Uber Family Christmas Pics

 

Open House

Well we succeeded in pulling off the open house. I was able to get house clean and food together before Sunday. The pressure was on. On top of church, Sunday school, lunch, I had planned to attend a tea at 3 o'clock. I would not have missed it though. It was a reunion of ladies who werer stationed in Germany and live in the area. Maddie was included in this. So, I left Matt with strict instructions not to make a mess anywhere. Basically, don't sit on the couch because I just replaced the slipcover, don't eat in the kitchen because it is spot less, use the upstair bathroom, if the kids get toys out have them clean up right away.... ok those where my thoughts but Matt knew the work that went into the day so nothing needed to be said, the look was enough.

Arriving in Fairfax Co at 20 after 3 ( for those of you who are thinking "late as usual" a good friend drove to my house to car pool and got lost) It was wonderful to reopen that part of my life and examine God's history of faithfulness. Each of us had so much to share it was hard to say good-bye. But I had to run and left the house to head on the beltway by 15 after 5. 45 minutes until the first of the neighbors would be arriving at my house. I was cutting it close. Then suddenly, my hands started to shake and my vision started to blur and my head was aching. Before I knew it I was feeling nausea. It was the telltale signs of a migraine. I had pushed too hard, not eaten enough, not had enough water and was stressed. My carpooling friend was gracious enough to immediately pray and offered to drive. I turned over the reins and sat in fear and disbelief of the timing of this. Neither one of us had a phone and the time was creeping up to the open of open-house. I stayed calm and pleaded with Lord to end the process to full on migraine. I can not function when it hits and did not want to cancel the party.

We arrived safely at 6:03 and no one had arrived yet. I ran into the house and grabbed exedrine migraine and a glass of water. Matt knew from the look in my eyes and the one word I said "pray" that I meant it. Thankfully, Matt and Jeff (husband of the friend who hosted the tea party) had all under control. They even lighted the candles and set out all the cookies.

Soon, neighbors arrived and we were engaging in conversation about holiday traditions and how we met out spouses. Our attendence consisted of the 3 neighbors that I already knew, but the bridges to deepening those relationships were built. Plus one of the couples volunteered child care on any given weekend!!!

My migraine never materialized and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to open our doors.

If you are wondering why I have not posted any pictures, it is because the card reader is on Matt's computer and I always post on mine. One of these evenings we will get it all together.

Cinderella and the Night out with Daddy

Because of his limited time at home, Matt has to be intentional with his time with the kids. One way he has done this is "daddy day." Each child gets a day to have daddy to themselves to do something special. Last night, was a magical night for Madeline. Her daddy took her to see Roger's and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" at a local playhouse. This was a much anticipated night on my part. I saw that this play was coming and knew that it could be turned into a wonderful memory. We did not tell Maddie what she and daddy were going to do only that tonight was going to be "Maddie's night."

After dinner we started to get the princess ready for her big night. At 6pm she got her royal bath including "sweet pea" scented shower gel and lotion and a talk about what it means to be a princess on the inside. By 6:10 Maddie was dressed in a cream satin A-line dress with a black velvet long-sleeved bodice, accented with faux pearls. 6:20 the lady-in-waiting (aka Mom) blew her hair dry, painted her nails, and curled the ends of the princesses hair. By 6:35 she was ready to be greeted by the "king"(aka Dad) who was wearing his black suit (looking very handsome I might add). After being photographed, the princess was warned to be home by mid-night lest her gown turn to rags and the mini van turn back into a pumpkin.

It was great fun to see Maddie living up to her princessly duties and taking hold of her daddy's hand. I tried to focus on the sight of them walking out the door together so that it would be imprinted on my mind forever. Because some where in a mother's mind she is ever aware of the brevity of childhood. Before I know it I will be assisting her into another gown and watching her walk with her daddy down an aisle. Until then may I cherish the moments and work hard to prepare her for her future.