True Meaning of Christmas

True Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .


"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!


Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.


Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

Trying to be Jolly

While I am usually full of holiday spirit, I am finding it hard this year to be jolly and full of Christmas spirit. This year is a bit bitter for us, rather than sweet. The loss of Eric weighs heavy on our minds everyday and especially now as the holiday arrives. BB and TT will be in Germany for the holiday making the Toothaker household down to Bill, AA, Faith, Megan and me. While it is sure to be filled with laughter and excitement from the children, it will also have its quiet side as well.
I pray for peace for my family at Christmas. The hope of new beginnings that Christ symbolizes and the comfort from knowing that it is always is in his time not ours.

Happy Birthday Megan

So, tomorrow is Megan's Birthday. I unfortunately have clinical half day and need to be out the door by 6 a.m. but I wanted this posting to be up first thing, so that we can love on her today.

So to keep with tradition, here are the top 10 things I love about Megan.......


10. That we can both say we survived the Reading Hospital School of Nursing....a big accomplishment....I am proud that you went to my alumni, even prouder of the nurse that you have become. Touching lives is a gift that you do so well, and I am honored to share this profession with you.

9. That my children love you and the way you love my children. To be accepted so unconditionally brings a tear to my eye, a smile to my face and my heart brighter. I love you alot too, just like AA and Faith.

8. The cuteness of you and your inability to cook, but your willingness to learn how to make lasagna. That night at your mom's that you made your first lasagna makes me smile and laugh as your willingness to dive into a hard dish right off the bat to make your honeybear happy.

7. That despite your "tough" outer shell, the heart that is under your sleeve is so incredible. Your willingness to give so freely of yourself, is one of your best qualities.

6. That when we went to the Reba concert you danced in your seat, sang out loud and savored the moment. It reminds of the song, "I hope you dance".
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.


I hope you always dance.

5. That Eric thought you hung the moon and the stars...hold onto that...Bill and I think you hang the moon and stars too.

4. I love the way you help my daughter into being a girly girl, from painted fingers and toes, to dress up, she loves spending time with Megan, calling Megan on the phone and loving on Megan. To her, you are her sister, and that is important to me as a mother. AA loves to stay home with Megan too, guess she is cooler than me.

3. I love that you needed rotors for your car, and your car was shaking when you asked Dad to do them. This is great to me, because if you see my posting of my Dad's birthday (March), you can see that I didn't even know that cars took oil when I started to drive. It was bone dry......Oops.

2. I love that you loved our son Eric, so unconditionally, so willingly, so completely. As parents, there is no greater gift than to know that our children are happy and loved. You made that happen. We will love you eternally for this, standing beside you no matter what. You are our family forever.


1. That you are not only my daughter-in-law but my friend. That I love you each and everyday and I am truly blessed to know you.


Today, is a tough day, but I need you to know how special you are, how beautiful you are inside and outside and just how much you mean to me and my family. I only hope to bless you in this lifetime as much as you have blessed me. Happy Birthday Megan. I love you!

HELP

A friend of mine has posted this on her blog. Spread the word..this family needs our prayers and help.

My daughter Lydia was adopted from Guangdong Province China on July 5, 2004. In August 2008, she was diagnosed with AML, a very pernicious and deadly form of leukemia. With the help of her Chinese-born doctor, we were able to locate her birthparents and some of her siblings in China that her family kept. We know she had at least two sisters older than she (born somewhere between 1993 and 2002) who were also abandoned. The birthparents have refused to assist with her bone marrow transplant, even though two of her already-found siblings were a match. We are now looking for these other potential siblings to see if they were adopted and might also be a match.

Lydia is part of the Hakka ethnic group, and so a match from someone other than a relative is unlikely because of her unique, almost bi-racial typing. Lydia has classic Hakka features: “Brooke Shields" eyebrows, and rather full lips and a round face. Photos have been posted of Lydia and her birth family on their Caring Bridge website.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to lend.

Blessings,

Monica Miyashita
email: kensingtonlawyer@gmail.com
website: http://www.caringbridge.org
website name: lydialimeieikomiyashita

Wordless Wednesday

Do you see what I see?

So tonight, we took AA to his bowling league, which is 4 kids ages 4-7 bumper bowling. While this is usually not the most exciting moment of our lives, I will tell you tonight was a joy. AA bowled a 111. While that in itself is exciting, the moments leading up to this was priceless. Here is a boy, throwing his ball, gets a spare and is so happy, ear to ear grinning, jumping up and down in victory. "Yes, Yes, he exclaims, with such pride in himself. Then his teammate gets a spare, and the encourager is set in motion. Equally excited, high fives and "Good job" flows from his mouth. You would think that they were playing for gold, but instead it's just fun. This is the same boy, that came home yesterday with a 100% on spelling, and God knows he needed that, not because we need to be perfect, or he has to have an A, but it proves to him, his capability. So today, I am celebrating AA, for his capabilities, his drive to have a good time, do his best with his heart and celebrate the laughter and joy I saw on his face tonight.

Mmmmmm........ Happy mother am I.

Faith is 3

Saturday November 1st was Faith's third birthday. This year we had a Dora the Explorer birthday party. She wanted Barbies and baby dolls, which she got alot of, but her sister, Megan got her dress up clothes and she loves them. You can see all of the photos above from her party and you can see how happy she is. So to keep with tradition, here are the top ten things I love about Faith Yu Le.

10.) I love that you are inquisitive, and always ask why without fail.
9.) I love the way you talk to your baby dolls, love them and rock them, what a great "mommy" you are.
8.) I love when you Sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider.
7.) I love that you love to call your Mom Mom and Pop Pop on the phone, multiple times a day, just like me.
6.) I love that you are a girly girl. You love to put on dresses, fingernail polish, and lotion. Then get all dressed up just to take your baby dolls for a ride in the stroller in the kitchen. So cute. Brings a tear to my eye.
5.) I love that you need me to go to bed. That you want me to lay with you, while you play with my hair. To me, I know you feel safe there with me and I have waited for that moment for a long time.
4.) I love that you are blossoming now, that you have found your comfort zone, play while I leave the room, and are enjoyable.
3.) I love when you belly laugh. You find joy in all you do. Your laugh is contagious.
2.) That when I say, I love you, you say....I love you.....ALOT! Oh baby, I love you alot too.
1.) That God gave you to me, to love you, teach you, and bless you, the way that you have blessed me.

With these blessings, Yu Le, I say Happy Birthday Baby. This day is sweet sorrow for me, as I look at the blessing that you are to me, the joy you have brought to our lives, and the sorrow I feel for your birth mother in the memories she is missing. She is in my prayers today and always as I look at you each moment and truely believe, I am the luckiest woman in the world. Oh, how I love you sweet, sweet baby, thank you for your laugh, your love, your hugs, your kisses..........Happy Birthday Feng Yu Le.

One Barbie, One Luke Skywalker

Trick or Treat was more than ten days ago and I am just getting around to posting. Every year we head to Light the Night at our church, however the weather was not cooperative this year and the night ended up being canceled due to rain. Thursday we went trick or treating in our neighborhood with Barbie and Luke and let the children have some fun. We always let them for one hour, or until their bag is filled, whichever comes first, usually its the bag is full.
Here are some photos of my two on Trick or Treat night. Enjoy!

Reba, Kelly, Food, Friends and Fun

Last night, my mother, my daughter in law, her mother and sister and I ventured out for a girls night out. We went to the outlets, ate dinner (we won't go there on this, as it will bring the post down), and then went to the Reba and Kelly concert. FUN FUN FUN!!!!

Not only did we have seats that were center stage, but we got to enjoy a fabulous concert filled with Reba McEntyre and Kelly Clarkson singing harmony, rocking out and ballets galore. The two are top notch performers and I had a blast.

I am grateful for good performances to entertain me, good friends to sit beside me, and the love of family that surrounds me. I just most likely might be the luckiest girl in the world.

Need a Christmas Gift Idea

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Joke Time

What has 10 legs, two claws and likes to bite?


I don't know but it's crawling up your neck.

*****My Dad and his jokes....priceless. Don't worry AA, I fell for it to when I was your age.

The Bloomsburg Fair

Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, Sausage Subs, Candy Apples, Apple dumplings, rides, cattle, and any craft you can imagine, couple that with games and a whole lot of people and you are at the Bloomsburg Fair. So last week during the fair we packed the kids up right after school and headed to the Fair. For a mere $5.00 to park and $4.00 for adults, we were in the gate. Then AA and the baby's mouths were going a mile of minute. Look at this, I want this, can we play games? How about mommy can we bring a fish home? So here are some highlights of the 2008 Bloomsburg Fair Trip.
Each child went 68 miles to get a hot dog, yes I said a hot dog which were 2 for $1.50. Then we walked down the game isle, and won 2 stuffed animals for the price of $5.00 a piece. We spent more on furry friends than food. We allowed the children to go on rides, which by the way are 10 coupons for $11.00, thank God the princess was in one of her moods, she declined to ride which allowed AA to do exactly 3 rides. Filled with energy, we let AA do reverse bungee jumping which he loved, priced at $7.00. Top it with cotton candy at $4.00. And the best for last is the goldfish game: yeilding three fish (all expired by now) $10.00. Total spending of the night: $56.50. Total joy: ENDLESS. All of us got to walk around together as a family for four hours, just enjoying each others company, no phones, nowhere else to go, just to be together. The joy of seeing your children win their first fair fish, and then the explaining that given that their water is dyed blue, they have a 24 hour life expectancy....and then becoming the hero as they survived 5 whole days. I ROCK!!! What a great moment
MOMENTS: Our life is made up of these moments. Moments that don't necessarily spark off the Washington D.C.'s annual fireworks, but moments that define us. Four people, walking around, enjoying each other's company, and boy was I loving it! Moments when I look back and think, geez I was made for moments like this. Worth all the laundry (well maybe) and dishes, and spelling word tests in the world. Moments that my kids look at me and say "you're the best mom in the world". My response: "Only cause you make me that way"

Here are some photos....ENJOY!

Celebrating The Weekend

This past weekend, friends came over that we had the pleasure of meeting through Adoption. Two years ago we spent 16 days with these people we now call family. The girls are getting so big. Here are some of the photos from Saturday. The girls got to play dress up thanks to Nancy and also put on masks and makeup thanks to Theresa. We made candy corn crafts and pumpkins , ran on the playground and enjoyed new company as Theresa's new son was here. Thanks to everyone who made the trip.

Forever Family....GOTCHA DAY 2008

Thank you Father God, for the continued blessings of our children. Today two years ago, we welcomed Faith into our forever family. Now it seems like way before she was placed into our arms, we imagined what she would be like, but no one could have prepared us for the past two years, let alone that moment when she was placed in our arms.

After traveling across the seas to Hong Kong on a 16 hour flight, we arrived at midnight (after customs) slept four hours, back up and on the “bus” for 6 a.m.. Traveling to main land China from the bus was exquisite. The butterflies in my stomach were fanatical. Once through customs on main land China, we arrive at the airport and are flown to Jiangxi province. The luggage could not come fast enough as I knew we were now in the same province as our little girl. I just wanted to go to bed, as it was Sunday, and I was convinced we would not meet our daughter till Monday. Surprised on the bus, by the tour guide that we were going to pick up our daughters, now, Sunday afternoon, jet lag and all, the adrenaline was rushing.

Our bus pulled into the Civil Affairs office at the same time as a bus full of babies from the Tong orphanage, not our orphanage, but who could stop the tears. Frightened babies, on their possible first bus ride, to be handed to perfect strangers that will become their MaMa and BaBa’s. How frightened, you could see it in their eyes, how exciting you could see it in every parents eyes, and how joyous that we were to be families, at last.

Our orphanage was running late, so all of the other families in our travel group received their daughters before us, and the tears of joy were flowing. Then came the moment when the three Feng Cheng girls arrived, instantly knowing which was Feng Yu Le, our Faith, our hope, our joy, our daughter.

Moments, which seemed like eternity, which was only like 30 seconds, they compared passports to papers, and handed our daughter into our arms. She was frightened, crying, sweaty and just plain scared. Nothing will replace that moment for me, of being the one to hold her first, kiss her first, and love her. I remember that moment with Adam. I said, “I am your MaMa Yu Le, and I have loved you long before I knew you, dreamed of you long before you were born, and hope that you will love me half as much as I love you.”

We were whisked away to take pictures, which will be part of her adoption certificate, hot, sweaty, sleep deprived, you should really see it, its’ the best photo we have! So, today as the families that we traveled with look at their daughters, I want to say, HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! I remember for the first time mothers, the joy in your face, the sparkle in your eye, and the wonderful memory of being part of your forever family. Mommies kiss those babies for us , Ava, Carmie, Gwen, Julia, Maggie, Jillian, Alyssa: we love them, and Faith will be your forever sister.

Today Faith will tell you she was born in China, that her mommy and daddy came to get her because we love her. She’s right. We do love Faith Yu Le. We love her smile, it’s contagious. We love her laugh when she falls down because the laughter is too much to keep her standing. We love her questions, mostly which is “why”, but when given enough information to her liking, she will say o.k. We love the way she loves her siblings, AA, BB, TT and Megan. She will scream…. I love you……a lot!!! Today Faith Yu Le, I love you a lot, more than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. Happy Gotcha Day sweet sweet baby. You have made my life complete, and for that I will forever be grateful.

Love Mommy

Your Gonna Miss This

AA and I were spending time tonight reflecting on his week of school, four tests, our weekend trip to Erie and new friends that he has made. Then we had to play Pokemon and watch the Ant Bully on TV. Laying there, reminds me of watching Veggie Tales, sippy cups, and his bright blonde hair in the summer. My the time doesn't stop, it just slips away. So then, I told AA that we would have a new song, "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins, to remind him when he sighs at all the kisses and hugs that I need. Here are the lyrics.

She was staring out the window of their SUV
Complaning, saying "I can't wait to turn 18"
She said "I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules"
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said "I was just like you"


You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says "Baby, just slow down"

Cause you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
And she keeps apologizin'
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own. One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but...

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"



How true, I do miss it already. Soon there will be organized sports, middle school, high school, driving, girlfriends and graduations. I will take the time now, to make the memories, love on the kids, and remember that when I met Bill, BB was this age. That sweet boy, now a man in progress, drives, works, goes to school, and I miss doing the things I now do with AA with him. Now if I get to spend an hour in his busy schedule, I am lucky.
Each stage, new blessings, many blessings. Cherish them all, it goes by too fast.

More Visiting

After the visit in Erie, the kids and I drove down outside Pittsburgh to visit friends we met in our journey with adoption. Maggie and Faith were part of the same adoptive group and experience in China we will never forget. We got to do firsts there too, AA and the baby got to go crayfish hunting which proved to be fruitful and swimming in an inground pool. Here are photos from our visit. We had a great weekend.

Visiting AA's Godmother

This past labor day weekend, I packed the kids into the car and drove to Erie to see my best friend and AA's godmother for the weekend. Little did I know that she has a mini farm at her house and the kids were delighted. They got to feed a baby cow, see goats, chickens, dogs and cats and couldn't have been happier. Besides great company on the weekend, my friends husband took AA to a Pittsburg Pirates baseball game and he was so happy. Here are some photos from our day.

First Day of School

While I am only two days late posting, Monday was the kids first day of school. Dressed up in new clothes, new backpacks and smiling from ear to ear ( I give it a week), they hopped into the car and off we went. Both children go to daycare in the morning, AA grabs the bus there, and the baby stays there. Here are their photos from that morning.

Pray for This Family

Our bloggy friends GANGS ALL HERE,( http://whitneygang.blogspot.com/) are eagerly awaiting a consulate appointment in China so that they can become a forever family. Knowing first hand the ups and downs of the adoption process, my heart is in the same place as theirs all over again. I remember being on pins and needles all the time, and looking back on it, Gods plan was right. It was the right baby, the right timing, the right trip, the right friends, etc.
Please lift this family up in prayer. Little Aidan needs her mommy and daddy so badly.

Crayola Crayon Factory

I ventured out of the house a few weeks ago with my brother and his family to the Crayola Crayon Factory. What a great day. The kids get tokens to make crayons or markers. They get to see how they are made and play with sidewalk chalk, make a hat, windsock and play with modeling clay. The best part is they get to color and color and color. It is a day filled with stations and they had a blast. After we were done I told the kids that they could get a toy at the crayola shop. AA said he would like to go to the gift shop and purchase anything that didn't have to do with coloring. Of course he had to say it in front of the sales rep who burst out laughing, we sunk ourselves into finger paints from Color Wonder (you know that ones that only make on special paper). Bonus for mom, since you haven't all gotten the great pleasure of cyclone Faith.

Here are some pictures of our great day.