Why do you celebrate Christmas?


"Joy Has Dawned upon the World"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thankyou Music

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

A Lifetime of Memories Packed Away for Another Year

Thirty-seven times I’ve packed up this decor, these lights and holiday baubles. And I’m glad the people in my family don’t insist on helping because for me this is like taking a trip through years of memories. Besides, I know how everything should be put away. It must be the same as last year and the year before and the year before that. Any other way just wouldn’t be right.

There’s not one thing in all of these boxes that doesn’t symbolize an event in our marriage, a season in our family’s life or a small boy’s best work.

As each adornment comes to rest in its pre-appointed position, a wonderful thing happens. I start to relive the past years through the collective memories of past holiday seasons. There’s something about chubby faces framed by Mason jar lids and macaroni angels that bring the tears and wash the soul.

I’m immersed in the wonder that I’ve been given another year to know my boys and my husband. I recall with amazing acuity the seasons through which we’ve traveled. With 20/20 vision I see how things did work together—those situations we questioned did happen for a reason. Trials did bring triumphs and little boys did become good men.

I force myself to pause momentarily and remember the failures and mistakes. They have a way of keeping everything in perspective. I can’t help but reflect on the events of this season. The traditions we repeat year after year are what bring a sense of security and warmth in the midst of our hectic and fragmented lives.

The stabilizing effect of holiday traditions has carried us through difficult times. When there was little money to buy gifts, our unchanging traditions diverted our attention from what we didn’t have to what we did.

It never ceases to amaze me that hardly any of us can recall the gifts we received as recently as last year. But we remember exactly what we did, who came to visit and everything that contributed to the warmth and wonder of the season.

As I put everything away (solo, of course) I think about how quickly time passes and how soon I’ll be unpacking again. I daydream about what might happen in the next all-too-short twelve months. I wonder what possible challenges or dramatic changes we’ll face in the coming year. Our lives could be altered drastically by the time I open these boxes again.

So with the joy of the season past still lingering and the promise of the year to come beckoning, I cram the last box into its spot and slide the door closed, hoping everything won’t melt during the summer heat. I haul out the vacuum and replace the furniture exactly as it was before.


Written by Mary Hunt

Emmit's new boots



When Emmit & I were in Ohio last week my mom bought him a pair of new boots. Emmit absolutely loves them! After I put them on his feet for the first time the other day he just giggled, looked at his feet constantly and stomped all around the house.

All toasty & warm


I love these two!!! Not sure what I would do without them. They keep me busy, happy, laughing, warm, loved, etc., etc......

Puppy?




I'm tempted to buy a little dog cage for Emmit.

Rub-a-dub-dub Mr. Rhino's in the tub!!!



Kids really do do the funniest things...many of which, unfortunately, are too inappropriate for this blog:) I can't tell the whole story of this picture, but to make a long story very short...Emmit ended up climbing into the bath tub the other day, fully clothed & he dragged Mr. Rhino with him. They both got absolutely soaked! Mr. Rhino needed a bath anyways but I would've preferred it to be in the washing machine.

Emmit just turned 14 months Saturday. He's got 7 teeth now. Figured out that his refusal to eat hasn't been my cooking (my husband would argue against that) but teething. I can't believe how much he's changed since his 1st birthday. It seems as though he's doing something new everyday! He started babbling a few weeks ago, right out of the blue. Mitch has been teaching him to run (it's a riot to watch) which has made my days quite busy...THANKS HONEY. Emmit also started walking backwards. He's quite the character. I'll try to get a few more videos on this thing. The problem is I only have 2 hands. He's an accident waiting to happen. I think he had about 4-5 bruises on his face/head by the time we got home from our trip to Ohio.



Well, here's a video of the Little Guy wandering around in the kitchen with a wisk. He loves kitchen utensils. We play this game, "I'm gonna get you", all the time. He thinks it's hilarious:) Notice how fast he's getting!

Mommy & Emmit on the road...again.



My mom came to visit last Thursday and left this past Tues :( We had such a great time together! My grandparents, the Pavis', celebrated there 60th wedding anniversary recently. The family got together from all over for a special celebration dinner Saturday night. HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY GRANDMA & GRANDPA PAVIS!!! It was so nice to see everybody again.

My sister Jessica, her hubby Keith, & kids Seircia & Oliver all got to stay with us in a hotel suite for the weekend. It was such a nice place! It had a fully furnished kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room & dining room, not to mention 3 televisions. The breakfasts were awesome! I'm afraid Emmit got a bit spoiled eating muffins, french toast, belgian waffles, eggs, etc, etc every morning:)

What a nice break in the midst of the BUSY holiday season! Well, as much of a break as you can have with a 1 year old:)

Yummy....blueberries!