So here I am. In front of the Ministry of Something or Other building in Luxembourg last week. (fantastic trip and I will share pics soon!)
What?
You don't see me?
Try this…..
Happy New Year to you! : )
Monthly Archives: December 2011
{this moment}
{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Snapshots of Heidelberg
on a blustery day downtown….
I find myself short on words these days. They are there to be sure, but tend to remain tucked away, mulled over, prayed over, dreamed on, and blanketed snugly in my heart.
Our days have been full of images like these.
and yes, I dream in black and white very often : )
What He thinks….. instead
Sometimes we need to remember Whose opinion truly counts….
Again there she stood with glasses and braces,
uncontrollable hair and cumbersome graces.
So back to herself in that hall all alone
she set down her cup and turned to go home.
“Excuse me young lady,” the voice asked. “If I might, with permission of course, have the last dance tonight.”
"With me?" She asked startled, as she turned to the voice.
You must be mistaken. I’m an awful poor choice.
Who told you you're awful?” He asked. “How do you know?”
“Can’t you see for yourself, the whole world tells me so.”
Then onto the dance floor walked the King as he said: “Would you like to my child, hear what I think instead?”
Then the hall filled with music as the king took her hand.
She asked “Your Majesty, please, I don’t understand?”
“I think you’re beautiful,” the King said as he smiled.
“I treasure you deeply. You’re lovely my child.
I think you’re beautiful – your hair and your braces,
your glasses and clothes your cumbersome graces.
And many more traits which I could speak of, there’s nothing about you I don’t truly love. You’re kind and you’re honest, funny and smart. You’re really quite charming you have a good heart.”
“Your majesty,” she asked as a tear came in view.
"I’d like to believe you, is that really true?”
“Of course it is true, every word that I say.
Daughter, I am the King. I made you that way.
I delight in your beauty, you’re wonderfully made.
I knew you before the foundation was laid.
You’re precious to me, every hair on your head,
daughter hear and believe.” The snoodle king said.
– Veggie Tale's Snoodlerella.
Use Your Talents
Frohe Weihnachten
It is late on Christmas Eve and very loud in our house and I wouldn't have it any other way. Nine of the ten kids are under my roof at this moment. Ten, if you count the young man who is like family who is joining us for Christmas.
There have been movies and debates about football, remembering days gone by and talks about plans for those to come. There has been a lot of wrapping and a little bit of cookie making. I have a full fridge but nothing made for Christmas dinner. But that's ok. There are lots of capable hands and it will all happen one way or another.
There have been many hours logged in the car driving to and from the airport, to and from the grocery store, running in and out of gift stores. While I normally detest running it is different these days. The children we used to live with are no longer that. They are grown and fascinating. They make me laugh and make me think. The hours and errands have passed so delightfully with them along. I cannot imagine being blessed with better friends.
This year especially, after much separation and challenge, I am grateful for the gift of family. I hope you are smiling with yours, wherever you may be.
Frohe Weihnachten!
with care
A highlight of the season is pulling out this hand-stitched felt stocking from my childhood.
Snow Day in Heidelberg
Five
There has been nary a free moment in the past week or so. My husband surprised me with my early Christmas gift – he flew Colin here. : ) Besides that, there have been dance performances (3), a talent show, and a birthday for Tess. She is five now and requested a party with friends this year. We invited two sweet sisters for cake and homemade games one afternoon last week.
A slightly snow-covered castle and very pink cupcakes courtesy of her big sister.
Pin the tail….
And a pinata, which was a first for us. The birthday day turned out to be dark and stormy so we took advantage of the stairway.
Daddy was not going to miss the party so he took off work to come have lunch with her.
The party goers wrapping up their afternoon, sans shoes and with a silly little sister face from Abbie. A very nice day all around.
I apologize that I am behind on blog mail (as well as wrapping gifts, shopping, and a number of other things ; )) Bear with me please. We have another son and his friend arriving soon and will have a very full house for a few weeks.
Gaudete
"put it into your heart… that the thing that disturbs you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing. Do not let your countenance, your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this sickness … any other sickness, nor anything that is sharp or hurtful."
– message of The Virgin of Guadalupe
Starry Sky Journal 