Splash in the Rain Puddles

The stockings are empty, the presents are unwrapped, our company has returned home.  I got up early on this day after Christmas just to have some moments to reflect.  I'm sitting here with my bible and my coffee by the twinkle of the tree....and it is lovely.  There's something about the calm after a storm :).  A good storm.  I'm reading about the wise men.  The journey they took as they followed the star in such anticipation to join in the worship of the tiny baby King.  As my kids sang happy birthday to Jesus last night, my heart was full of joy along with a heart full of a desire that they would never forget that this is why we celebrate......that they will one day fully understand that the reason why we give and receive presents is to demonstrate God's great and consuming love.  Lord, help us teach them them as they grow, that the birthday is only the beginning of the life of our perfect Savior.....the first step of God's plan to save each and every one of his c

I realize that I have absolutely no experience with other preschools and of course I am slight biased, but I have to say....our preschool rocks.  Sure, we may not be in a thriving metropolis where resources and facilities are top of the line....but what is top of the line are the teachers and staff....the way they care for and love each student...the endless smiles and hugs....the creation of an environment that makes kids want to run into their classrooms each morning.  This is our fifth year with the St. John's family and I simply cannot praise them enough for what they do. They do things well. Not over the top or showy. Just heartfelt, and well.  Yesterday was a perfect example.  A wonderful Nativity program complete with costumes and carols.... and adorable handmade surprises that each student gave to their parents with hearts full of joy.  So great.  Many thanks to each of you at the school.  You are amazing!

Oh Luke.  Our dear third born.  What will you do next?  Let's just say I find it a small miracle that our tree is still standing, that he has not yet knocked any teeth out or broken any limbs, and that my nerves are not completely shot.  He certainly is giving us a run for our money....but I guess he will keep us young............or make us age really fast.  Either way.....an adventure for sure.  I now warn people who watch him that he will try to climb, jump off of, eat, or stick his fingers in, pretty much anything he can get ahold of.  Needless to say, this week in nursery he ate a wadded up ball of stickers and got his head stuck in a chair.  awesome :)   We are so proud of this guy.  Student of the month for December!  He continues to be an excellent student and loves his school and everything that goes with it.  To celebrate, he had a special night with just mom and dad, complete with an ice cream sundae.  Great job buddy!! Yes, someone is definitely

Time.  Where has it gone?  Where is it going?!  One day I'll have more than a few minutes to update my blog, but that time is not now.  Despite my rising early and getting a jump on the day....devotions, lunch packing and paperwork seem to be all I can squeeze into my early moments of quiet before the troops awake and it's off to the races.  So for now I will just say, Happy Christmas season!!  It's such a wonderful time.  My little helpers and I have been in full decorating swing and there are few things more special than witnessing their excitement about all the things the season brings.  Memorizing lines for Christmas programs.....learning the words to old carols that are brand new to their young ears...hanging ornaments....stringing garland...baking cookies....squealing with joy that the Christmas lights on the posts through town are finally turned on!!!!!.....and of course Chase is just thrilled that all this is to celebrate a birthday.....he just loves birthday's.