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Nov. 7, 2008
Birthdays, and Birthdays, and Christmas, OH MY!
Here it is the seventh day of November, and we are in the midst of what I jokingly call "Birthday Season." We have 12 birthdays to celebrate between October 19th and December 20th. It was 11 until little Makenna was born this year. We have already celebrated my little brother's, my mom's and little Olivia's. Today is my brother-in-law's(Makenna's dad).
Perhaps the one I look forward to/dread the most this year is my oldest daughter Lindsay's. She is entering a new stage of her life. She will be 13 on Sunday. I don't know if I'm ready for a teenager yet! Not that anyone can ever truly be ready for a teenager I guess. Isn't it funny how you can still remember waiting for the arrival of your little ones even when they are 13(or older)? It's almost like time stands still for a little while or just jumps ahead. For me, at least, it seems like only yesterday I was changing Lindsay's diapers. Yet here she is, on the threshold of a whole new stage of life. She is growing and changing every single day. Thank God I have the wonderful opportunity to have her home with me every day, so I don't miss a thing! She is very excited about her birthday. I really am too (don't tell her, though  ). Her excitement is contagious! Truth be told, I enjoy watching my children grow and change. It can be a little bittersweet, but still it's a great joy.
After Lindsay's birthday, we have 2 more just in our household between now and Christmas. My husband's is November 13th. Kalyssa's is the 28th. That's just here at home. We also have my brother's, another brother-in-law, my mother-in-law, and our niece. Then, we have Christmas. OH MY!
Why does it seem that perfectly normal, typically well-adjusted children seem to go insane at Christmas time? Some of my children become very gift oriented. Some years I think I can't afford my own children! Perhaps it has something to do with the influx of toy catalogs recently. Perhaps it has something to do with everyone (grandparents, etc.) asking them what they would like to receive for Christmas. I try to keep the focus on Christ and on giving to others--I don't just mean other family members--we participate in the local can-a-thon and the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. It just seems that no matter how hard I try, the kids want more and more and more every year--even though they don't actually get it! Don't get me wrong--my kids know WHY we have Christmas, but they just seem to also become more materialistic at this time of year. I truly desire a Christ-centered, simple Christmas celebration. Any ideas on how to achieve that ideal in today's materialistic world?
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Nov. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
My daughter is going to be sixteen in December and I know I am not ready for that. Just wait until they want their license!!!!! (More gray hair coming soon.)
Thirteen is a good age. They are semi-independent, but they still want you around. :)
Pam