we feel has led us to bringing Hari into our home.

My father –in-law will be having a heart valve transplant and triple bi-pass surgery this month as well. Again, this is not a hopeless situation and not one that is a surprise to my God.

Without God in my life, I could look at my days in despair of all that needs to done yet and all that is happening around me in my little world and the big world around me.

God, help me to keep a perspective of hope in you. Life is nowhere near hopeless. I am so blessed. You have met every need and given me many of my desires. Teach me again how to hope in you and not in myself. Please make this season more special than I could have ever imagined. Show me afresh the Hope of Christmas.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my Savior is the God of Peace.

I am thankful that He gives His peace to me.

I am thankful for a tremendously supportive husband.

I am thankful for a home that I can share with others.

I am thankful for sunshine and cozy fires.

I am thankful that my Savior is emotional and cares about the crazy emotions flying in my world this week.