Mary--before her song

She laughed. She laughed as if she'd just heard the funniest joke in the world. She stopped laughing when she saw that he wasn't.

 She had been kneading bread when she was suddenly interrupted by a voice softly calling her name, Mary. When she turned around, she was startled to realize no one there, at least no one human.

"No, no..it can't be. It just can't be." Mary said as she backed away, knocking into the wooden chair next to the wooden table, causing it to rock slightly. She quickly grabbed the back of it, unsure if it was to steady the chair or herself.

 "I'm not the right person for this. Who am I to be chosen for such a task? I'm too young, no one even takes me seriously." She sat down in the wooden chair, put her elbows on the table, leaning her head in her hands. She wished her parents were with her now, to witness this conversation.To tell her what to do, to hold her and tell her everything was going to be 'ok'.

"What will my parents think? No one will believe me. Momma will be heart broken. My father-oh God-father will disown me! This can't happen--it's just not possible." She stood up abruptly, put her fingers to her temples and began rubbing her forehead pensively, her thoughts racing to try and figure out the situation.

"You just don't understand. What will Joseph think? Joseph...He'll leave me. I love him, don't you see that? I LOVE him. What if he leaves me? Then what do I do? Do you understand what you're asking me to do?" She began pacing the dirt floor of the kitchen area in her parents house.

"I can run away. Yes, I'll run away. I'll go, I can go...go to...where can I go? There's no where to go."

"You can't, you can't ask me to do this. Oh God! The neighbors, the townspeople,they are going to stone me! They will kill me for this! KILL me!" She felt her self begin to tremble in an uncontrollable panic.

She crumpled to the floor in a heap and began sobbing. "Oh God! NO! Please, please don't ask me to do this. Please, no. No, no, no, no..." Her voice trailed off, strangled by her sobs.

As the tears spent themselves she began to feel a warmth and a calmness envelop her body. She was no longer gripped by the fear that threatened her minutes earlier.

"Ok, I trust you...I will trust you," she said. "I am the Lord's servant," she whispered as she bowed down, her forehead to the dirt floor.



Then, she began to sing.

Speaking of Christmas lights...

About a week ago, after I dropped oldest off at work and was on my way home, Birdy asked if we could go Christmas light looking when we got home. Yes, I wanted to just BE home, driving back and forth, while not labor intensive, is still tiring.

We were still about 15 minutes or so away from home but out of the corner of my eye, some lovely lit up homes caught my attention. I decided to turn, off out regular route and look at the home near where we were at. They were very nice. We all ooohed and awed over them.

We were back on our way when I noticed a guy struggling to enter the tunnel we drive through on the way home. He was attempting to carry his bike and a bike tire. Strangely I knew I should give him a ride.

But I was a female, alone, with her two youngest children in her car! That wasn't very safe or wise to do, right?

I passed him but couldn't shake that I knew I was supposed to give him a ride. I felt bad for him, it was late, it was cold and trying to carry a bike is not easy. This is crazy. He could be dangerous...I'm not sure the Mr. would approve.

I said a prayer aloud: "Lord is this you? Cause if it's not, please keep us safe cause I think it is so, I'm gonna pick up this guy."

Once again, I turned off my route to go back. As I was retracing my drive, I was in the #2 lane and a van was on my right. If I get in front of the van then stop for the guy, the van might be upset because it's a no stopping any time part of the street.

The lane the van was in was an on ramp to the freeway lane, suddenly I was free and clear in the far right lane. I pulled up to the guy, my heart so nervous, and honked. He had stopped to try and adjust the bike but turned around quickly.

"Do you want a ride?"
"Yes!" he said with out hesitating.
"Put your bike on the rack."

See, I always have a bike rack on my van because I ride my bike to school. It couldn't have been more perfect. He got in and he was SO grateful. To be fair, he certainly didn't look like a murderer or a vagrant. He was probably in his mid to late twenties? He said he was visiting his brother in LB and on his way home, the screws that hold the front tire on, just broke and fell apart. How does that happen?

The thing is....he had only broken down about a block before we crossed his path. It was perfectly ordained. Had the Lord not put it in Birdy's heart and mind to ask to go Christmas light looking and I had not had a heart to agree to go right then and there---we would have missed him. We would have passed him while his bike was still working and intact.

I know we live in a fair weather state, but how many people *really* have bike racks on their cars?

We were destined to pick him up.

I *never* would have picked up a male stranger, never in my life. Only that I truly believe it was what God told me to do. I often pass cars broken down on the freeway and wish I could help, had something to ffer, but I don't now how to change a flat tire and being a female, it is often unsafe.

Hearing the Lord clearly and seeing how He arranged all of this so perfectly....He obviously loves that young man very much. I wish I would have told him...but hopefully our actions showed him...I did tell him it was his very blessed day.

I chatted nervously and then dropped him off at a park he designated was near his home.
before he got out he said, "Thank you so much, you have made my week!"

Sparkle, sparkle

Another favorite tradition we have, as I'm sure many others do too, is going Christmas light looking. I don't even know what exactly it is that draws us in, but I can never resist. Oldest went to this area recently with the youth group. After I picked him up from work I asked him to direct us to the area.

It is along the canals on Naples Island in Long Beach. Oh it is absolutely lovely. You can walk along the canals, in front of the homes and ooohhh & awe at all the wonderful displays. One home was themed after National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (remember that movie?) via the "Griswold" family. It was fabulous.

Another home was made into a giant Santa face. Many were simply gorgeous. Well, the homes are gorgeous, in and of themselves, but with the lights, it's really nice. It was a nice way to end the evening.

Kurtis only wanted to admire the water, over and over. I wish I could have taken my family on a gondola ride. I imagine it would be so lovely this time of year. We did see one gondola go bye and plenty of other tour boats. I think the ktbunch would really love to go on a gondola tour.

That was one of the last excursions I did with my mom, go on a gondola ride through the canals. It was my sister-in-love (brother's wife), my aunt (mom's sister) and myself. We had a lovely afternoon that day.

Aren't those some fun pix with the lights. I need to explore with my camera more. Isn't my ktbunch the best? I love them to pieces and I can't imagine my life without them in it.

Semester over!

Of course my LAST day of finals AND the semester did not start off well. I was late to my 8AM final--the dreaded physical science that I am just praying I at least get a D in--I will receive the credit I need--a C is not necessary. My GPA is strong enough also that it will merely make a dent in it--nothing major.

I kept feeling the stress of being late threaten me. I remembered though that most of the students, myself included, tended to finish our exams rather quickly. I told myself I had plenty of time--and I did! I tried to take my time. The exam was still hard. Many of the questions were familiar but not enough for me to feel %100 that I knew the correct answer. It was mostly 50-50. That's where test taking strategies comes in, right?

It felt SO good to be DONE with that class. I SO hope I don't have to retake it. I threw these study notes away with a BIG, GIANT smile on my face. A BIG one. Then I suddenly felt afraid that I might regret that--if I fail, you know? But you know what? I also resigned my self to the fact that it won't kill me if I DO have to take it over.

And hey--imagine getting a D and it would merely drop your GPA marginally. That's pretty good, right? But...I want straight A's. Even as a grown woman--WHY do I feel so, so, so.._________..over the idea of NOT achieving *perfection*. I have a family, a busy one and yet somehow, in my mind, I feel I should succeed at *everything* & not only succeed but accomplish what I attempt, well.

At the same time, I tell myself I am doing rather well, considering. Right? Not because I am *all that*--cause Lord knows (literally) I sure am NOT. Keeping on keeping on--that's what I am GOOD at. Getting up when I fall down, I guess. 

But hey...I'll know when I know and for now, I have no worries--just concentrating on the present. Semester OVER & now it's time to CELEBRATE all that is CHRISTMAS!

Hallelujah!

Christmas Book Tree

Hey! SO this is not one of those blogs that offers nearly professional pix of their home via a blog tour. Ok, just in case you don't know me and were expecting better. :-) I probably won't even have all my Christmas decorations up until the actual day of Christmas. haHA! I'll post along as I get things up, though.

We've done something different nearly every year, as far as getting a tree goes. When the Mr. and I were first married, we didn't even have our own place, so we didn't have our own tree. Once we did have our own place, we began a tradition of not getting our tree until as late in December as possible. We'd look for the most rejected looking, Charlie Brownish tree and purchase that one.

For the past few years we've gotten our tree earlier and earlier and bigger and bigger. Many years I'd cringe at the prices of trees--knowing I could get another gift or two for the same price. We always lucked out somehow. One year we randomly got a tree for free from a friend. That may have even happened more than once. Funny, I remember the same thing happening when I was little. My parents took us on a long drive to some random lot and guys were loading trees off big trucks. I got the impression it was a church group or something...but the tree was free. I don't know how they heard about it, a friend told them I think.

I cannot find the source for this pic (I saw it on facebook) but here is a link to another book tree post with tips if you are interested in creating your own.

The other day I saw a picture of this Christmas book tree. It was a tree made from books stacked on top of each other. Of course the pic I saw looked fabulous. All the books were hard back with lovely spines and they all seemed to be the exact same size.  I thought it was absolutely, fabulous! Ingenius!! So inspired by the pic above, I decided to go for it.

Today we committed to give it a try for our own home. I wasn't sure when we would get a tree and  not even sure I wanted to. (I'm not a scrooge--just wasn't sure I wanted to spend $$$ on something so unnecessary that we really don't even have room for)

Oldest helped me the most, aesthetically speaking, while Birdy helped gather books. We began stacking...and stacking...and stacking. Finally, it looked satisfactory enough. We added the angel on top, lights and a few ornaments. (ones that can take a fall, if it happens) I think we did a pretty good job on this 'knock-off' book tree.

We didn't have enough books to go any higher, but it worked out. I really like it. So...I think we'll keep it this season. ;-) ETA: The Mr. told me later he thought it was really cool! Cooler than he thought it was going to be.

We've got our house lights up too, compliments to oldest and a featured guest, his friend Ian. Last year, after Christmas I hit the clearance and purchased a ton for ridiculously cheap....which have been hanging in our back yard for the past year. I think I will have to get more *after Christmas* for next year, again.  Personally, I say, you can never have too many lights.

So *these guys* thought it would be so cool to put "NO U" on our roof. Why not "LOL"? Funny guys!

What do you think.....more lights? 



Linked to:
We Did it Wednesday!
Show and Tell

Prince of Peace Pageant

This yearly event is a collaboration between eight local churches. The sidewalks, lined with candles, lead you through the story of the birth of Christ. Churches involved in the immediate are have their doors open and generously offer lite treats and Christmas caroling.

We were treated to hot chocolate, fudge, cookies, hot cider, and even chili at one stop. It is a fabulous production and I am so grateful.

So here's my ktbunch, being silly as I'm trying to get a commemorative photo! They are silly. We were blessed to run into some friends along the way too. Fudge is always more fun with friends, isn't it?

It sure was cold tonight. Perfect weather for a candle lined walk.

Last day of Classes!

Wow! Another semester. Fall is much harder than Spring, I've decided. Too many holidays, it's cold, the weather begs you to stay home and in bed, plus it holds a natural inclination toward depression.

Besides that though-whoa-has it been a challenge. As if going back to school wasn't challenge enough in and of itself. I still have a couple finals next week and two that I only need to show up and turn in final work.

It certainly wasn't the dream semester I had last Spring but it wasn't horrible. I did set myself up taking five classes, including a science at 8:00 AM. WHO can do science at 8:00am anyway? I'm desperately clinging to a wing & a prayer to pass that one.

It looks to all have been worth it though. Everything is in order for me to graduate in a timely manner this upcoming May. I am looking forward to it SO much, I can't even believe it. I don't even need to end with five classes again either. It was looking like I might have to. I will have a more traditional schedule with only four classes, although two of them are 4 units each, for a total of 14 units. None of my classes will be at 8:00 AM either.

I was blessed to have some fabulous writing professors that produce fabulous writing classes. One of the classes was really interesting to me. My classmates wrote such amazing pieces.  I was consistently amazed. It was impossible not to feel a sort of strange bond to others willing to share such depth from their lives. I felt safe enough in that class to want to try to push my writing in different directions. I was willing and unafraid to experiment. The results were pretty amazing. I learned a lot in that class. I could feel the growth in my writing.

Not all my writing classes were like this, but it's ok. I even experimented with fiction. Surprise, surprise. Midway through I actually felt in the groove and had a bunch of ideas running through my mind...before I was bogged down by the evils of Physical Science anyway.

So....I certainly haven't had much Christmas crafty time lately...

Santa Train 2011

Just like every year, we enjoyed one of our favorite annual traditions; the Santa Train! This train has been stopping on my Mother-In-Love's block since the Mr. was little. Our oldest has taken a picture with the Santa Train since he was a baby. If we ever fulfill our dream of moving into our own home and Mother-in-Love with us...I will miss this sweet tradition.

If you click the link above, you can see our pix from every year and how these beauties of mine have grown. What a great way to commemorate every year. I can't believe we've waited for the Santa Train every year for almost twenty years! For some reason we almost missed it this year too. The Mr. picked me up from school and then told me it was Santa Train day TODAY! Whew! I would have been so sad to miss it. Of course my camera went dead *right before* this photo opp...so I had to use my camera phone. 

Thank goodness for camera phones.

First event of the season

We attended this event last year and I made a mental note to attend this year. I love this historical site, Rancho Los Cerritos. It is decorated in the Victorian era. During the Christmas season, they decorate and host a festive event complete with pinata, hand crafts, live music and of course, Santa! They request a donation of $3 per person or $10 for a family of four or more. That's US!





It's worth it because the children (or parents?) can make lots of hand-made and old fashioned ornaments and cards. Volunteers also host a table with hot cider (or was it wassail?) and cookies. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon and welcome the season.

The home itself is lovely and the scent of pine strong, as natural decorations are used around the house. Garlands of small seashells that would have been collected from time at the beach, pine boughs on every candle lit sconce, wreaths of pine and berries sit on side tables and hang from doors.

Oldest enjoyed listening to the live music the most. There were volunteers in each room of the house, telling how life was in Victorian times.

I met a lovely woman outside when I complimented her scarf. She told me she was visiting another country (I wish I could remember which one) when a woman fell in front of her. She rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital. She said the people wee so surprised that she did that & they gifted her with the scarf.

The afternoon cooled down quickly, encouraging us to return home. Before we left though, I got this shot of Kurtis with a very nice Santa. We don't really promote Santa but he is recognized as a classic icon of the season. (I hate that I even feel the need to explain myself.)

He's wearing footwear. It looks like he's bare foot--he's wearing flip flops.

Simple Food

In case you haven't noticed...I'm not a fan of "cooking". Baking & crock potting--I can do. Cooking? Not so much.

I found this idea off pinterest. It's magic! This is what it looks like before it bakes. Basically you are baking eggs in a muffin tin! Brilliant, right?

It doesn't take long to bake and prep is a cinch! As you can see in the picture above, these are custom made. One child wants nothing to do with cheese and veggies, his are plain with a slice of ham in the bottom. The others are topped with shredded cheese, fresh tomato chunks and snips of spinach. All have season all & pepper sprinkled on top as well.

I do spray each muffin cup with non-stick cooking spray. The yoke cooks up like a boiled egg if baked long enough but the whites are light and fluffy--not thick like when they are boiled.

Bake @ 350 for 10-15 minutes, depending on how well baked you prefer your yolk & variances  in ovens. ;-)

These are a big hit in our family and I think they will be our new Christmas morning breakfast. They also make great anytime snacks or lunch. You can customize each cupcake for their intended recipients. Everyone can even create their own   and then just pop them into the oven at once. Super easy & super good.

FYI: My cupcake tin is vintage--I haven't found anything that bakes better! I even got rid of all my other tins and have begun collecting more of these vintage ones instead (from the thrift store). Something about them...a tiny bit deeper and produce a better baking texture for cakes.