A blog about our family in Lafayette, Indiana

This is the third year in a row we've posted a christmas video of Alex.

This year, Alex sings: a twisted version of Jingle Bells, dances the Charleston (Jimmy Stewart style from It's a Wonderful Life) and finishes with Silent Night. How soon will it be before we no longer have a cooperative child??? Even though he's been practicing some songs for a few days, we practially had to bribe him with a "sweet treat" to get him to participate! He suprised us today at the mall while we were ringing bells for the Salvation Army. He started doing the Charleston bit only after watching It's a Wonderful Life a few days ago. He's generally shy, but he can ham it up for us once in a while.

View past christmas video messages from Alex.

Merry Christmas from Amy, Mike and Alex!

Alex was a camel in our church's Christmas pageant. There were supposed to be three camels but two other boys didn't make it. So a girl named Alexandra was recruited as a stand in. Alexander and Alexandra, the Christmas camels, did a great job following the Magi to see baby Jesus. Here's a short clip of Alex giving a little wink and thumbs up to his proud Mom and Dad:

I can't believe I forgot about this one! I have updated my list to include this great muppet feature. Thanks to my brother Nick and commenter Mandy for the reminder.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

On TV? Not sure

Though Emmit Otter's jugband was pretty good, in a folksy lo-fi sort of way, nobody can deny the awesomeness of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band:

I am realizing something about myself.  Well, I've probably known this for a while, but I'm now making this known to all of you...how I can be.  I'm telling you this because I want to be better.

In general, I'm definitely not the happiest person out there.  "Chipper" would probably never be a word used to describe me.  However, I think I can come across to others as fairly happy.  I'm not saying I wear a mask, although let's face it, we all do at times.  But, I do think I try to make an extra effort to be friendly to people...that I see on a regular basis or just meet...outside the home.  In fact, I consider myself kind and polite, which is genuine (with some underlying sarcasm and humor...I can't deny myself totally!).   I don't know, maybe this is a misperception on my part.  Who knows how I really come across to acquaintances and casual friends? (Tell me, I guess, do I want to know?).  My closest friends, and especially my family, know how I can really be.  Particularly Mike and my mom (the ones I care about most, besides Alex).

I can be and am a nice person, but I am often not with those two people I love the most.  Why is that???  Are others this way or is it just me?  Those words and traits I mentioned above....kind, friendly, polite....I don't think they'd be used to describe me in my own home.  I can, frankly, be mean with a sharp tongue, terribly impatient, easily frustrated, annoyed and not affectionate/loving.  How is it that, quite honestly, I'm nicer to a stranger than the most special people in my life? It's wrong...so wrong.  I have been feeling convicted of my attitude and behavior, within the comforts of my home, the past couple of days and it's why I'm sharing this with you.

My husband is so good to me. He does and would do anything for me.  Sometimes I feel like he got the bad end of this deal (marriage!) that God orchestrated, but I'm not going to go there.  Mike is definitely the nicer one in our relationship and I can't say enough what a good person he is.  He is sweet and loving when I am not.  (But he ain't no angel...no one is :-)  He gives me grace countless times each day.  I, on the other hand, do not shell out the grace as willingly (although, again, I probably would with a friend or stranger!).  And the respect, well, I don't give him enough.  But, I'm going to be better about this.  I want to be the person and wife that God desires me to be.

My hungry husband, who is constantly hinting this time of year, "Hey, will I be getting any of the cookies you're making this Christmas?"  Because I'm notorious for giving treats away to everyone else, while he gets the shaft.  Not this year.  I will be saving plenty of treats especially for you, honey.  My caring husband, who wants to and makes it a point to give me a hug every evening when he gets home from work.  He seeks me out whereas I just assume he'll come find me and give me a hug while I'm in the midst of doing whatever it is I'm doing.  Not anymore.  I will seek him out and savor that hug that I want to give to him.  My careful husband, who is quite the cautious and safe driver (read: SLOW!), which at times can drive me insane.  I will thank God that I have a husband who loves his family enough to do his part to take care of us on the road and is not reckless, by any means.  My encouraging husband, who speaks positively and often sees the silver lining when I see a dark cloud.  I will make a conscious effort to reduce the negativity that I have been known to spew...not only in my words, but in my tone and attitude.

And my mom...God gave me the best mom anyone could ever ask for.  I tend to get short and exasperated with her, the one who physically brought me into this world.  The one who has done so much more for me than just given me life.  She is there for me in more ways than I can count.  And continuously is there and does for me... time and time again, even though I'm the not-so-nice Amy to her.  

I'm unbelievably blessed and I need and want to express my love to those that matter most to me.  I can (and will) be better.  I'm sure there is plenty of scripture that speaks of how God wants me to be, but I know the gist.  I want my words and actions to be pleasing to the Lord and to my family.

Am I the only one who struggles with this?  I'd appreciate any loving feedback you might have for me.  Or if you want to share how you can be at times.  

Thank you for reading...and loving me in spite of myself.

I found a site with a very comprehensive list of Christmas movies and specials and when they air on TV this year. It inspired me to come up with my list of favorite Christmas shows. I really wanted to get this out sooner but facing a bit of writers block. If you don't have anything better to do, please read on.

12. A Family Circus Christmas (1979)

On TV? No. :-(

As a child, I would spend hours on the top bunk of my bunk bed reading comic strip compilations that I checked out from the library. One of my favorites was The Family Circus. So, I was very excited when I saw this holiday special for the first time. I’m surprised to find out this show first aired in 1979. I don’t remember watching it until the mid ‘80’s.  I find the humor of Family Circus to be pretty corny now and I think it’s loathed by people nowadays. A satirically biting review of the A Family Circus Christmas can be found here.

11. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

On TV? ABC Family Dec. 11th 10:30pm; Dec 14th 4pm; Dec. 24, 3:30pm (Eastern Time)

This animated special seems to be on every year though it doesn’t seem to pack the same nostalgic punch as other shows. The premise: A town, where humans and mice live together in harmony, is threatened with the possibility that Santa Claus will pass them by this Christmas. An obnoxious nerd mouse writes a letter to the editor declaring that Santa Claus does not exist. This offends St. Nick so much that he returns every letter sent to him by every man, woman, child and mouse in town. Such shock and awe sends the town into utter despair.  The mayor even endorses a clockmaker’s half-baked scheme to build a giant clock that will play a song for Santa at the stroke of midnight Christmas day. Hearing this music will undoubtedly change Santa’s mind. Amazingly, after an inadvertent sabotage and repentant repair of the clock by the nerd mouse, the plan actually works!

What I find more amazing than Santa Claus’ proven existence is the fact that mice can actually read and write. But nobody in this show seems to care. Not even the mice.

10. One Magic Christmas (1985)

On TV? Hallmark Dec. 13th 1pm; Dec. 14th 1am (Eastern Time)

This movie is inspired by It’s a Wonderful Life. I remember watching this one a few times growing up. I always liked it, but Amy had never seen it. A few years ago we watched it together and she thought I was crazy. Really, it’s a pretty dark movie. All I remember Amy exclaiming (despite its title) “THIS IS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE????” This was at the point in the film where the dad is murdered by a bank robber and the children and bank robber, now kidnapper, plunge to their deaths into an icy river after a high speed chase leaving Mary Steenbergen without a family...Merry Christmas! Yeah, pretty harsh but it’s well made and has a good theme. Also, Harry Dean Stanton plays a mysterious guardian angel named Gideon who, when you take a step back, come’s across a little stalker-ish as he watches the family’s movements at night. He even appears in the daughter's bedroom and smashes her snow globe. Just to prove he's an angel.

9. A Garfield Christmas (1987)

On TV? ABC Family Dec. 9, 7pm; 10:30pm, Dec. 13 12pm (Eastern Time)

Garfield was another one of my favorite comic strips. I remember thinking when I was young that this was the first time Garfield was animated for television. But, a search on IMDB shows that there were six other specials starting in 1982. The only thing I remember from this show is the scene where the family lights their Christmas tree. The pic above shows the reaction of the characters as they say “Oooooooo!” I remember this cracked my brother, Nick, and I up for some reason.

8. The Polar Express (2004)

On TV? ABC Family Dec. 22, 6pm & 8:30pm

This one has become a tradition for me and Alex to watch every year. Our favorite character is the know-it-all kid with glasses. Alex was in stitches the first time he saw this kid with the nerdy voice pop up on screen and tattle “He did it!” He kept asking me to rewind and replay it over and over. The last couple of years Alex and I have mimicked this character’s quotes throughout the holiday season, much to Amy's annoyance.

The Polar Express is an ‘ok’ film by my standards. There are a few plot holes here and there and the look of the animated characters does have a slightly creepy, almost unsettling feel. Tom Hanks played multiple characters including the role of the ‘hero boy.’ All the children were physically played by adults, but voiced by child actors. The filmmakers used 3D computer animation to ‘skin’ the look of the characters over the physical movements of the actors.

A little useless trivia: Checking IMDB.com, I see that the ‘lonely boy’ character was played by Peter Scolari. Not many people will remember this but Scolari and Hanks were the main characters in a short lived ‘80’s sitcom called “Bosom Buddies”:

Two single men must disguise themselves as women to live in the one apartment they can afford.

 ...and hilarity ensues.

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas

On TV? Sorry Charlie, you missed it. Dec. 8 on ABC.

Poor Charlie Brown, he can’t ever catch a break. That sad, little Christmas tree he takes to the pageant only brings him more grief. One girl tells him he’s stupid—right to his face! Another girl calls him, and I quote, “a blockhead.”

6. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

On TV? Already aired Dec. 5th on CBS

Growing up this show was my absolute favorite animated (cartoonish) special. I think it was always followed by Frosty the Snowman. Rudolph is still fun to watch now but there are a few things that I pick up on that went over my head as a kid. Rudolph’s dad, Donner, saw the red nose and was like ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa. Cover it up. We can’t have any of that around.” And Santa? That is one cold dude. He totally told Donner that he “should be ashamed of himself.” ‘Cause you know, his son was born with a birth defect and all. Not one of Santa's better moments in television.

5. Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

On TV? Not sure

Though Emmit Otter's jugband was pretty good, in a folksy lo-fi sort of way, nobody can deny the awesomeness of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band:

4. A Christmas Carol (1938) or Scrooge (1951)

On TV?  A Christmas Carol TCM Dec. 20 4:45 PM (Eastern Time)

Alastair Sim as Scrooge (1951)

I cannot tolerate any of the newer renditions of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. I only watch one of the versions that are in black and white. “Scrooge” (1951) is regarded as the best but the 1938 version is just as good. They seem to be darker than any of the modern, filmed in color, versions could ever be. But these two versions are harder to find on TV every year. Usually cable channels will air the versions starring George C. Scott, Kelsey Grammar or Captain Picard from Star Trek. All in color, all inferior. Amy would probably be rolling her eyes as she reads this. She has an aversion to watching anything in black and white.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

On TV? Can’t find it. :-(

A “classic” Christmas movie. The only thing I find at fault with this film is the animated Santa Claus intro. It just doesn’t fit with the rest of the film. For me, the best unobvious joke in the film is Cousin Eddie’s black turtleneck dickey clearly seen through his white v-neck sweater. There was never any mention of it by any of the characters. It’s just there for laughs by those with observant eyes.

2. A Christmas Story

On TV? TBS Marathon begins on Dec. 24, 8pm (Eastern time)

I also refer to this film as “Ralphie.” This movie is pure holiday gold. I remember seeing it in the theaters when it came out. Nothing was funnier than Santa Claus placing his foot on Ralphie’s head and pushing him down the slide. Well, maybe sticking the tongue to the icy pole.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

On TV? NBC Dec. 13, 7pm and Dec. 24th 8pm (Eastern Time)

Not only is It’s a Wonderful Life my favorite holiday movie, It’s also my favorite movie of all time. I really can’t say why I like it so much. It’s just an all around great movie. I feel for George Bailey whose dream was to travel the world, but just couldn’t break free of his small town. He had a few chances to leave, but his sense of duty and responsibility always kept him home. It wasn’t until he sees what life would be like without him that he realizes that everything he needs is right in Bedford Falls.

That's it. If you've read all this then you really must love Christmas shows as much as me. I know there are probably a few classics that I didn't include here. A Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas are a couple that come to mind. Scooged, with Bill Murray, should get honorable mention.

What are your favorite Christmas shows? Feel free to leave a comment.

Merry Christmas!

This song popped into my head just now and I wanted to share it since I can't stop thinking about worshiping God through the hard, hard times...through the rain.  It's certainly not easy, but it can be done.

I feel like I could have written this song (but I'm not that eloquent).  I believe these words and can sing/say them and mean them. Read and think about these words and watch the video :-)  My son just asked me to dance, so I gotta go.

Bring the Rain by MercyMe

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Yesterday was perfect.  I spent my time exactly how I wanted and needed to.  So, I'm going to tell you about it :-)  Mike, Alex and I slept in a little bit and then Mike worked from home, which is unusual but I'm so glad he can do that once in a while.  I absolutely needed him at home yesterday.  I dropped Alex off at a friend's house for a good chunk of the day, which was a Godsend for me and him.  He had a blast playing with his friend, Preston.  I came home and took a hot bath in the dark with two candles burning (one for Lydia and one for Leah Grace, the daughter of a friend whose blog I read who went to be with the Lord a year ago as well, on November 29th).  I thought about the two precious baby girls together.

I listened to worship music throughout the day.  I read your comments, e-mails and cards.  And I was just unbelievably touched.  Really. As much as you all reached out to us back a year ago when I was overwhelmed by your love and prayers, I don't know if I thought that was going to be it, or what.  I was just so pleasantly surprised and felt so blessed when I received kind words from people one year later.  Honestly, I didn't expect anyone else to remember the date, but that wasn't the case at all.  Even a casual acquaintance of mine said,  "December 3rd...I will never forget that date."  And that just makes my heart so full...not because people remember me, but because they remember her!

Mike and I had a lovely lunch out together just the two of us.  During that time, I asked him to share things that stood out for him during those two days in the hospital and that entire week.  And it was just so neat to hear some of the things he recalled, what stuck in his mind as significant memories, his perspective during that time.  Like, I didn't remember playing Uno with my wonderful friend and nurse, Renay.  And then also talking to friends and family throughout the day who were right in the midst of everything with us those days.  They shared little things they recalled as well...their outlook, moments I didn't know about.  It brings me joy to hear about those days from others.

I came home after lunch and baked a birthday cake for Lydia...white cake with strawberry frosting and white writing.  I was stressing a little about the decorating turning out perfectly (it didn't...looked like Alex did it), which I later realized was silly when Alex was telling me to "chill out."  The cake was perfect.  But, to back track, while the cake was baking, the doorbell rang.  I wondered who it could be.  I was shocked to see Mike's parents at the door carrying a huge arrangement of the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen.  They drove the 2+ hours to give me a hug, tell me they love Lydia and all of us.  I was in tears by the suprise and kindness of it.

Do you see the couple of butterflies? I love it.

So, I visited with them and they surprised (actually, scared) Mike and Alex when they came home with a few balloons.  We sang Happy Birthday around the cake lit with a single candle at exactly 4:47.  Alex was all about having cake before dinner!  It was a treat.

At 5:15, we each released a balloon.  I loved Alex's comment before we let them go.  "God is going to see these balloons coming.  He's going to be so happy!"  We watched the balloons until we couldn't see them anymore.

It was shortly after the balloons that Alex came over to me and told me he had a secret.  He whispered to me (then Papa and Grandma), "Lydia's not sick anymore."  Man, I love that kid.

I went to my weekly Bible Study, Heart2Heart, at 6:00.  It was where I needed to be to end my day.  I was surrounded by some of my closest friends, women who are so endearing to me.  I love them so much.  We worshiped together before our discussion.  Lindsay and Mike sang Wonderful, Merciful Savior, which they sang at Lydia's service.  I bawled.  There weren't many dry eyes in that room.  Then, Lindsay spoke to us about how hard it can be to worship God in the midst of trials...disappointment, anger, fear, sadness, confusion.  When we don't understand why the junk is happening on in our lives, why we're having to go through "this" and how it can be hard to give him praise, glory, faith, our trust, our adoration when we don't understand!!  Lindsay is an amazing teacher and God ministered to all of those women in that room through her last night.

Then, believe it or not, I ended my day with a LOT of laughter.  Who knew it would end that way.  Several friends went out and had a late dinner, a lot of talking and tears (from laughter) after Bible Study.  I then went home and lit a candle and prayed right before midnight.

I love you all so much.  Thank you a thousand times over for your love, words, gestures, thoughts, prayers, hugs, but most of all, for remembering Lydia.  I thank God that she'll never be forgotten.

Here is the post I promised you.  Please go and read it.  It's up at my friend Beth's blog.  She and I share a bond that can't be broken.  I love you, Beth, James and Jake.

It's been one year and I can hardly believe it.  I've had some ups and downs the past few days just being in this time of year now and anticipating this date.  Today will be a day of reflection, prayer and memories.  I can't stop thinking about what I was doing and going through at this or that time last year.

Last night, I went through Lydia's things and mementos.  I read ALL of the cards that I was given during my pregnancy and after I had Lydia.  So, needless to say, your words, prayers and thoughts are still ministering to me.  And I know they'll continue to help me every year actually.  I felt the need to sleep with her blanket and a stuffed bear with wings that says "My Little Angel."  The white lights of her Christmas tree were in view from my bed and left on all night, which will probably continue this entire month.

We're remembering and celebrating Lydia today.  Making a birthday cake, releasing some balloons, watching a video of that day, lighting candles and simply spending time with her and the Lord.  When I told Alex yesterday that we were going to make a cake for her, he said excitedly, "Is she coming (to her party)?"  Ahh...brings tears to my eyes.

Lindsay and Renay wrote to Lydia and me on their blogs.  Thank you...I love you!

I'll probably be posting a few times today including linking to my friend's blog where I wrote a letter to Lydia.

Will you all do something for me?  Will you think of Lydia and our family today?  Will you look up to the sky and remember her?  Will you light a candle for her?  I love this song and although it's about so much more than lighting a candle, mainly living an inspiring and amazing life through Christ, I think of her when I hear it.

Hi everyone.  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  We did.  We spent our time between South Bend (Mike's family) and LaPorte (my family), which is typical for a holiday.  My sister-in-law, Danyell, prepared an awesome feast.   It was unbelievable. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend:

Mike with his parents' cat, Emmy.  We are not really cat people, but she is such a loving cat.  She cozied up to Mike while he was on his laptop.  She wanted to see some Google images of mice, but Mike refused to feed her addiction.

Cousins who are joined at the hip at family functions.  I'm so grateful they get along well :-)

Aunt Amy with sweet Lucza.  I just love on this baby girl as much as I can.

She looks so much like her daddy, it's crazy!

I have some great family pictures to share from the weekend, but I'll have to post them later.  Also, an installment of "What Not To Wear," which I find pretty funny.

Now on to the Advent Calendar.  Mike and I made one for Alex last year, but it wasn't used like we had intended since Lydia arrived six weeks early.  And I suppose it's more of a Christmas Countdown than Advent, but I think it's a great way to get him involved and excited about the holiday season.

Here is a pic.  The top calendar is from 2007 and the bottom one is this year's.

It's something Mike and I enjoy making together and really makes for a fun December :-)  The flaps are taped shut and he'll open one each day until Christmas (duh...I know you know what an Advent calendar is).  Anyway, it's a labor of love in that I spent some time looking up events in the community and plotting what we want to do on the calendar, but the majority of the activities cost little to no money.  Some examples from our calendar include:

• Make a Christmas craft
• Drive through the Living Nativity Scene at local church
• Downtown Christmas parade
• Bake Christmas cookies
• Pop some popcorn and watch a holiday movie
• Make dinner together as a family and eat by candlelight to Christmas music
• Drive around town and look at Christmas lights while in our pajamas
• See the Christmas tree at Purdue and have lunch at the Union
• Read the Christmas story together
• Ring bells for Salvation Army

You get the idea.  I make a master list for my reference so I can plan ahead and I am not the one surprised about what we're doing each day :-)  And if something comes up and we can't do what's on the calendar, so what?  He can't read yet anyway so he wouldn't know the difference, haha.

We spent what felt like the entire day putting up Christmas decorations.  I enjoy reminiscing and putting the ornaments on the tree.  However, I'm not too fond of finding a place for all of the other stuff.  My entire rug in my living room was covered with snowmen, Santas, candles, etc. just itching to be placed somewhere.  I have too much Christmas crap, honestly, and I don't know why I feel the need to put the majority of it up.  I do like the end result tonight, but I'm not gonna lie...it kind of looks like the North Pole threw up in my house (I watched the Santa Clause 2 recently, so I know!).  So, needless to say, I'm totally in the spirit now.  How can I not be when I'm like submerged in it, haha.  And the glitter, ugh, so hard to rid yourself of.  Mike's in bed right now with a few shiny specks on his face.  What can I say? He likes the bedazzled look :-)

On a totally unrelated note, I am drinking Diet Cherry 7Up at the moment.  I have not had it forever, but hello?!  It's really good.  I feel like I'm drinking a kiddie cocktail, or something.  Good night!  It's so late right now.  I hope everyone has a GREAT Monday!