Christmas

It's after 10pm on Christmas night.  One baby is fast asleep, one four-year-old is resting soundly and one three-year-old is too excited about spending the night at Grandma and Papa's to close his eyes.  The day has been full, just like any day caring for three little ones (even with a husband and parents close at hand).  I want to remember today because next year these amazing little people that we've been entrusted with will be another year older and I have no clue what the next year will bring.

Laying in bed this morning attempting to pry my eyes open, our ears were filled with the sounds of a sweet little girl bursting with Christmas cheer.  "Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king!  Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"  We smiled and shook our heads in wonder that we get to know and love the special little girl singing.

Downstairs we finished our Advent calendar...that is, after we caught up from all of the days we've missed (I think we were on December 19th.)  "It's Jesus' birthday!" Owen shouted.  "Can I put him up, can I put him up?!"

Stockings filled with little treasures.  A baby who could care less about her own treasures-only interested in trying to swipe from her big brother and sister.  Excited squeals.  Minor squabbles.  "Can we open another one?"

The family room window declares the glory of God and I can barely take it in-this beauty, this grace, this  abundant life He has given.  Jesus, thank you!  You have come!  You've been born and now I know true life and peace and joy.  I am forever Your daughter.  My sin, though like crimson, has been made as clean as this breathtaking snow.  How can I thank You enough?


The door opens; parents that have loved me before I was born step in and little feet are running, yelling, "Grandma!  Papa!  Come see what we got!"  My baby looks up, eyes full of anticipation and whispers, "Pa-pa!  Pa-pa!" scooting as fast as her sweet little self can take her.  It is full, this heart of mine, but our stomaches are not and so we start cooking.  Christmas breakfast on GG's gingerbread plates; yum.

A couple more gifts (but oh how they wish it would never end) and then we're out the door for a sleepover at Grandma's.  It's past nap-time and some tears come but eventually everyone sleeps while we play with sweet photos and soak in the Christmas rest.  In the blink of an eye everyone's up and energy levels are high, raising quickly with more sugar and the new toys.  Sweet girl's pulling at her ears again, aching with the infection that's not wanting to leave.

We share Christmas dinner and Skype with soon-to-see family and before we know it, the day is done.  Another Christmas has come and gone.  I'm tired and ready for bed but not ready to leave the wonder of today; I have three incredible children, an amazing husband, wonderful parents, thoughtful gifts.  God came to this world as a baby and He grew up to die for me.  Today was Christmas.  How can I possibly sleep?