Santa 2009

On Christmas eve we arrived at Macy's at 9:00 a.m. to see Santa. Anneke had a great time except for the 60 seconds we tried to get a good Santa picture. What you see below is the result. We think it is a pretty good Santa picture.



For those of you keeping track, you can compare this to the picture from last year.

Busy Busy

OMG. I cannot believe how much we crammed into Anneke's first week. What were we thinking? This makes me think I must stay pathologically busy. Seriously. It makes me tired just reading this.

Earth's crammed with heaven

My poor husband. He was worried about me when he read the last post. Sorry, Dave. Thanks to you it doesn't take long for me to look around and see all the Good Stuff.

"We are saying thank you and waving, dark though it is"

Here is our new Nativity scene, purchased in Mexico. I love it. It's a perfect souvenir of a perfect vacation. This photo is out-of-focus because I didn't want to dig out the flash or tripod. I arranged it on the mantlepiece and took a step back and was struck by how hopefully, and expectantly, the little figures are gazing on baby Jesus. For the first time I reflected on people's desire for a messiah, a savior. The older I get the more I understand it. During Advent these past few years I find myself reflecting on darkness; I read the paper every day, and...I don't even want to go into it. Bad Stuff has been happening in spades. More than usual? Probably not--I'm not sure, but it's been in my awareness more than usual. Such is the price of parenthood.

And I look at this scene of these grownups: a couple of teen parents, three monarchs, and some shepherds, all crowded around this poor, newborn baby. Here they are bringing heavy, hopeful hearts to this little being who just needs to eat, sleep, and get to know his mom and dad. Forget theology and what you personally believe: what does it say about humanity that this story is so important to us? Right now, to me, it points to a yearning for hope and salvation amidst terrible darkness. Right now I look at this motley group and think, yeah, I'm right there with you.

and here is my Advent wreath. I was very amused at my very-lapsed Catholic friend who reflexively recoiled when I told him I was using all white candles because I couldn't find the elegant royal blue candles I usually use. Said friend was like, but what about the purple and pink candles? Said friend's wife was like, "did you look at Michael's?!" No. I finally decided four wrong-colored candles is better than nothing. But I had not even thought of Michael's and now feel compelled to make a trip. Because that's what Christmas is all about, right?