Charles Dickens. I love his writings, A Christmas Carol being my favorite book that he penned. (Shocker, right?) He wrote, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." I was thinking of this statement this morning and I began to mourn the end of the Christmas season. I know that I should take advantage of the down time and rid my house of all of my beautiful Christmas decorations, but I just can't. I want to hold onto it for a little while longer.
As much as I would like to have frozen time on December 25th to savour every moment of that day, the reality is that Christmas has come and gone, and there will be 360 more days until it reappears. There is no stopping time. And as a mother who is now 36, I can tell you that I long to stop it on a regular basis--to pause on a special moment, to marvel at my kids at a certain stage just a moment longer, to hold their hands tightly while they let me, to snuggle them in bed while they will still visit me there, and to keep the wrinkles from multiplying and body parts from sagging. Sometimes I think time is an enemy, a thief.
I am powerless to stop time, of that I am certain. None of us can. Only God has that power, and He chooses to allow it to move on in this realm, though I believe there is no concept of time in Heaven. There is one passage in the Bible where He did stop the sun for almost an entire day for a battle because Joshua had prayed for him to do so. So, I guess there has been a moment in our history where time did stop. Hmmm.....that has me thinking.....maybe I should pray about this. :)
Anyway, on to the point of this blog. We had a wonderful Christmas. As is our tradition, we spent Christmas Eve at Aunt Bonnie's with the Bailey clan, and though the absence of Granny and Granddaddy always brings a tinge of sadness, we are always happy to be together. Christmas Eve, my family came over to open gifts and eat together. Christmas morning, the boys opened their gifts from Santa and since Anderson got a new airplane, we went over to my parents' house Christmas morning to fly it and eat breakfast with everyone there. That afternoon, we left for Greensboro and spent the evening with the Brewers. And today, five days later, I thought about this: the constant staples of these gatherings is always three things-- the presence of our God, the love of our families, the joy of the season.
And I guess really what I miss most about Christmas is just that: the presence (not the presents, though they are FUN), the love, and the joy. And what I thought about today when I remembered the Dickens quote was this: That presence, that love, and that joy are constant in my life. Sure, there is something magical about December for me. It always has been and always will be. But the things I love most about Christmas I carry throughout the whole year.
So, I DO honor Christmas in my heart, and I DO keep it all the year. And since time never stops, I will look forward to the time when the season arrives once again.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
i was dreaming of a white christmas...
...and I got one! Raleigh has not had an accumulation of snow on Christmas day since 1946, two years before my dad was even born. I'm not sure that we technically broke that record this year because it didn't start snowing in Raleigh until around 11 pm on Christmas night, but we were in Greensboro where it had been snowing since 1 pm, so we had our very first white Christmas!
The morning of the 26th, Paul, Bennett and I loaded up the van with five sleds and Jordan, Candice, Ava Michelle, and her friend, Abe, and headed over to the golf course at Starmount. We met Elisabeth, Ryan, Molly and Myles on #4 for some sledding. (Anderson was sledding with his older cousins over in their neighborhood, and Miller, Elisabeth's baby, was with his grandparents.)
The snow was perfect. About 4-6 inches of thick powder, perfect for snowball and snowman making and for plastic sleds on grassy slopes. We had so much fun! And I had fun taking lots of photographs with my new camera. Here are a few...
Elisabeth launching at the top of the hill.
Myles and Bennett--best cousins and friends--near the end of their ride.
Paul and Bennett having fun.
Best buddies.
Bennett LOVES the snow!
The morning of the 26th, Paul, Bennett and I loaded up the van with five sleds and Jordan, Candice, Ava Michelle, and her friend, Abe, and headed over to the golf course at Starmount. We met Elisabeth, Ryan, Molly and Myles on #4 for some sledding. (Anderson was sledding with his older cousins over in their neighborhood, and Miller, Elisabeth's baby, was with his grandparents.)
The snow was perfect. About 4-6 inches of thick powder, perfect for snowball and snowman making and for plastic sleds on grassy slopes. We had so much fun! And I had fun taking lots of photographs with my new camera. Here are a few...
Elisabeth launching at the top of the hill.
Myles and Bennett--best cousins and friends--near the end of their ride.
Paul and Bennett having fun.
Best buddies.
Bennett LOVES the snow!
Monday, December 13, 2010
monday's funnies
Bennett has said two things in the last ten minutes to his brother that I just had to write down so I wouldn't forget.
1. He and his brother were teasing each other about girls. Anderson says to Bennett, "You have a singing girlfriend." (He was talking about Selena Gomez.) Bennett gets very upset and says, "No my don't!" I overhear the argument, so I tell Bennett to go to his room and get his pajamas on to separate them since Anderson was headed to his room to do the same. On the way to his room, Bennett stops by the playroom where I was sitting and says, "Mom, my have to tell you something." He continues in an angry, frustrated voice. "Bubba says my have a singing girlfriend and my don't! My dating Cole!"
Okay, how in the world he knows about "dating" is still a mystery. He may be four but he can talk like he's a twelve. I'm sure that has a lot to do with having a twelve-year-old brother.
Oh, and for the record, Cole is a girl (Rachel "Cole"), and she is my niece. That makes her his cousin. First cousin. Yep, but it's okay. We live in the South. :)
2. Anderson and Bennett, clearly chockful of testosterone tonight, were just wrestling in the playroom. What Bennett lacks in size and strength he makes up for in tenacity and determination and fiestiness. All of a sudden, he is hanging onto his brother's neck and back for dear life and saying in the loudest, meanest, most intimidating voice he can muster, "Who's the strongest? Who's the strongest?" He honestly thought he was stronger. In fact, he keeps asking me tonight, "Mom, who's the strongest: Me or Bubba?" He doesn't like the answer, so he then responds, "Nope. Nobody's strong. Only me." Delusion is a powerful thing.
1. He and his brother were teasing each other about girls. Anderson says to Bennett, "You have a singing girlfriend." (He was talking about Selena Gomez.) Bennett gets very upset and says, "No my don't!" I overhear the argument, so I tell Bennett to go to his room and get his pajamas on to separate them since Anderson was headed to his room to do the same. On the way to his room, Bennett stops by the playroom where I was sitting and says, "Mom, my have to tell you something." He continues in an angry, frustrated voice. "Bubba says my have a singing girlfriend and my don't! My dating Cole!"
Okay, how in the world he knows about "dating" is still a mystery. He may be four but he can talk like he's a twelve. I'm sure that has a lot to do with having a twelve-year-old brother.
Oh, and for the record, Cole is a girl (Rachel "Cole"), and she is my niece. That makes her his cousin. First cousin. Yep, but it's okay. We live in the South. :)
2. Anderson and Bennett, clearly chockful of testosterone tonight, were just wrestling in the playroom. What Bennett lacks in size and strength he makes up for in tenacity and determination and fiestiness. All of a sudden, he is hanging onto his brother's neck and back for dear life and saying in the loudest, meanest, most intimidating voice he can muster, "Who's the strongest? Who's the strongest?" He honestly thought he was stronger. In fact, he keeps asking me tonight, "Mom, who's the strongest: Me or Bubba?" He doesn't like the answer, so he then responds, "Nope. Nobody's strong. Only me." Delusion is a powerful thing.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
God's goodness & golf
God's goodness and golf--such a strange blog post title, I know. How in the world will I connect the goodness of God with the game of golf? Well, here you go...
Last night, Paul and I went to his end-of-the-year party for his golf course and its sister courses. I have to admit that I wasn't terribly excited about a golf Christmas party that was comprised primarily of golfers that I do not know. But as it turns out, my second cousin and his wife were there because--unbeknownst to me--they are members at a sister course, so I ended up knowing two more people than I expected to at the party. But I'll get to that part of the story momentarily.
One of the reasons we wanted to go to this party was because they were having a reverse raffle (still not sure exactly what that is?), and the grand prize was $3000 that could be used toward anything at the golf club--including monthly fees, golf clubs, etc. The winner would have more than a year of golf paid in full for his or her entire family. It was a prize that I admit I had prayed for from time to time whenever Paul mentioned it. You see, only people who had won tournaments during the year would be qualified to participate in the raffle. Paul had only played in three tournaments this year (probably because I requested that he not play as much golf this year, so he honored me in that). But of the three tournaments, I think he placed first or second in all of them, so his name was put into the drawing six times. There were 135 drawings, so his chances were probably better than anyone's that he would win some kind of a prize, though of the 135 drawings, there were only 36 prizes, so four of the times that Paul's name was drawn, there was no prize. But by the twentieth drawing, every person whose name was drawn received a prize. And at this point, Paul's name was in there not once but twice.
Paul looks at me when drawing #20 was up and said, "How cool would it be if I won the grand prize and the second prize?" We both laughed, and I agreed that such an event--though highly unlikely--would be such a blessing. Because of the economy, we had discussed downgrading our membership next year which would restrict when we could play but would allow us to pay a lower fee each month.
The drawings continued until the 10th prize drawing, at which point we paused and moved into the auditorium to have a business-type meeting and would then close the night with the final drawings. As we began our exit from the banquet room, my cousin says, "My name is still in the drawing."
"Yeah, I saw that, and so is Paul's name. His is in there twice. I think you two should take the top three prizes."
We both laughed and he agreed that this would be ideal. Of course, I'm sure he had his eye on the grand prize, too!
After a very long business meeting (where I passed the time trying to figure out how to use Paul's cell phone and accidentally called a few folks), the drawings commenced.
They called name #10--not Paul's. Every time they drew a name, I prayed, "Not Paul's name. Not Paul's name." They called #9, #8, #7.....all the way to #5, and still--Paul's name had not been called. Things were looking really good for him and for my cousin, whose name had not been called either. But Paul's chances were twice as good as my cousin's for winning the grand prize.
They called #4, and neither Paul nor my cousin's name was called. That meant that the top three prizes were going to my cousin and to Paul. I was elated.
And then they said it--#3, "Gary Norris". Paul looked stunned. Then slowly, his hands went up in the air in sheer astonishment. He had won both the first and second place prizes. He had won $3,000 to use at the golf course and unlimited tournament entry fees (a prize probably valued at well over $1000). This astonishing win means two things: Paul will not be paying the golf course a dime for anthing for at least a year. And it means that if I want to see my husband in 2011, I better take up golf.
I can't tell you how grateful we felt when we realized what Paul had won. It was amazing. The odds of this happening were well under 1% from a statistical point of view. But with God, statistics mean nothing. He can do anything. And he did. He just gave my husband a desire of his heart--more golf FOR FREE. Paul said to me on the drive home that I could use some of the money we will save to go shopping. Of course, that made me so happy, but truthfully--just seeing the joy on my husband's face was enough. At least for now it is. :)
I stand amazed at God's goodness to us, in every area of our lives. If it all went south tomorrow, God would still be good. That will never change.
But I have to share this--just a few months ago, a local municipality tried to charge us an ungodly amount of money to do some road improvements where we own a business. It wasn't right nor was it fair. Needless to say, we did a lot of praying and asking God to intervene. And he did. We still have to pay more than we should, but they reduced the original charge 75%. But ever since that ordeal, we have seen the hand of God reach down to bless us financially time and time again, providing ways for us to earn more. It was as if He was saying to us, "Don't worry. I've got you. I will take care of you." And Paul's winning those raffles last night was just another reminder that He holds us, He cares for us, and He will not only take care of us but will bless us with heart's desires. What a good God He is.
So if you don't see me much in 2011, you can probably find me on the golf course with my husband and sons. And it won't be costing us a dime. Thank you, Jesus.
Last night, Paul and I went to his end-of-the-year party for his golf course and its sister courses. I have to admit that I wasn't terribly excited about a golf Christmas party that was comprised primarily of golfers that I do not know. But as it turns out, my second cousin and his wife were there because--unbeknownst to me--they are members at a sister course, so I ended up knowing two more people than I expected to at the party. But I'll get to that part of the story momentarily.
One of the reasons we wanted to go to this party was because they were having a reverse raffle (still not sure exactly what that is?), and the grand prize was $3000 that could be used toward anything at the golf club--including monthly fees, golf clubs, etc. The winner would have more than a year of golf paid in full for his or her entire family. It was a prize that I admit I had prayed for from time to time whenever Paul mentioned it. You see, only people who had won tournaments during the year would be qualified to participate in the raffle. Paul had only played in three tournaments this year (probably because I requested that he not play as much golf this year, so he honored me in that). But of the three tournaments, I think he placed first or second in all of them, so his name was put into the drawing six times. There were 135 drawings, so his chances were probably better than anyone's that he would win some kind of a prize, though of the 135 drawings, there were only 36 prizes, so four of the times that Paul's name was drawn, there was no prize. But by the twentieth drawing, every person whose name was drawn received a prize. And at this point, Paul's name was in there not once but twice.
Paul looks at me when drawing #20 was up and said, "How cool would it be if I won the grand prize and the second prize?" We both laughed, and I agreed that such an event--though highly unlikely--would be such a blessing. Because of the economy, we had discussed downgrading our membership next year which would restrict when we could play but would allow us to pay a lower fee each month.
The drawings continued until the 10th prize drawing, at which point we paused and moved into the auditorium to have a business-type meeting and would then close the night with the final drawings. As we began our exit from the banquet room, my cousin says, "My name is still in the drawing."
"Yeah, I saw that, and so is Paul's name. His is in there twice. I think you two should take the top three prizes."
We both laughed and he agreed that this would be ideal. Of course, I'm sure he had his eye on the grand prize, too!
After a very long business meeting (where I passed the time trying to figure out how to use Paul's cell phone and accidentally called a few folks), the drawings commenced.
They called name #10--not Paul's. Every time they drew a name, I prayed, "Not Paul's name. Not Paul's name." They called #9, #8, #7.....all the way to #5, and still--Paul's name had not been called. Things were looking really good for him and for my cousin, whose name had not been called either. But Paul's chances were twice as good as my cousin's for winning the grand prize.
They called #4, and neither Paul nor my cousin's name was called. That meant that the top three prizes were going to my cousin and to Paul. I was elated.
And then they said it--#3, "Gary Norris". Paul looked stunned. Then slowly, his hands went up in the air in sheer astonishment. He had won both the first and second place prizes. He had won $3,000 to use at the golf course and unlimited tournament entry fees (a prize probably valued at well over $1000). This astonishing win means two things: Paul will not be paying the golf course a dime for anthing for at least a year. And it means that if I want to see my husband in 2011, I better take up golf.
I can't tell you how grateful we felt when we realized what Paul had won. It was amazing. The odds of this happening were well under 1% from a statistical point of view. But with God, statistics mean nothing. He can do anything. And he did. He just gave my husband a desire of his heart--more golf FOR FREE. Paul said to me on the drive home that I could use some of the money we will save to go shopping. Of course, that made me so happy, but truthfully--just seeing the joy on my husband's face was enough. At least for now it is. :)
I stand amazed at God's goodness to us, in every area of our lives. If it all went south tomorrow, God would still be good. That will never change.
But I have to share this--just a few months ago, a local municipality tried to charge us an ungodly amount of money to do some road improvements where we own a business. It wasn't right nor was it fair. Needless to say, we did a lot of praying and asking God to intervene. And he did. We still have to pay more than we should, but they reduced the original charge 75%. But ever since that ordeal, we have seen the hand of God reach down to bless us financially time and time again, providing ways for us to earn more. It was as if He was saying to us, "Don't worry. I've got you. I will take care of you." And Paul's winning those raffles last night was just another reminder that He holds us, He cares for us, and He will not only take care of us but will bless us with heart's desires. What a good God He is.
So if you don't see me much in 2011, you can probably find me on the golf course with my husband and sons. And it won't be costing us a dime. Thank you, Jesus.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
can't find the right word exactly
My boys and their words.....they can be so funny. Or not.
This week, out of the blue, I am working on Christmas cards when Bennett enters the room and says, "You're sexy", followed by a slew of giggles.
My first reaction--shock. My second--I want to laugh. Third--I try to get it together so I can address the fact that sexy is a word no four-year old should use, or even know for that matter.
"Excuse me, son? You don't use that word. That is a grown-up word, and you do not even know what that means."
"My gonna be a woman and be sexy." The laughing is now uncontrollable.
My voice gets louder, "Bennett, you are NOT to use a word that you do not understand what it means. That is a grown up word. Don't say that again."
Well, if you know Bennett, you know that he did say it again. If you know me, you know he was disciplined for it.
I know the moment something becomes forbidden, its appeal skyrockets. I kept thinking about this as I gave Bennett strict instructions not to use it. I wondered, "What can I get him to say instead?" I couldn't think of a word then, and I still can't. It seems the ONLY words that make him giggle are potty words.
Like the other day, for example. He was watching the San Diego Chargers game, and they were blowing the game. All of a sudden, out of the blue, Bennett says, "They suck!"
"Excuse me? No sir, we do not use that word. You can say, 'They stink'."
Bennett begins to laugh heartily. "They suck."
"Okay, I am going to have to discipline you," I assure him.
"No, no, no, Mom.....NO!!!!!" And the protesting begins.
To be honest, the hardest part about disciplining Bennett is that I am trying so hard not to laugh (as is Paul, who is worse than I am in trying to hold it together when the boys say something inappropriate). I think this week alone Paul and I have held our breaths on three different occasions to keep from laughing. And Bennett is so onto us. He can just feel when we want to laugh, which only encourages him to keep at it to see how long it takes either of us to lose our composure.
I don't remember Anderson having a so-called potty mouth, which makes sense because Anderson is so much like his dad (who also doesn't have a potty mouth). And Bennett is so much like.......me. Yep, makes perfect sense.
But I did ask Anderson, after the "sexy" incident, where Bennett learned that word. After all, one of the few challenges I have found from having children almost 8 years apart is that the younger one always learns things before the first child did, and often they are things they are not ready to learn just yet. Anyway, Anderson said, "He learned it from Shrek, Mom. You know, at the end of the movie where they have 'Far, Far Away Idol'? They sing that song (he starts singing), "I'm too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, so sexy it hurts. I'm immortal, you know what I mean."
"Wait, Anderson. What did you just sing? I'm immortal?"
He smiles, "That's not the right word, is it?"
"No, honey. It's 'I'm a model.'"
We both laughed hysterically. And this time, I didn't have to try to hold my breath.
This week, out of the blue, I am working on Christmas cards when Bennett enters the room and says, "You're sexy", followed by a slew of giggles.
My first reaction--shock. My second--I want to laugh. Third--I try to get it together so I can address the fact that sexy is a word no four-year old should use, or even know for that matter.
"Excuse me, son? You don't use that word. That is a grown-up word, and you do not even know what that means."
"My gonna be a woman and be sexy." The laughing is now uncontrollable.
My voice gets louder, "Bennett, you are NOT to use a word that you do not understand what it means. That is a grown up word. Don't say that again."
Well, if you know Bennett, you know that he did say it again. If you know me, you know he was disciplined for it.
I know the moment something becomes forbidden, its appeal skyrockets. I kept thinking about this as I gave Bennett strict instructions not to use it. I wondered, "What can I get him to say instead?" I couldn't think of a word then, and I still can't. It seems the ONLY words that make him giggle are potty words.
Like the other day, for example. He was watching the San Diego Chargers game, and they were blowing the game. All of a sudden, out of the blue, Bennett says, "They suck!"
"Excuse me? No sir, we do not use that word. You can say, 'They stink'."
Bennett begins to laugh heartily. "They suck."
"Okay, I am going to have to discipline you," I assure him.
"No, no, no, Mom.....NO!!!!!" And the protesting begins.
To be honest, the hardest part about disciplining Bennett is that I am trying so hard not to laugh (as is Paul, who is worse than I am in trying to hold it together when the boys say something inappropriate). I think this week alone Paul and I have held our breaths on three different occasions to keep from laughing. And Bennett is so onto us. He can just feel when we want to laugh, which only encourages him to keep at it to see how long it takes either of us to lose our composure.
I don't remember Anderson having a so-called potty mouth, which makes sense because Anderson is so much like his dad (who also doesn't have a potty mouth). And Bennett is so much like.......me. Yep, makes perfect sense.
But I did ask Anderson, after the "sexy" incident, where Bennett learned that word. After all, one of the few challenges I have found from having children almost 8 years apart is that the younger one always learns things before the first child did, and often they are things they are not ready to learn just yet. Anyway, Anderson said, "He learned it from Shrek, Mom. You know, at the end of the movie where they have 'Far, Far Away Idol'? They sing that song (he starts singing), "I'm too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, so sexy it hurts. I'm immortal, you know what I mean."
"Wait, Anderson. What did you just sing? I'm immortal?"
He smiles, "That's not the right word, is it?"
"No, honey. It's 'I'm a model.'"
We both laughed hysterically. And this time, I didn't have to try to hold my breath.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
snow and a family reunion, in no particular order
It snowed today in Raleigh! It started while we were at Aversboro Baptist Church in Garner at the semi-annual Hicks Family Reunion. Both events brought sweet joy to my heart--the snow because it was beautiful and caused my boys to squeal in delight, and the reunion because this tradition of being able to visit with my great aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. and eat oh-so-delicious-southern food takes me back to my childhood in a way that only Christmastime can.
I took my early Christmas-and-birthday present (a method of gift-giving we December babies are very familiar with) to the reunion and took some photos to commemorate the events of today. I am LOVING my camera. I am still learning how to use it along with the lenses, but I am having a great time learning. It never hurts to have such wonderful subjects to photograph.
This is my beautiful mother with her newest grandson, Sawyer--another miracle baby.
This is a photo of Anderson and Hampton playing in the falling snow. I wish I had not blurred Anderson's face here, but I still love this photo.
Another photo of sweet Hampton.
Bennett was having fun running around in the driveway as it snowed.
Eating snowflakes.
A photo of my handsome Anderson.
More snow eatin'.
Aunt Bonnie holding Sawyer, Mom, and Uncle Charles holding my newest cousin, Davis.
My daddy and Sawyer.
I took my early Christmas-and-birthday present (a method of gift-giving we December babies are very familiar with) to the reunion and took some photos to commemorate the events of today. I am LOVING my camera. I am still learning how to use it along with the lenses, but I am having a great time learning. It never hurts to have such wonderful subjects to photograph.
This is my beautiful mother with her newest grandson, Sawyer--another miracle baby.
This is a photo of Anderson and Hampton playing in the falling snow. I wish I had not blurred Anderson's face here, but I still love this photo.
Another photo of sweet Hampton.
Bennett was having fun running around in the driveway as it snowed.
Eating snowflakes.
A photo of my handsome Anderson.
More snow eatin'.
Aunt Bonnie holding Sawyer, Mom, and Uncle Charles holding my newest cousin, Davis.
My daddy and Sawyer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)