The Tree

A few weeks ago, we drove out to our Parks and Rec department and got a permit for a Christmas tree hunt. Then we bundled up the boys and headed for the hills. The drive up was a joy.

You think Jake looks happy--you should have seen me. I was "giddy as a little schoolgirl," as my Dad likes to say (and yes, he often says it about himself). We even found a little snow!Noah was thrilled and instantly started throwing it. As for Jake, he was just plain confused by that weird cold white stuff.

The boys enjoyed hunting for a keeper. Here is Noah trying to cut down the "tree" he picked out for our family.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches. This is the other tree he helped us pick out. This one is a little fuller and more tree-like than the first, wouldn't you say?And this is the tree in its new habitat. It was no small task getting it here. But we are happy to have it. Noah kept dancing around the tree and saying: "Now we live in a forest!!" and "Oh wow! I LOVE our tree!!!" He has thanked God for it several times in his prayers. And Jake likes to throw footballs at it.

Little Wisemen

Watch this sweet video.

Now, here is a story about my little wisemen. Noah today said: "Mom, I have a great idea! A new game we could play!" I said, "Oh, really? What's that?" He said: "You be Mary, I be Joseph, and Jake be Baby Jesus." So I got a towel for my head, and Noah pretended to carry a staff while he led my stick-horse donkey to Bethlehem. Jake was waiting for us by the Christmas tree. I wrapped up Jake and held him on my lap, as Jake smiled at his new role. Noah wanted to hold him too. I commented on the imaginary sheep and donkey in our stable. Noah told me about the other creatures I neglected to mention: giraffes, chickens, and dinosaurs. Then Noah changed characters. He said: "Ok, now I'll be....the.....hm.....who's that guy who brought the presents?" "You mean the wisemen?" He said, "Yeah. Right. The wisemen." So then he so quietly left the room and came back with a handful of toys. He gave them to Jake and I, and kissed the baby Jesus. I thanked him and then Noah held up his index finger, motioning me to wait patiently, and--I have never seen him this intentionally reverent--whispered something and hurried out of the room. He came back with more presents, and he repeated this 10 times. Each time, he held up his little finger in the same way and quietly came back with more gifts for the Baby Jesus. That little wiseman sure does love Jesus! And I love my boys that help me understand why Jesus wants us to be more childlike.

great expectations

Today Noah had just finished going to the bathroom and came to me with his underwear and pants and said: "Mommy, will you help me?" I said: "You're a big boy, you know how to put on your pants." His response: "But sometimes big boys don't know how!"

That made me stop and think. He is right. Just because you have been taught something and have done it before, even two hundred times before , sometimes you just need help. I started to rethink some of my expectations for my boys. Learning is a process, a long process. And when I think about myself, and the things that I am still trying to learn, I realize how nice it is when others are patient with me, and when I am patient with myself. So yes, Noah, I will help you put on your pants. Especially because you are patient with me as I learn how to be a mom!

And pictures from 600 card pick up:

i love this boy

These pictures almost make me cry, I don't know why. They were taken a couple months ago on a hike through Snow Canyon. Something about Jake in all of them is so sweet. Childhood at its best.