Race Recap- Santa Hustle

The day after the Day After the End of the World Half Marathon my BRF Jessica and I were scheduled to participate in the Santa Hustle with our kids….  We thought of it as a recovery workout, and because we had all 6 of our collective kids we knew the pace would be a s-l-o-w walk for most of the distance.  This was totally fine with us.  After completing the Half Marathon we were pretty much there for the Santa Hat, shirt, beard, and the cookies.  It took us just shy of an hour to complete the 3.1 miles…  LOL  

A couple of our friends from our Katy Chapter of Moms Run This Town were there for the Half Marathon, and we were lucky enough to catch up with 2/3 of the ladies and snap a picture before they started off….

It was really great to meet up for a brief moment with Laura Beth and Cheryl, Laura Beth has been such an encouragement to me through out my journey to running…  We missed Antoinette, and I was so bummed later when I found out she was there and I didn’t get to see her….  

At the start they made the announcement that they had over 1,000 racers signed up for the Half Marathon and over 2,000 signed up for the 5K, making the Galveston Santa Hustle the largest Inaugural Hustle ever…  yay!  hopefully that means they’ll be back! 

Here’s a picture of the 5K start…  The Strand looks so cool with all those santas!  I just feel bad for the lady in pink LOL

The race course was great, effectively taking the 5K’ers from one side of Galveston Island to the other.  It was great to turn around at Pleasure Pier, and the kids were excited to see the ocean again

Auston rocked the course, decided last minute to really run it, and managed to come out 10th in his age group and 57th over all, and with a PR to boot……  IN  RED SKINNY JEANS!  LOL

This race wrapped up my goal of participating in 12 organized races in 2012, and it was number 14!  LOL….  It was sort of a last minute thing to sign up (we decided in November we just couldn’t miss it)…  I’m really glad we did.  It was a blast and I’d definitely do it again.  It was well organized and a great way to spend the weekend before Christmas with my kids.  My only complaint would be there wasn’t enough Christmas music on the course….  I thought there would be more.  But, whatever, it was still fun! 

Me and my 4 kids <3

Is that not the cutest little elf you’ve ever seen????

Jessica and I are pretty cute too

My boys looking fly in their Santa garb LOL

The kids took turns in the stroller LOL

I think this is my favorite picture…  Jessica and Jordan dancing post race   <3

Merry Christmas!

WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW!

THIS is the meaning of it all.  Watch it to the end.  It made me cry.  Don’t wait.  Just watch it now.

May this week before Christmas be about Christ. 

Thoughtful Thursday- Why I Still Believe in Santa Claus

Christians have many, many opinions on Santa Claus, from he’s of the Devil, to he’s a big lie, to he’s ok, and more.  These different opinions honestly make me sad.  I grew up in a house where Santa was very loved, and brought much excitement to Christmas.  As I began my own family there was no question in my mind of whether we would “do Santa” for our kids at all.  Frankly, I had no idea of the extremely negative views people had about Santa until I began talking in Christian online groups. 

The tradition of Santa began with St. Nicholas, a Saint who gave up his wealth to help those in need- specifically poor children.  When he would help them, he would often give them presents in a bag, anonymously.  He didn’t do it for the show, and didn’t do it for what he would get in return.

To me, the spirit of St. Nicholas lives on through the persona of Santa Claus- through the gifts we give to our children, and the way we present Santa to them.  I think it is very important to remember the spirit.  When we chose the gift for Santa to bring, at our house it is the biggest gift.  There are two reasons- one, it’s the one that is the hardest to wrap, or needs the most work to set up, that way it’s done, but also because we, as parents, are not taking credit for the big gift.  I think this is an important lesson for our children as they get older and learn that we are the people behind Santa.  They learn that we don’t have to get credit for the joy they have, that we just want to give them joy   To me this is big.  We don’t always need to get credit for the things we do.  Ultimately, God knows what we do, and if we can take our focus off of man’s appreciation and focus on God we will be more at peace in our souls.

The Spirit of St. Nicholas lives on through Secret Santa programs, and giving to the poor.  This was a BIG part of who St. Nicholas was, and we should make sure his legacy lives on through giving to the poor as well.  Now that my older boys are old enough to know the true meaning of Santa we include them in our giving at Christmas time.  We have a couple of places that we give anonymously every year, and we don’t expect anything in return, we don’t put it on our tax return, we just do it because it’s what's right.  Even as we don’t have a whole lot of money ourselves for Christmas, we make sure to give to others.  There’s always someone more in need than we are

So, I still believe in Santa because as a child I was touched by love and giving without any expectation of anything in return, and I learned the value of that.  Now as an adult I have learned that the true gift of Christmas comes when WE give.  And, isn’t that what God did?  The real gift of Christmas is that God gave his ONLY son- without expecting anything in return- just because He loves us.  It’s a legacy.  And we’re responsible for continuing the legacy to our children.

Book Review- Merry Christmas Stories

Recently I was given the opportunity to review the book, Merry Christmas Stories, by Jeff Spalsbury.  I was very excited to start reading this book, because Christmas is one of my favorite times.  Probably my favorite thing about the book is that it has 25 stories, perfect to read with your sweetheart every night in December.  The book has a wide collection, including love stories, ghost stories, science fiction and more. 

The first story in the book is “Santa’s Missing”.  I really enjoyed this story, even though I found a lot of it to be predictable, and somewhat unrealistic.  The idea behind the story was nice.  This was my favorite story in the book. 

Excerpt of Santa’s Missing

As I continued reading, my first problem was that I had to read more than one story a day, because I had a deadline for this review.  I think I would have enjoyed the stories more if they were spread out.  Reading them so close together made it obvious to me that the majority of the stories had the same underlying theme- someone is lonely, or depressed on Christmas, they find love and everything is good.  Honestly, after a while it bored me.  However, a lot of people really enjoy the feel good love story type, so I can definitely see where people would enjoy this book….. just don’t read it all at once

I also felt that my teen agers might like it, although the emphasis on having to have love to be happy is a little heavy.  I’d have to talk with them before letting them read it to get clear the source of real love- God.

All in all, it’s a good book to have to pull out at Christmas time, maybe leave it by the toilet to read, or on the coffee table- but please don’t move it back and forth!  LOL

Jeff R. Spalsbury also writes science fiction and western novels. Avalon Press published his western novel, Hunt the Hunter, in December 2010 and the second novel in his Hunt series, The Hunted Return is scheduled to be published in July 2012, also by Avalon.  His science fiction novel, SPACE DREAM ONE: That Other’s May Live will be published as an eBook in October 2011.

Spalsbury taught a class on the importance of using humor in the classroom at California State University in Fresno. He is also a former library director and professor at Porterville College, Porterville, CA.

To learn more about Spalsbury’s books, visit his website at www.JeffRSpalsbury.com. His books can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Black Rose Writing or various online  eBook sellers, including the Apple iPad, Sony Nook, etc.

I would like to thank TLC Book Tours for allowing me to be part of this blog tour .

Stops on the TLC tour:

Monday, November 21st:  The Road to Here

Tuesday, November 22nd:  Reviews from the Heart

Wednesday, November 23rd:  Peeking Between the Pages

Friday, November 25th:  A Chick Who Reads

Monday, November 28th:  I Am A Reader, Not A Writer - Q&A/giveaway

Wednesday, November 30th:  Cheryl’s Book Nook

Thursday, December 1st:  Life in Review

Friday, December 2nd:  2 Kids and Tired

Monday, December 5th:  Laura’s Reviews

Wednesday, December 7th:  My Bookshelf

Thursday, December 8th:  Deb’s Book Bag

Friday, December 9th:  Living Outside the Stacks

Monday, December 12th:  Along the Way

Tuesday, December 13th:  By the Book

Wednesday, December 14th:  Nailing Jello to a Tree

Thursday, December 15th:  Book Reviews by Molly

TBD:  Book Maven’s Blog

(I received Merry Christmas Stories from TLC and the author in return for a review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Family Time Friday- Advent Devotional

It’s Advent!  Do you know what that means?  If not, you should really look it up.  Many churches completely miss this rich rich time in the church year.  It’s a great time of reflection and preparation.  It’s a time to reflect on what Christmas is really supposed to be about.  Here’s a hint:  It’s not about who spends the most

If you’re looking for a way to get back to the real meaning of Christmas, might I recommend an Advent Devotional?  There are many out there, so find the one that fits your family.  Here’s a place to start:

From not through December 31 you can download Women of Faith’s Family Advent Ebook for free.  Go check it out!  Even if you’re not going to use it this  year, download it for a future year

Singing Saturday- Breath of Heaven

I hope you haven't already begun dismantling the tree and started moving on to the next holiday.  Take a moment to reflect on what today is really about...  I love love love this You Tube Video, I hope it blesses you too...

Breath of Heaven- Amy Grant

I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I've done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

[chorus:]
-----------------------------------
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holiness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
-----------------------------------

Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

[chorus]

Singing Saturday- Lo, How a Rose 'Er Blooming

I sing in with a couple other ladies for our Community Bible Study class, an experience that I really am blessed by. This week we did a special song for the ladies since we are approaching Christmas. Before we began to practice this song I had never heard this song. It has grabbed a hold of my heart. So beautiful.  You can find some history on this carol here.

The Youtube video continues on to another song... Sorry I couldn't find one I liked that didn't do that....

Lo, How a Rose 'Er Blooming

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.

It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,

When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;

With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.

To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior,

When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,

How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.

To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,

As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,

Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;

True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,

And lightens every load.

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,

O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;

Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,

And to the endless day!

Singing Saturday- O Come O Come Emmanuel

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and my favorite is Enya's version.  You may wonder about the other words that are in this version.  They are from the original Latin version of the song.  I found a very interesting article on wikipedia about the history of this hymn.

Veni, veni, Emanuel!

Captivum solve Israel!

Qui gemit in exilio,

Privatus Dei Filio.

Refrain:

Gaude, gaude, Emanuel

Nascetur pro te, Israel.

Translation:

I came, come, Emanuel!

And ransom captive Israel!

That mourns in lonely exile here,

The Son of God.

Refrain:

Rejoice, rejoice, Emanuel

Shall be born for thee, O Israel.

So, here it is :)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel- By Enya

O come, O come Emmanuel,
To free your captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
O Israel, to you shall come Emmanuel.

Veni, veni, Emanuel!
Captivum solve Israel!
Qui gemit in exilio,
Privatus Dei Filio.

Refrain:
Gaude, gaude, Emanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.

( Chanting - Gaude, gaude )

Refrain: (2x)
Gaude, gaude, Emanuel
Nascetur pro te, Israel.

Family Time Friday-Christmas Traditions

If you've been reading my blog for a while, or if you know me at all, you know I am big on traditions.  I've blogged on this very subject here, here, here, here, and even a little on Christmas traditions here!  Are you tired of hearing about traditions yet?  Too bad :)  I've mentioned before how important I think they are to children, and I'm going to say now that I think they're important to your marriage, and your overall mental health too.  I have always found myself grounded in tradition.  Sometimes I even use my traditions as a crutch, I guess, but I figure that's alright :)  There was a time in my life shortly after my parents divorced that I really struggled through the Christmas season.  I've spoken many times on here about my strained relationship with my mother.  Well, one of my good memories of my mother is her love for Christmas.  And that love for Christmas has always been a source of glue for us.  A source of commonality between us.  Well, as things got worse and worse between she and I and she allowed her boyfriend more and more control over her life Christmas became more and more difficult.  The Christmas before my Grandfather died I tried to bury the hatchet between us and told her we'd like to come to Utah for Christmas, knowing that it was probably Grandpa's last Christmas.  She told me it wasn't a good idea because her boyfriend would be uncomfortable, and I was devastated.  I had a hard time with Christmas that year, (and for the next couple to be truthful).  I had virtually no Christmas Spirit.  My husband was amazing during that time.  He's not big into Christmas like me, but he saw the value in the traditions both for our children and for me and he forced me to start a new tradition with him- one of cutting down our own Christmas Tree.  Since that year we have gone to this farm to cut down our tree.  It has become Tradition!  ;)  That first year we went out the last weekend before Christmas and we ended up with quite the Charlie Brown Tree, but that is now a funny memory to us all. 

One thing that I've never stopped doing with my kids is something my Grandma started with me and my sister and cousins when we were young- making Gingerbread Houses.  Most years we make the gingerbread from a mix, last year we got a baby, and were sleep deprived, but we didn't let that stop us!  We just bought the kits and decorated from there.  This year?  I think I'm going to try homemade gingerbread :)  Some years just the kids make their houses, a couple of years I've made my own too.

Another thing my grandma would do with us is take us to the Nutcracker.  I took the boys for the first time last year, and I don't think I'll do it every year like my grandma did, but we'll definitely go often.

We have gone out to the Twilight Firelight at Fanthorp Inn several times, but not every year, as it depends on the other things going on in our lives and if we're free that evening.  We really love it, though!

When I can find them I buy the Chocolate Advent Calendars for the kids- the ones with the piece of chocolate each day from December 1-24...  I always loved these as a kid, but unfortunately I can't always find them for the kids :(

We also try to watch as many of the 25 Days of Christmas movies on ABC family as possible :)

We have more Christmas morning/Eve traditions, but I'll save those for another day...

I'd love for you to share your Christmas season traditions with us!

Thoughtful Thursday- My Christmas List

I'm sharing my Christmas list with you.  It is very materialistic, because I'm going on the assumption that you know I wish for world peace, health and happiness, for my lost family members to come to Christ etc....  I'm sharing it to give the other women some ideas for their own lists, and I'd love it if you would share your lists with me, so if I've missed something I can add it to mine ;)

So here goes:

• Immersion Blender
• Steam Mop
• Blender or This One
• Food Processor
• Small Food Chopper
• Pajamas- I always like to get new PJ's s Christmas Eve :)
• New Camera or This one
• Time with my husband- ALONE TIME!  With 4 kids we don't get much of that!
• Coffee mug- I always love me a good coffee mug :)

That's what I can think of for now.  I know my husband will look at this list and say no- I'm not getting you a mop and  blender and food processor for Christmas- those are not fun, but things we need for the house.  But really, these things would be for me, because I'd be the one using them most of the time.  And, these things would make my life easier, which is a gift in itself :)