To all those who are struggling at Christmas...

Over the last few days I have read so many sad things in the news, mostly relating to children.  Obviously what has happened to those innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary is unfathomable.  Every time the thought comes into my mind of what the parents and the children who survived are going through, I have to shake myself to stop thinking about it.  And to,  of course stop and appreciate how lucky I am.  There has been so many suicides of young people over bullying recently too, and I just wonder how my little Tilly is going to handle the big bad world when she is really in it.  

At this time of year it is hard for so many people, for so many different reasons.  Losing loved ones, being far apart or in the army, feeling financial pressure, having nowhere to spend Christmas, being hungry or homeless or being depressed.  And sometimes I think we forget this when we are stuck in a long line in a shop, buying another gift for someone who has so much already.  

So lets all take the time to talk, listen or give to someone who is struggling at this time of year.  

Here is a poem I read on FB dedicated to those little angels who are watching over us tonight.

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mous

e.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

My miracle...

3 years ago today I became a mother to the most special little girl in the world - well to me and her pappa anyway!  It was truly a miracle.  I went through a silent miscarriage just a few months before she was conceived and then another one when I was 20 weeks, where I was sure it was all over!  But no,  little Tilly was still in there and the doctors suspected it was a silent miscarriage of a twin.  I was overwhelmed with the fact that something survived after what I had experienced but there she was, the little stubborn and persistent madam.

It's been a fun-filled ride, and my life has changed for always and I sure know husby's has!  But I would not change a thing.  Of course it is daunting to know that it us who will be responsible for who she becomes and who her children become for that matter.  But when you just focus on each funny thing she says or expression she makes, then it just feels like you have been hit with a big rush of love and goo and you can't believe how lucky you are.  

So I can't wait until Sunday when all of Tilly's little cousins and friends come to her birthday party and they get to eat cake and ice-cream and say funny things.  And I can't wait until we get to spend Christmas in Dublin with all of her important people that make her one half of herself.  And hear her speak swinglish and chase the dog around the house.  I can't wait to cuddle up in bed with her and husby and just feel grateful that we have our miracle, and don't need anything else.

Happy weekend y'all and remember guns are bad!

Advents calendar...

Here's a topic that's got my attention this year, for different reasons.  The first reason is that at work we developed an advents calendar as the theme for our Christmas campaign, and it's ALL I have been doing for the last 2 months.  Finally it's ready and hopefully customers are enjoying it and getting some great Christmas gift ideas.

Listen to the Christmas song here too!

The second reason is that I didn't get to choose Tilly's calendar this year, because it was chosen for me (story needs a blog of it's own, so don't ask!).  But during my conversations with different people about advents calendars, I got some great ideas.  Like my colleague who's calendar was a story which was read over 24 nights.  How wonderful!  No expensive, unnecessary presents, or candy or just stuff!  But something that stimulated her imagination and meant cosy time for her and her mom.  Or how about filling each day with an experience like baking gingerbread on day 4, or visiting an animal shelter on day 10 or donating a toy to orphanage on day 15.  You know something meaningful and important and that teaches kids that Christmas is not only a time for getting but also giving and sharing.

I'm slightly obsessed with the whole idea and can't wait for next year when I have control again!

Here are some great crafty ideas for calendars - there are so many fun things to do.