The Reason for the Season?

It's Christmas time. The malls are crowded, parking spots are coveted, and bank accounts are emptied. We are so busy with events, and shopping, and lists that the season seems to fly by without time to really enjoy it. And what is it that we should be enjoying? A few material items wrapped up in pretty paper? Thousands of calories in holiday food?

For me, Christmas took on a brand new meaning when I had children. Children. Babies. A baby. That is what Christmas is really all about, right? A baby. The Baby. They joke in that Will Ferrell movie about praying to the baby Jesus- but really we should take some time to think about Jesus as a baby. He was vulnerable. He required feeding and nurturing from his human parents. He was a baby- a crying, hungry, wet, baby boy.

We hear it all the time in church.

For God so loved the Earth that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

But, if you have children, that common bible verse takes on an entirely new meaning. I would walk through fire if it would mean that my child wouldn't have to. I would gladly take on any illness if it would mean sparing my child. And God gave the world this baby. A real live vulnerable baby boy. This baby that would grow up and make the ultimate sacrifice. The tables are turned and it is this baby that will one day be nailed to a cross and give His life in order that we should not suffer.

I have begun to look at my children as small living pieces of God. In their birth, beginning their lives as tiny fragile infants they begin life in the same way as the son of God. I cannot begin to explain the depths of the love that I have for my children. I cannot begin to make you understand how happy they make my heart. And I myself cannot quantify the intense fear and heartache that accompany even the thought that they will one day know pain and sadness. And now imagine God as a parent. Imagine the scope of the gift that He gave us. He gave us a baby, to be raised in what He knew was an imperfect world. In a world that He knew would crucify his only son. And yet he so loved us that he gave his son to all of us. I can only imagine that the love that God has for all of us, his children, is monumental compared to the love that I have for my own children. And I can only imagine that to feel that love will be like the light of the sun compared to that of a single candle. It is that overwhelming and unimagineable love that we should think about during this busy season.

Christmas is a time to remember an infant. A gift to the world. Not a gift wrapped up in a box or decorated with glitter and bows. A gift of love. And it is a time to share that love with our families and friends. So this Christmas remember that night over two thousand years ago when two frightened parents witnessed the birth of their first child. So this Christmas honor that baby Jesus and the sacrifices that He would ultimately make for us by doing the one thing that he most represents. Love. Love yourselves. Love each other.

And that is the simple answer. The reason for the season? It's love.

What a Wonderful World

There are days when you wake up and just feel good about things. Today is one of those days. It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I slept for ten hours last night but regardless today I just look feel so blessed. I was watching last night's 'America's Got Talent' this morning and one of the contestants sang "What a Wonderful World". That song is one of those songs that can just make you smile. But I noticed a line this time that I had never really paid attention to before.

"I hear babies cry. I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know and I think to myself, 'What a Wonderful World.'"

That pretty much sums up how I feel today. I look at my children and see in them limitless possibility. I can literally see them learn things from day to day. I have seen them take steps and heard them say first words. I can sit back and watch them figure out how things work and test their boundaries and limits. It's really probably the most amazing thing that I've ever had the honor to witness.

So while I hope to do something amazing one day I know that I already have done something amazing in its own right. Even though billions of people have done it before me I still look at my two boys and know that they are miracles. They are my legacy. And for that I am proud of myself. And I do think to myself, "What a Wonderful World"!.

Attitude Adjustment

There are some days when I wish I lived on my own little deserted island far away from facebook, family drama, traffic, and people in general. Then I realize that firstly that is not possible due to a severely limited budget but also secondly that I would be missing out on a lot of good things that way.

I am glad to live close by my family. Logistically it is a great boon because with two small children having built in babysitters makes my life much more manageable. I also love to see my children interact with their family and build strong roots. It's great to be able to share my two gifts to the world with family and I truly believe that my sons enrich the lives of all those who are close to them.

I think I've always known this to be true but until recently have been unable to actually implement it in my life but I now embrace the fact that I cannot not control what other people think and do but only how I react to them. In other words I am giving myself an attitude adjustment. I think that our society that is so obsessed with tweeting our every move, posting our every thought on facebook, and yes even writing blogs seems to just breed animosity these days. And since we lurk around facebook checking out everyone's lives there is little of substance to actually talk about when we do get together in person. I know it's a bit late for "New Year's Resolutions" but I will make a mid-year resolution.

Today I resolve to observe the world around me and do my best to engage only in the positive experiences. I resolve to take time every day to think about all the good in my life and try not to focus on the negatives. I resolve to have real meaningful conversations and to enjoy every moment with the family and friends that I love. And while I cannot promise not to daydream about that deserted island I will do my best to create my own island right here by not wasting my time on bad thoughts, negative people, or frustration and anger.

We Could All Use a Little Bit of Make Believe

Have you ever thought about the phrase "make believe" before? It is used so often that I don't think most people really contemplate how important it is. I'm not just talking about pretend play here but actually believing that you can make something happen. We are taught as children that make believe belongs to the land of fairies and Prince Charmings but I think that if we as adults practiced playing make believe more often we would all be better off. If there is something that you want to do. Make Believe. Believe it and make it happen. It's the power of positive thought turned it up a notch.

It is the combination of the two words that make "make believe" so empowering. We are sometimes told that the power of positive thought can be a catalyst to getting what we want. But if you believe in something hard enough all that happens is that you believe, a lot. There is something missing in that philosophy. You have to act upon that belief.

As children, make believe is all about fantasy. And at that point in our lives that is what is important. Children need to learn to stretch their imaginations, hone their desires, and learn to hope. With limited life experiences a child may make believe that she is a princess in the tallest tower waiting for her Prince. What I am telling you now is that although you grow out of fanciful notions about warding off dragons, becoming Sleeping Beauty, or having magical powers does not mean that you grow out of playing make believe.

Be your own advocate. If you want to write the next great American novel don't just dream it- do it. If you want to turn the radio on and hear your song playing but you don't even own a guitar- what are you waiting for? When your dream of running a marathon gets pushed back from year to year- stop! Make it happen! This goes for anything. Be a better mom, a better husband, a better daughter, or employee. Earn more money. Fall in love. Paint a picture. I'm not saying that just because you believe that you will be the next Picasso that it's going to happen. I'm just saying that if you never try- you'll never know. And the world could miss out on something pretty amazing.

My Toy Story Experience: Metamorphasis from Child to Parent

Toy Story has spanned across the part of my life with the most dramatic changes. When the first movie came out with its breathtaking 3d animation and the ability to show things in a way that no traditionally animated movie ever could I was in fifth grade.

I was astounded by the visuals and it was great to experience the new technology but that still isn't what stole the show for me. The characters and the relationships were so much more real than in other family movies. Watching Toy Story was like being a child around an adult who still treats you like you are important and intelligent. I saw in Toy Story the joy of being a child. For me, it was the first movie that really resonated with both my mind and soul.

Then they came out with Toy Story 2. I was in ninth grade by then- maybe too old to be attending a Disney movie. But I saw that in the theaters as soon as it came out. And although I was completely expecting a disappointing sequel, I fell in love again. Toy Story 2 caught me at a point in my life when I was leaving childhood behind. The grace with which they showed childhood as beautiful but ephemeral and fleeting tugged at my heart strings. I found myself in a strange place. I was still hanging on to my childhood and the comforts represented by childhood toys but I was standing on the precipice of adulthood. I knew that I would be leaving behind the happiness that only a child can feel, the ability to create entire worlds with just my imagination and a few toys, and mostly the feeling of safety and contentment that children feel. The montage ending with Jessie being donated still stands out in my mind as one of the most moving moments in any movie. I ate up every second of that movie and have since come to love it even more than the original.

Now I have my own son who loves Woody and Buzz. The idea of passing the toys on to be loved by another generation of children really touched home for me. There I was sitting in the theater with my almost three year old son (at his very first movie) and we were both glued to the screen. Woody and Buzz literally had been passed down a generation in my family. My son was riveted. He sat up on edge when they were in peril. He laughed when were silly. He loved every second of it. And when it was time to say goodbye to Woody, Buzz, and all of their friends I saw not only my childhood which by this point is in the past but I saw the beauty of every moment of make believe that I have the privilege to share with my little boy. I saw the almost three years of my son's life that have already slipped by pass before my eyes. I suddenly found myself empathizing with Andy's mom and saw Woody and Buzz as metaphors of parenthood.

We get to share moments of complete joy and all encompassing love with our children but they grow up so quickly. We will always be important to them but it will never again be the same as the day that we held them on the day that they were born. Or the moment that they took their first step. The moments of make believe will be replaced and the firsts become more and more adult as they attend their first day of school, have their first love, and one day have kids of their own. The way that Toy Story 3 said goodbye to the characters that have literally been with me on my journey from child to parent was poignant, simply stated, and honestly perfect.

I am so glad that I was able to share Toy Story with my son. His first movie going experience was the best that it possibly could have been. It was magical- which is what Disney is all about. So goodbye Woody and Buzz, I have loved you and I will make sure that like Andy's toys I will enjoy the time that I have, soak up every minute that my son chooses to devote to me, and when the day comes that he too grows up I will make sure to be there for him... whenever he needs me.

Dylan with the toy Woody
that my mom bought me when
the first Toy Story movie
was released in 1995.

Patrick's Party!

Thanks everyone who was able to make it to the party! It was so much fun and I can't believe that our little guy is going to be a year old on Thursday!

The party was a blast! We had a carnival complete with moon bounce, popcorn, funnel cakes, balloon animals, and carnival games! What a fun day! Here are a few of the many (359 to be exact) photos. I know, I need help.


Photos are of-
Patrick's New Cozy Coupe from Mimi and Pappy, his gift from Mommy and Daddy, his new big boy seat from Mom Mom and Pop Pop and his balloon hat that Daddy made!

1. I was shocked and surprised to see so much negative reaction to Lost. Both by loyal Losties and people who thought we should be worried about more "worldly" issues.

2. I have found the simplest and best thing to cook. Uncle Ben's whole grain rice that you boil in the bag. Literally you just throw the entire bag in some boiling water.

3. I can't STAND it when people say "I seen that".

4. My son told me this week that he wants to change his name to Shake-o James Ben. I look forward to telling him that one day.

5. I can say the alphabet backwards. Probably faster than you can say it forwards ;)

6. Our tiny little baby has turned into a bottomless pit. He honestly eats more than I do.

7. If I could get rid of only one bug in the entire world without disrupting the ecosystem it would be ants. I know, you'd think misquitos right? But no- ants.

8. I stole this from Mama Days which led me to check out lowercase letters which I think is awesome! Hooray for finding new opinions and ideas to check out!