Symbols of Christmas

At church these past four weeks, we've talked about some of the symbols of Christmas. Maybe it takes me a while to put things together, but I never thought of it this way.

1. Evergreens remind us of God's never-ending, unchanging love for you and me.

2. The star and light remind us there is hope in a dark world.

3. Gifts remind us that God gave us the ultimate gift of love in His Son Jesus Christ, to transform our lives and use us, then, to transform the lives of others.

4. Nativity Scenes remind us that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us..."

With all the rush, it is hard to keep focused on what matters. Tomorrow when you are out, take time to reflect on the simple symbols of Christmas and what the day is truly about. Simplify and Enjoy! - that's my motto, and I'm sticking to it. Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Miracle

We had our annual Christmas musical at Zachary's school a few weeks ago. The first one we did in 1st grade was rather challenging. I worried, and have done so every year, about how Zachary will do, whether he would sing and know the movements, go running off the stage, pick a cuticle the majority of the play...all possible scenarios have entered my head, and some have been lived out.

Well this year, was the first time he appeared to do all the movements appropriately. So I include 3 photos to show you that he is on beat and doing the moves with the girls next to him. I was so thrilled inside, and smiled like an idiot on the outside. He has worked so hard, and come a long way in the past four years. Me and John were both applauding his efforts, and of course, stopped for a Sonic ice cream on the way home.

Way to go Zachary! Maybe in the Spring musical, you will get the speaking part. He's only gotten two part, and it wasn't speaking. I thought I was going to vomit the night of the performance. Nonetheless, I have more confidence in my little actor, and expect he will do great!

Getting into the Christmas spirit

To start the Christmas season off right, we planned a little trip. We had a class field trip to the Austin Capitol, but left from there to head up to the Great Wolf Lodge, where they have an indoor water park at the hotel.

We got in a little late, so we had to hold off on the park until Saturday. We started Saturday with what I would call a pretty, da-gone tasty breakfast buffet. Of course a little pricey, but a nice selection of food. We then headed to ICE, the exhibit they bring to the Gaylord Texan every year. This year it was a Charlie Brown Christmas, one of my favorite movies.

We were cold at 12 degree temperatures

Doesn't anyone know the true meaning of Christmas?

Good ole Snoopy

Afterwards, we headed back to swim. We ate pizza for a late lunch - Zachary's favorite food. Then played video games for a bit. Of course he won some silly prize that cost way more than it was worth, but he so happy with it.

And then Santa showed up, so we had to get a pic with him. And no less, Zachary started listing off all these different items he wanted from Santa. And dinner, after that, was quite tasty.

All in all, we had a great trip! We finished off our adventure with a stop by Scott and Leah's new place on Sunday. We got the official tour of their home, which was lovely! And we had lunch before we left Dallas at a BBQ place. The food was so good, and they gave you "complimentary" Blue Bell ice cream. How can you go wrong!!!