Feeling Sappy

We've been watching "Charlotte's Web" tonight as a family (not the cartoon- but the one with actual animals voiced by actors). There's a part in which the mother is very concerned about Fern and her lack of contact with kids her age, choosing instead to spend all her time with animal friends on the farm. Mrs. Arable talks to the doctor about the problem (that basically boils down to Fern's imagination). The doctor confirms that there is indeed a condition. "It's called childhood, and sadly they'll grow out of it." I warned Tom ahead of time that that part gets my heart. I admit- I started tearing- not the boohooing ugly cry, but the tears were running down my cheeks and little, teeny, tiny weeps may have been ready to burst through. I fear that Sam and Jack are daily racing toward the end of childhood, and I simply don't want them to outgrow this "condition." Day by day (Sam especially) they seem to drop a little bit of the simplicity that makes them those sweet innocents and slip into maturing shadows of little ones. At times their childishness makes me crazy, but truly this sweet time of guilelessness, open hearts, faithfulness, non-contrived tales, boundless imaginations, wild abandon, and unabashed affection is a treasure that I wish could last for much much longer than it does.

Jack- ism

This morning Jack came downstairs a bit out of sorts. When I asked him if he slept OK, he told be he kinda had a bad night. Not "cause of my behavior" but because he had a "night- mary." His "night-mary" included monsters chasing him and eating him. That would scare me too. A little extra snuggle time (albeit on the kitchen floor) seemed to make the night-mary disappear, and it's all OK.

Pics found

I love when missing pictures are found simply. Instead of "I deleted them," or "the computer ate them" it's refreshing to solve the problem by just checking the other sd card. So without further adieu-a run-down of the Thanksgiving celebration. Before the holiday, there was a program and feast for the 4K and 5K classes and their families at the boys' school. I love their place settings complete with photos and hand prints- priceless works of art to me.

And God bless the teachers of 4-year-olds everywhere. And may there be a special blessing for teachers who braid their hair and dress as an Indian in the spirit of the presentation. I have to say that we 'heart' Mrs. Heck.
Our somber little Indian.
And here's a little bit of happiness more than halfway through the program.

Another very serious Indian.
The Pledge


I have to say that I am impressed that kindergartners knew all the words for several verses of "My Country Tis of Thee." I thought it ended at 'sea to shining sea,' but they kept going.
Cousin Mo Mo enjoying the performance (maybe less so than the candy corn and cheese cubes).
Jack and his sweet teacher
We found out after that the 4K class gave themselves Indian names. Among the "Fairy, Fast Runner, Brown Bear, Snow, and Princess," Jack decided that his name should be "War." I've stopped asking 'why' because when I do his response usually leaves me more baffled than I was to begin with :). That free spirit in him is a precious thing (most of the time).

Sam with a pilgrim girl in his class. They were all so cute. Our first school program as parents of the participants did not disappoint!

Dollywood at Christmas

Our pastor commented recently that Gatlinburg, TN celebrates Christmas all year long. Well, technically Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge, TN, but it certainly had the Christmas spirit going strong when we went right before the holiday. It was a quick trip, but it was a fun family time that we will remember. Thankfully, it was not as cold as it was when we were there during the holidays a couple years ago. It was so freezing that we got stuck up in the flying elephants with some great friends from college (oh and the kids were there too). This visit we didn't do many rides, and we steered clear of the flying elephants. Instead there was Santa's village, Christmas shows, parade of lights, and other fun stuff associated with winter wonderland.
Waiting to see Santa

Since we started going to DW about two and a half years ago, this zebra on the merry-go-round has always been Jack's favorite. He would rather wait in line again if someone has already picked the zebra to ride than get on a run of the mill, predictable horse.
And the lights..... I forget how many million there are, but it's crazy.

Various Christmas Programs

This picture is actually at a Thanksgiving feast at the boys' school. There is a mystery right now about the rest of the missing Thanksgiving program pictures. When they do show up, the show may just get a whole post all to itself. But, here's a teaser- they dressed in cute little vests and head dresses. Sam was Powhatan, and Jack gave himself the Indian name "War."

Christmas program at school (Cookin' up Christmas- thus the cute little aprons)

Sam didn't mention that he had a duet with one of his little friends. I didn't have time to be nervous for him, but I for sure had time to tear up. He asked me later, "Why were you cryin', mom," (with only a little bit of exasperation at his emotional mother). I tried to explain that parents cry with joy and pride when they see their children do well. And, for the record, he rocked "Angels We Have Heard on High." I'm grateful he had a chance to sing and boost his confidence since he seemed pretty proud of himself too.
Church- kiddos age 4 to 3rd grade sang several Christmas carols the Sunday before Christmas. I'm not sure exactly what kind of tom foolery is being concocted here, but obviously Jack is the ring leader.





I love Christmas and the sweet innocence of children reminds me of the baby that the season is all about.