This Reminds Me

Archive for December, 2006

…is her two front teeth.  Wednesday night’s loss brings Julia’s count to three lost teeth.   Want to see something amazing? Click here to view the video of her first lost tooth in June. Then, she was speaking a soup of Russian and English.  Now – it’s all English.  All the time.  Even when you’re trying to drive, talk on the phone, cook, type or sleep.  Keith said that with three sisters, she had to learn to speak quickly just to defend herself.  Considering two of her favorite phrases are, “Let me have a turn,” and “That’s mine,” I’d say she’s succeeding.

The Tooth Fairy left a Pablo doll under Julia’s pillow.  I once pulled one of David’s permanent molars in an (unsuccessful) attempt for him to snag the shiny dime we received.

Keith always makes homemade ravioli for New Year’s Eve dinner, stuffed with lobster and feta cheese.  This year, though, I think he will have to direct Lois (our finest sou chef)  in its creation.  He stumbled in the garage today and impaled his right palm on a peg board.  We spent five hours in the emergency room, emerging with his right hand all bandaged, and his left hand clutching a prescription for major antibiotics.  He’ll be fine, but getting there will not be half the fun.

Ho ho ho!  Rachel didn’t go to sleep last night and attempted to rouse her family to open gifts at 5 a.m.  (Her extensive knowledge of all their stocking contents leads me to believe she can be light on the stairs.)  Keith and I squinted at each other through the bloodshot eyes of late-night assembly and ordered her back to bed – this time to sleep.  Julia later awaked us at the more civilized time of 8:20.

Julia –  the Red Power Ranger.  She also has a saber.  Be afraid.

No more arguing over whose beach towel – “Hannah Marie” is embroidered above the Disney Princesses.

Lois, the Guitar Hero.  Our Play Station 2 is now on time sharing.  Lois got it until noon.  Julia has it from noon – 1 p.m. for “Power Rangers.”  Rachel, Lois and Hannah want it after that for “Sing Star.” (sigh)  Going to need an alarm clock atop it..

Rachel is transferring ring tones from my (uncool) flip phone to her new pink RAZR with bluetooth.  “Mom, don’t you want one of these cooler ring tones?”  My answer – “No, I just want it to ring.”  Months ago, she set my ring tone to “I’m Too Sexy,” which caused no end of mirth the first few times it rang at work.  And Wednesday night prayer meeting.

Julia’s first bike was a HUGE hit!  Disney Princesses, doncha know – with matching helmet and pads.  It’s windy here this morning, plus we live on top of a hill – so pardon the swooshing sound.

We’ll be cuddling up to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” later on.  I’ll get a little sad, thinking how that movie epitomizes my mother.  And wishing David were here to roll his eyes and make fun of me.  So I’ll hold tight to those memories, plus maybe make a few for my kids.   We can’t live in the past.  It’s the present that’s the gift.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Here’s hoping we all ring a few bells – and see a few angels – today.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from San Antonio!  We’ve had a busy week here, and in Houston.

We made a quick trip to Houston earlier this week, where Julia and Hannah frolicked in the rain.  Why?  Because we live in Texas, and they could.

Aunt Judy gave matching Christmas bracelets to three-year-old Laura and six-year-old (first cousin once removed) Julia.  They played ball, frosted cupcakes and conspired never to pick up their toys.  Laura is going to have a new brother or sister in February, so, we’ll be back to visit soon.

After church this morning, Keith and I took the girls to see “The Nativity.” I don’t understand why this movie has gotten such lackluster reviews.  We were all captivated by it.  The bible story is beautifully - and accurately – told with enough “extras” to really make you think. It’s not just “one more Christmas story.”  It is THE Christmas story.  I particularly enjoyed all the traditional Christmas carols woven thematically – and subtlly –  in the background.

The importance of Mary’s parents, the faith of Joseph, the determination of the wise men and the devotation of the shepherds are all explored.  One shepherd has reason to repeat, “Everyone has a gift.”   Not “everyone has money to buy gifts.”  Not “everyone gives.”  But instead, “Everyone has a gift.”

The girls cuddled up with Santa before the movie.  Julia whispered with intensity, “I want a bicycle.”  Mom and Dad are fairly confident one is wheeling her way tomorrow.

We’ve really been working at teaching Julia the Christmas story.  Without the benefit of years of Sunday School training and decades of family faith drawing her to the manger, it’s been tough.  We’ve read stories.  We visited Main Street Bethlehem. We’ve reviewed Sunday lessons.  We really felt the movie would help, too.  And it did.

After the movie, Julia said, “Mommy, I want baby Jesus in my tummy.”  I responded, “Well, you can’t have that.  But one day you can have Jesus in your heart.”  When her understanding has grown, we’ll talk about what that means.  Because as important as the cradle is, it’s nothing without the cross.

As the shepherd said – “Everyone has a gift.”

And this season, holding her in my lap – while surrounded by Keith, Rachel, Lois and Hannah – has been mine.

Merry Christmas.  And may your gift be shared.