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!!!

Thanksgiving hussle and bussle

Forgot to take pictures, but we had a nice T-day with my dad and family. I most enjoyed visiting with my 92 year old grandpa. We had a good talk about life. He is still sharp as a tack, and has slight vision and hearing loss.

Shopped with Mom on Friday for eleven hours. Nearly everything we got used a coupon or a discount. And I think we did pretty good not to buy any nonsense. Only about five items left, and I am done...woohoo!

Got the tree up, lights on the house, and a little time to rest and relax. We are looking forward to some Xmas fun in the coming weeks. I have gotten to where I do enjoy this time of the year, despite all it has become. I think it helps me to keep my eye focused on the Savior, and simplify. Less presents, less parties, less events...keep it simple and enjoy the things I really think are important for me and my family. Hope you all can do the same this season.

Webelos Woods

This weekend was Webelos Woods. This is where the boys show what they have learned as they prepare to bridge over from Webelos to Boy Scouts. It was a little competition emphasizing team work in various areas. We were so proud of boys. They placed 9th out of 53 Webelos I patrols (5th grade are Webelos II). They placed 2nd in Camping and one of the leaders attributed that success to Zachary's efforts. Goooo Zachary!

Despite the freezing weather, which I slept in 3 layers with 3 layers of covers and never got warm, and that 2 boys had nightmares and screamed out in there sleep, we had a pretty good time. Zachary slept in a tent with another boy, so I was a little stressed the first night. But he really showed improvement at this camp out as far as staying with the boys, and I did not worry as much about him wondering off.

Van Gogh

Zachary has taken interest in Van Gogh again. He asked to help paint our last room in the house. He insisted he wear a hat like Van Gogh.

Brain scan

The other day I was visiting with Zachary's doctor, and he wondered if Zachary was having seizures. He did not seem real concerned, but thought we should have him tested to rule it out completely. It's always something.


So after visiting with a pediatric neurologist, he felt like a brain scan would be the next step, but he too did not feel like this was anything more than ADD. Zachary has been to soooo many doctors, that he did not even complain. He was concerned about missing school, but he let them do there thing and did his best to comply.

20 little brain scanners attached

wrap him up to keep it all in place

Thankfully all was normal. And we are back to the same old routine.