In a Bubble

It's really hard to get into the Christmas spirit with all the horrible things happening around us.  Seems like every day there is something new, something tragic.  I don't think that things are worse now than 10 years ago, I just think I'm a mom now so I notice these things more.  My first instinct when I heard about the shootings at Sandy Hook was to leave work and go get all of my hooligans.  My first instinct was to take them all home, pull Sophia out of school, home-school and live in a bubble of protection.  After the shock wore off and I had time to process everything I realized how ridiculous my initial thoughts were. 

My children are not my own.  They were a gift from God.  He is trusting me to take good care of them and to raise them in a Godly home.  They are His children and he loves them more than I could ever imagine.  He loves them more than me.  That is so hard to grasp.  How could anyone love them more than me?  It doesn't matter what I do to try and protect them from harm, we live in a fallen world where horrific things happen every day.  God doesn't make those things happen, but he allows them to.  I won't know all the answers until I am kneeling at his feet.  Living in a fallen world doesn't make me mad at God, it makes me long for him more.  I need Him.  We all need Him. 

Our pastor has mentioned numerous times that we will face trials on this side of Heaven.  There is not a person on this planet that won't go through hard times at some point in their life.  Where is our faith going to stand when we are confronted with those trials?  How do people get through tragedies without a relationship with Jesus Christ?

I can put my family in a bubble and shield them from the world.  Does that mean something terrible can't happen to them?  There is childhood cancer everywhere.  There are deadly car accidents daily.  There are horrible things that happen every second.  I would be devastated if something tragic happened to one of my children.  I would never get over it.  I don't know how I could get up every morning and carry on with my life.  I do know that God's grace would be sufficient in those times.  I know that He would carry me through and that because of my relationship with him, I would be healed.  Today I will hold them a little tighter, cherish them a little more, love them until it hurts.

Tree Farm

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that we've started with our family is going to a tree farm the day after Thanksgiving and cutting down our tree.  I've always loved real Christmas trees.  I love their imperfections and the way they make your house smell.  The first couple of years we were married we just ran up to Lowes and grabbed a tree.  About 2 days later each time, the daily sweeping around the tree began.  Needles everywhere.  Then we learned that if you cut down a fresh tree, they don't shed.  Praise the Lord for my sanity.  He knows how much I loathe cleaning.

Last year we discovered a little tree farm called Yesterland.  It is the cutest place ever.  They have a great Santa, lots of little rides and games for the kids, Fair type foods and a great selection of trees.  The kids loved it, so we went back this year and took some friends and family along.  The weather was perfect and we ended up staying for half of the day.

Surprise!

I'm not going to lie, I was a little ticked at the Hubby.  You see, I take birthdays very seriously.  It's the one day a year that is your day.  The Hubby isn't as thrilled about birthdays as I am.  Leading up to my 30th he hadn't really mentioned anything about my major milestone.  He hadn't asked what I wanted, he hadn't made any plans.  I was trying not to be upset because he is crazy busy with his business, but still, it's my 30th!!!  I was feeling a little sorry for myself and definitely did a lot of pity shopping for myself the day before.  The day of I woke up to a card and a bag of Depends, granny panties, Fixodent and old lady hair clips.  Haha, very funny.

That evening we got ready to go to our favorite local restaurant, Bin 303.  My mom came over to watch the kids so we could enjoy a nice dinner alone.  What happened when we walked in the restaurant is nothing short of a miracle.  He had planned a surprise party and all my close friends were waiting on me to celebrate.  I think I'm still in shock.  I seriously had no clue.  It was so much fun.   Lots of laughs, great food, great drinks, a Society Bakery cake.  My cup runneth over.  Now the bar is set high for the Hubby's 40th.  It's right around the corner, I've got to start planning.  He's not laughing right now!

The Big 3-0

Ugh...tomorrow is my birthday.  It's a big one.  I've been a little depressed about it for some reason.  A part of me is like, "age is just a number".  Another part of me is like, "HOLY CRAP, I'M OFFICIALLY AN ADULT!!!"  Most people assume that I have already passed this milestone.  I'm assuming it's because I have 100 kids.  I feel like it's because I look older than I am...hence the depression.  Regardless of my age, I'm thankful for another year.  I'm thankful to live in the house of my dreams, with the husband of my dreams and a boatload of healthy kids running around.  I'm thankful that I have a job that I love that allows me to work part time so I can enjoy being a Momma to my boatload of kids.  I'm thankful that the Hubby is much older than me.  That makes me feel a little better.  I look forward to the next decade.  I look forward to raising these little blessings and growing stronger in my walk with Jesus Christ.  I look forward to celebrating more anniversary's with the Hubby and growing old together.  I look forward to the day that I can afford my Mommy makeover and some botox.

The only thing I wanted for my birthday was a day by myself to go shopping.  Today was that day and it was FABULOUS.  The poor Hubby didn't feel well and had to deal with a screaming baby all day, but he never complained.  I went to my favorite mall with my favorite latte in hand.  I took my time going to all my favorite stores just browsing...and buying.  I had my first experience at the Dry Bar and it was amazing!  When I first got to the mall I went straight to Origins to pick up a couple of my favorite items.  There was this overly nice guy helping me.  I might have mentioned that I felt like I was looking old.  He might have scooped me away to the back and gave me an anti-aging facial.  I bought everything he put on my face.  I'm such a sucker like that.  Let's hope it works and erases 5 years off because then I won't be depressed about my big birthday anymore.