'TIS THE SEASON

Yesterday we decided to take the kids to get pictures with Santa at our outdoor shopping mall. Now, I don't know if those ol' Alberta clippers even reach this far (they hit Cleveland like a freight train gone mad when I lived there) but it sure felt like an Arctic blast from parts north to me.
Especially when we had to hoof it from our van to the little Santa bubble in gale force winds and freezing temps, with four kids in tow. "What's a Santa bubble?" you wonder. Well, it's a sort of mini overheated biosphere where Santa roasts in his big red suit and kids inhale germs like happy gas strapped to the anxious mug of a reluctant dental patient.

On our way in (by way of the Arctic circle), Reece inquired as to whether any orphans would be working with Santa.

"Orphans??? What's that?"
"You know, Mom. They wear funny clothes and curled up slippers."
"You mean elves? They're elves, baby. Not orphans."
"Oh yeah. Elves."

So, we enter the Santa bubble and immediately realize that we left our own camera at home. No big, you say? Well, actually it was a big deal. For one, they had a humongous oversized rocking horse.Olivia (age 8) looked like Lily Tomlin as Edith Ann on Laugh-In. She perched herself on that huge horse with her tights and patent leather shoes, long wool coat and blonde locks. It was SUCH a Kodak moment, as she'll consider herself "too grown up" to climb up there in the near future. Sigh. No camera.

Another reason we wanted to have our own camera is because, folks, Santa's pricey. $20 for two stinkin' 5X7's is absurd. Yes, we paid it, but what a racket. We had actually intended to buy the two shots, but had also planned to take a few of our own. Bummer. So, we get all four kids ready and Brandon (11 mos) who had not been fearful of anyone up to that point, decided that Santa Bubble is the perfect place to begin a stranger danger campaign. He looked back cautiously at the bearded man, who said, "Hi, little fella," in a thick Kentucky accent and,........"Whaaaaaa!" It was on. Brandon did not have any intention of cooperating. The girls snapped frantically, waving jingle bells and speaking in high pitched Santa tones that only made it worse. Thankfully, one shot caught Brandon during a much needed inhale and, well, at least he only looks terrified and not outright bawling, right?

After the photo was deemed acceptable (and they gave us a "Clampetts" look because we weren't dropping $50 or more on a "package deal"), Santa asked the kids what they wanted. Reece, who loves round objects, responded.

"I want a new marble tower and a ball thing."

"Marbles and balls. Mmm-hmm. And, anything else?"

"Um," Reece thought carefully before abruptly concluding, "Mommy said only two."
Alrighty then, Mama's got more clout than Santa.

And Olivia was not happy that Santa didn't hand out candy canes, but instead handed out tiny containers of, what else, bubbles (remember, we're in the Santa bubble) and a cheap whistle. Liv's whistle wouldn't blow and she spouted off, "And the guy's supposed to make this stuff?" to which her Dad responded, "Why don't we go back then, and you can bag on Santa for passing out cheesy toys." Gee, I'm glad she doesn't get her sarcastic edge from moi.






















Now then, y'all might remember the beautiful Christmas scene that Miss Sniz recently posted, complete with a gorgeous blazing fire. Well, net pals, I'm not about to be outdone, not even by my dearest Sniz. I had dh fire up a yule log for me too. Isn't she a beauty? Complete with a Cincinnati Reds stocking rested against the hearth for that perfect holiday touch.

















Nothing says classy like a cardboard fireplace, folks. Sure, you might be thinking, "Cheap cardboard," but you'd be wrong. It was previously owned cheap cardboard (because we're green like that, and besides, we've got a "keep up with the Sniz's Joneses" reputation to maintain.) In all seriousness, our kids are getting an absolute kick out of the "prop" (as they called it). Reece was sticking his head up the chimney, realizing it dead ended at the faux mantle. His inquiry? "Will Santa still get burned on these flames if he comes in this way?" No lightbulb moment there.

Finally, we put up our outside lights tonight after the kids were in bed. It was a crisp, cold night but the air was still and the night was wonderfully quiet. We got to work and pulled it off without too much effort. However, I did almost blow out an ankle when I slipped out of our landscape stones and down the sloped grade of our front yard. Carl congratulated me for not breaking anything, while I assured him the pulled back muscle should heal nicely after a few nights of heating pads and a round (or so) of Ibuprofen. If you don't already know this about me, I have a way of entertaining my neighbors when I'm outside. My klutzy exit from our landscape bed tonight was no exception, though I'm fairly certain no one saw.

Hopefully, they didn't see me cutting back hostas and pulling up and bagging their dead leaves either (seeing that it was 30º, 11 o'clock at night, December and snowing; perfect weeding weather, don't you think?) But it was all worth it, truly, because as we finished up, the most beautiful, soft falling but substantial December snow began to fall. I got caught up in the ambiance of the lights, the silent night and the peaceful snow for just a moment, just long enough to thank God for such simple pleasures before heading inside to thaw.

















Now let me just say, when it was said and done, my hands were numb and as red as a beet. I spoke like the rusty Tin Man and my teeth were chattering like crazy. Carl thoughtfully made some much needed chai tea while I warmed myself by the fire.

What?

Oh yeah, right, right. It's only a faux flame. Well okay then, so I indulged in warm thoughts as I sat by my fake (but cozy) fireplace and soothed myself with a cup of deliciously hot chai tea. Indeed, 'tis the season.


Luke 2:8-14
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Toni