Brooke's 2009 Christmas Prayer of Salvation

I have been remiss in making this post, but not a day goes by that I do not fondly remember this moment. We had a wonderful Christmas day December 25, 2009. I woke up with the sunrise and stood out on the deck admiring God's creation. Dallas started the day by reading from the Bible for us (without being asked to do so). We had a wonderful breakfast and exchanged gifts with Nana's loving company. Early in the evening we decided to join Lainey and Poppa for some Chinese food at their home with aunts, uncles and cousins having just arrived for the next morning's Christmas celebration. Late enough for the children to have trouble keeping their eyes open, we decided to return home to feed the dogs and get some sleep. As we all start to nod off on the ride home, a little voice piped up in the back seat. Brooke asked, "Mommy, can I open my heart to Jesus now?". Newly rejuvenated, I replied, "of course you can, Honey". I told her we could read from the Bible and talk about salvation in Jesus to see if she sincerely understood what that is and why it is so special. Despite the late hour, she and I read from the book of Romans and talked about believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and why it took place. She clearly understood, and so sweetly believed. On Christams, 2009, my little Brooke Aleece accepted the gift of salvation. The greatest gift of all! That is a day I will never ever forget. I love you, darlin.

Another Christmas Flies By

We started playing Christmas music at home and in the car back in October this season. We just love this time of year so much - why let it come and go in just a week?! Dallas played a rendition of "What is This" at church on the piano last night. It was so beautiful. All he says when we compliment him on the performance is, "I messed up". I guess that's a normal teenager response. Don't give up on the piano, Dal! Well, ok, I won't let you give it up despite your pleas - but I am sure one day you will thank me! You play so beautifully, bud. Dal's big Christmas present to me this year was another amazing report card. All of his report cards have been good, but the teacher comments and fewer A's on the last report made it clear that he was starting to become somewhat complacent. What made this last one special is the teacher comments showing improvement in his attitude, and A's or A+'s in all but one class. You think I am hard on you right now, Dal, but I hope you understand how proud I am of you. I encourage and push sometimes because I love you, Snugglebug.

Just before hopping in the bath tub the other night, Brady also delivered a very special Christmas gift. Out of nowhere he stated, "Mom, when I grow up I want to marry someone as beautiful as you are". WHOA! That comment was so sincere, and so needed. Brady, you are my sunshine, Punkin Pie. I also remember coming home from work SOOOO TIRED one day last week. With my patience completely gone, I started sputtering about not having a chance to even sit down at home or even get my coat off before having to clean up the kitchen, find everyone something to eat, manage the multiple requests for this and that, etc... When everyone else carefully slipped out of earshot, Brady walked right up behind me, put his arms around me and gave me the biggest squeeze and an "I love you, Mom". You are such a special kiddo, Brady. Thanks for keeping me grounded.

Now Brooke, who is going through one of those "phases" (a simple term used to describe the act of driving parents absolutely nuts while testing their parenting skills over something that sounds like it would be easy to address, but really takes months of patience and persistence), had gifts to share this season as well. She begs me to read her the Laura Ingalls Wilder books (we're on "Little House on the Prairie" right now) as if it's a chore for me to do it - yet I enjoy reading this series to Brooke and Brady so much. Sometimes I even read ahead after they fall asleep listening to the story. I watch her care for her baby dolls and am awed by her natural mothering talent. Yes, it's just a doll, but it's clear her heart is in the right place. Sometimes I get carried away singing along with the tunes in the kitchen. Last week, Brooke said to me, "Mom, I want to sing pretty like you and Mrs. Teresa". Whether or not I could ever carry a tune, the fact that Brooke thinks I can just melted me on the spot. Thanks, Brookie. I love you always and forever, no matter what, I promise Sweet Pea. (...and she always responds to this statement with "I love you a hundred googles, a hundred finities, and a hundred heavens and back.")

JOY!