trick or treat

Given that I use character names for privacy on this blog, I'm aware that it's ironic for us to introduce our boys to the Star Wars movies.  I never saw the movies until college, when Mr. Kenobi insisted that I must come to know the plots in detail.  Evidently he had friends who would have been deeply concerned for his sanity had they known he was dating a woman who lacked a proper appreciation of the Lucas epics.  Anyway, I watched them and vaguely remember each.  Mr. Kenobi has waited eagerly to watch them with his boys, and I finally relented and checked them out from the library.  (Note: the library is awesome.  Free movies!  And you can take them back!!)  Now the boys know more about the plots of long long ago in a galaxy far, far away than I ever care to know.  I recently saw this spif on youtube and thought it aptly summarized the movies.

but I digress...

Tonight is Halloween, and my kids are enamored with the Star Wars movies, so they are off in characters.  For the record, we have not shown them the "new" episodes, just the original three that came out when I was about their age.  Oy.

Here are a few photos for your amusement.  As I generally try not to post many pictures of them online, I may end up taking these down eventually, but I also know the majority of my readers quite well and the kids are in costume, so I thought you'd enjoy seeing them.

The Boys

Obi-Wan

Luke Skywalker

Ewok

Pumpkin

Happy Halloween.

-MamaToo

what is christmas

Obi-1 was recently asked to write an article for the school newspaper. The topic is "winter holidays," and other students are writing about Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and possibly some Chinese holiday. Given that it's a public school, they're trying to keep things pretty equal. Go figure the principal would ask a kindergartner to think about the Christmas piece!

Let me just say that Christmas is a complicated holiday in some ways. Since having children, Mr. Kenobi & I have tried to keep a focus on the incarnation of Christ in Christmas - remembering that God chose to come to us, that He gave Himself as an extravagant gift, and that His presence is not limited to a season or holiday. In past years, we've used resources from Advent Conspiracy to help focus us and remind us of the true reason we celebrate.

This said, we (or at least I) also enjoy "Christmas" carols & music (including the ever-popular Elvis rendition of White Christmas), all things cookie, and the joy of sales - er, gift-giving - of this time of year. I also think that the magic and imagination of Santa Claus and his little elves are good fun, as well as impetus for excellent manners while out in public. Frankly, I don't mind a bit of help in having fun or keeping the troops in line! All to say that I enjoy the holiday season, but we try not to let Santa and gifts become the focus of our December.

Anyway, Obi-1 set out to write on the subject, "What is Christmas?" In listening to his ideas and talking through things with him, I was struck by how hard it was to succinctly explain this holiday to the general public of our city (or anywhere). If asked, what would I say? What would I leave out? What makes sense for put in a public elementary school newspaper? (It feels like Charlie Brown music should be playing in the background...)

So, I helped him think through all of his ideas, but I wasn’t here for the composition. I got home from a meeting tonight to find the following short article hand-written on a piece of paper. I had promised to type it for him if he wrote it by hand, so I did that and sent it over to the principal. The newsletter is supposed to be published later this week, and I don't know what or how will be included. While I'd love to take credit, it's definitely with his own perspective and writing on the topic. It's also much more brief than my little write-up here!

If you’re up for the challenge, write your own and send it my way or link it in comments... What is Christmas?

***********************************
Christmas
by Obi-1 Kenobi, Kindergarten

I like Christmas. Not just like Christmas. I love Christmas. It’s special because it’s Jesus’ birthday. It’s also (my friend) Rafael’s birthday. Our family celebrates it together. My Daddy sings special songs with us at night. We give presents to show people love. Christmas day is always on December 25. It’s about God’s gift to the world. If you want presents, give Santa cookies.
***********************************

Merry Christmas!

Love, MamaToo

who's your reason

It used to be a way of life, but somewhere in the past 70 years it became a day of celebration, and then a day off. Today, I ask you to join me in returning to remembrance and appreciation - for our veterans.

It's amazing to think that many of us aren't sure who to celebrate or thank today. Yet I'm pretty sure you know a veteran... maybe several. They were part of your graduating class. Many have gone to wars, and most have come home. They work beside you, worship with you, raise children with yours, and live just around the corner. They park next to you at the grocery store, hang out at your favorite coffee shop, and bring business to your workplace. They are friends on your facebook page, read your blog, and their number is on your caller ID.

They may also be perfect strangers, covered in a dark and damp blanket as you scurry in and out of errands.

They have served our country in times of peace and times of war. The work that qualifies one as "veteran" was, and often still is, their job and calling. Today, your job is to find them and thank them.

I know the veteran I honor today. My brother has recently departed for his third war effort. He is the kid who made us all laugh while growing up. He's the guy who dazzled on the soccer field, and whose smile could work his way out of most trouble. Smart and witty, talented and tenacious. DJ has always been loyal to his friends, loved his dog, and let his heart endure pain as it hung on his sleeve. While still all of this, he's also an honored and capable veteran. This time, he's off to a different location with same goals: do his job well, come home safely. He will join the thousands there, thousands who've just come home, and thousands who will go when he returns. They are willing, ready and able. They will rise above news feeds and poll numbers to serve, defend and protect freedom.

My brother's wife and children will serve with him, too, though they won't leave home. They quietly and steadfastly offer their own sacrifices. They will once again try to keep their focus on school, home, work, and family. They will also support other families who miss their veteran for the first time, and celebrate the others who come home before DJ. As a collection, military families like my brother's offer all of us a glimpse of work ethic, grace, and humility that might otherwise go unnoticed, if not for a day like today.

I know support for a veteran's work is linked inextricably with the politics of the moment. Yet many have served in order that we might live with freedom in this time. Many have sacrificed so that our sacrifices might be over paychecks and new comforts, rather than over life and freedom. They risk their life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in order to ensure these remain available to all. Perhaps for just a moment, we can all lay down our opinions over healthcare, wall street, unions, or personalities and just be thankful.

Today, I honor my brother, DJ, and his deployment during the months to come. Who is your reason to celebrate Veterans Day?

elfing around

Update: unfortunately, the elves posting is now unavailable online.  Time to get back to those new year dreams!

-- mamatoo

I always get a giggle from these "elf yourself" creations, as do the boys.  This year jibjab has lots of different dances for the little elves in our lives.  Enjoy...

Another one included sista' K, our dear friend (I like to think of her as my "little sister").  She goes to college nearby, and sometimes even brings her friends when she hangs out with us here.  Sista' K also generously gives us the occasional free babysitting and tries to keeps us in touch with our youth - ha ha!  So, it's fitting that she'd elf around with us - disco style.

o christmas tree

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

How hungry are your branches!

Yes, how hungry are your branches.  Thus begins a wonderful season in our life - where children make up words to holiday songs, and we all sing them together.  Obi-2 was singing this with gusto the other day, and Obi-1 chimed in, and they cannot be convinced that the lyrics are about anything but a hungry tree.  You will probably have this version stuck in your head every time you drive past a tree lot or see your lights sparkle on your home's hungry evergreen branches.

The thing is, our tree is technically not hungry... because it's fake.  This, all by itself, requires much discussion in our home.  As "fake" means "pretend," and clearly it's not a "pretend" tree, because it's standing right there!  I tried explaining that it's "pretend" in that it's not "real" or "live," but was quickly asked why a cut tree is considered "live," as it's really not connected to its roots, anymore.

So, our Christmas tree is pretending to be hungry.  Which reminds me - there is actually a lot of hunger this time of year, in spite of the fact that many of us gain cookie pounds and temporarily satisfy our appetites for stuff.  Consider pulling out a little of your holiday budget, and give to somebody who doesn't know you & may not recognize your gift.   Isn't that the idea of Christmas - a gift, undeserved, to those who did not know the Giver?  Better yet, don't just do it this month - pull a little aside throughout the next year, and find a way to be a gift to the hungry.

Then sing with us in joy & gladness: 

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

How hungry are your branches!

honor

I hope you had a chance to thank a veteran today.  They often don't ask for thanks.  Sometimes they shy from the attention you offer.  Yet, thank them anyway.  Veterans have demonstrated service to us, our country, and often our world.  They do this with little pay, slight recognition, and even less time with the people and places they love.  They do what they do, often to leave their service with more scars than joys.  

My brother is a veteran.  In my selfishness, I sometimes wish he wasn't.  I sometimes wish he didn't have a calling that takes him into harm, away from those who love him.  I sometimes wish it was easier to understand his work, or support his deployments, or agree with his leaders.  Being a veteran has cost him holidays and birthdays away from his young daughter.  It has stressed his marriage with long-distance phone calls and parenting from afar.  It has sent him into months of loneliness, and moved him far from his home.  

His work has offered opportunities to earn respect and insight from some of the world's best people.  Being a veteran has given him much work, much pride, and many skills.  It has shown him the mixed reaction of citizens who prefers sound-bites and statistics over understanding the complexities of his work.  It has made him a simple and convenient image for those who want to elevate their political ideas.  It has also helped him understand the richness of his own ideas and beliefs.

If you don't have a brother, or relative, or friend who's a veteran, I'm sorry.  You may have to look to a stranger to say thanks.  They are walking & working among you.   They are also hidden.  Look in a soup kitchen, shelter, or hospital to find many who deserve your honor.  

Thank you, bro, for your service and commitment to a calling I don't always understand & sometimes don't want to support.  Thank you, veterans, for the honor you've shown us all.

get more creative

Attention, please: Father's Day is coming up in a few short weeks.   This is a day to recognize the significance and importance of fathers.  Contrary to some beliefs, it is not a "gimme" holiday to counter-balance Mother's Day.  Not only do good fathers change their own families, they better our whole society.  So, it's good to remember that - at least once a year - and celebrate them.

However, this celebrating business can go a few ways: consumer-driven, card-infused, and cliche.  On the other hand, it can cause you & others to recognize a father who has bettered your life.  It can be a holiday dripping with stuff, but it can also be something full of good memories and genuine appreciation.  

However you celebrate that special dad, do not get him a tie.  

Oh, I know they are easy to find and send.  Yes, it's probably one of the gifts that is on sale.  Sure, a tie goes wonderfully with his interest in fly fishing or patriotism or that new blue shirt you send with it.  Of course, a tie always fits his size.  Perhaps he even wears ties, so you think it would be useful.

Just restrain yourself.  As a sincere service to all of my readers, I'm warning you: keep giving ties for holiday gifts and this is what your dad might do in his final days before retirement:

          

Obviously, the habit of giving my father a standby accessory has probably gotten a little out of hand.  I love you, Dad!  Enjoy your last week of wearing a tie to work...

orange protest

Ah, cultural differences.  My marriage is one of blended ethnicity - me, a mutt of Irish, Scottish, German, and maybe Native American descent.  Mr. Kenobi, purely German.    Honestly, the Irish genes are probably the least of my makeup, but I grew up celebrating St. Patrick's Day in full gusto, thanks to my dad, "Papa."  We even had green pancakes one year for dinner, celebrating the emerald Isle with Papa's signature meal.  

So, imagine my dismay, when only months into my marriage I found out that Mr. Kenobi does not think much of St. Patrick's day.  He doesn't give green socks for gifts on March 17th like my mom used to do.  He doesn't think through his laundry a week ahead of time, just to make sure his favorite green shirt is ready to go.  Worst of all, he seems to find great delight in protesting his little leprechaun wife's quirky celebration each year.

Mr. Kenobi wore orange today.  Technically, he wore beige/khaki clothes - no different than any other day.  At some point during the day, he donned a bright orange fleece pullover while out on an engineering project visit.  So, he claims he wore orange to recognize St. Patrick's day.

Because, you see, orange is the color for Irish protestants.  And as such, my husband is smugly bashing my celebration of green.  Did you not know this?  Neither did I, but he quickly googled it to prove his point.  Show-off.

Except for this: Mr. Kenobi may not be Irish by descent, but he is from a long, long line of Catholics.  While we are a truly protestant family, it would seem he could swallow his smile and put on some green, if only in respect to his Catholic grandparents.

But, no.  No - he's wearing khaki.  Obi-2 asked him if he wore a "helmet" on the construction site.  Mr. Kenobi answered that maybe he should have, in light of all the potatoes that could get thrown at his smirky little face.

;) MamaToo 

resolution #367

Resolution of early January:

This year, I will send birthday cards, presents, and call on my friends' & family's special day.  

Reality of mid-January: 

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Kenobi.  

I know, I know.  Your birthday was yesterday.  

Your card will be in the mail - tomorrow.

Whoops.

another year, another load

I've been waiting to write something here until I had something good, funny, or profound to tell. I didn't want to start the year with negativity, because it really is good around here.  However, all of the good stories seem to have some of my trademark sarcasm wrapped up in them, and who wants that?  Oh, well.

Today brings the fourth day, and the seventh load of laundry, to the Kenobi's 2008.  I'm a little washed out, so to speak.   If you have any suggestions on getting two little guys through the night with dry beds, I'm all ears.  That is, as long as it doesn't involve getting up in the middle of the night, which we're already doing with the bed-wetting adventures.  I miss my beauty sleep and all.

My resolution for 2008 is to understand what "health" means for me, from a physical, spiritual, and mental perspective.  To start with, I decided to take the first seven weeks and fast one day in each week.  Those days would have focused time in prayer and study of God's perspective of my health.  

We have had guests here (Mr. Kenobi's family) from December 22nd until yesterday, and I can sum up those wonderful weeks with a few words: rich foods, late nights, packed days.   I was eager to start returning to health, but I unwisely picked the first day without guests to fast.  It did not go well.  Or, perhaps it did, and I proved that I do not have enough spiritual, mental, or physical reserves to handle a day like yesterday. 

Oh, and the house looks like we've had guests and presents and skiing adventures squashed into 14 days of fun.  I suppose that's because we have, and so I need to unearth my home.  While the boys are loving their new Lincoln Logs and trampoline, I'm trying to remember where we put their socks.  Life is good, and (I hope) getting better.

And so, my dear friends and family and general internet public, I'm off to start the year out in a heap of laundry, dishes, and floor-mopping.  May your days be merry and bright, too.

sound of silence

My parents and brother left this morning, and the house is suddenly very quiet.  They're not loud folks, and we actually weren't even around the house much, so I'm sure it was never very loud.

However, I'm noticing the calm after the storm, so to speak, and realizing that our week with them was really active.  

In light of the quiet, I think I'm going to take a nap with the Obi's and catch up on some rest. Blogging can wait, right?

Happy New Year, if I don't catch you before then.

tis better

Is it better to give, or receive?

This question pops up a lot in December conversations.  Often we say we love giving, but pair that statement with the rhetorical, "What do you give the person who has everything?"  Surely some say "'it's better to receive," in quaint honestly, but we all recognize 'tis the season of giving, right? 

This time of year is about generosity... find just the perfect gift for each person on our list... make the most of our budget... give to those in need.  If we trust the marketing and casual conversation, Christmas, or "the holidays," really are all about giving.  Even in spiritual circles, we're given "The Wise Men" as examples - bringing things of great worth to Jesus.  Shine yourself up and purchase something grand.  Bring your best, give your best, because 'tis better to give.

But Christmas, at its core, isn't about giving.  At least, it's not about our gifts.  In fact, if you want to see what God thinks of our gifts to Him, look here...

I think we like giving because it allows us to think of ourselves as the people who have everything.  I've heard a lot of people tell me, "I really don't need anything."  We recognize we are full... cluttered... overwhelmed... with the stuff we've already given ourselves.  We believe there is nothing we need that we can't provide for ourselves.  We sound altruistic when we talk about those "in need," but listen closer and you may hear the tones of arrogance and pride under some generous phrases.

So it may surprise you that I'm not writing about "relational giving,: or giving "experiences instead of stuff," or any other catch-phrase of the season.  I'm writing to challenge you to receive.  Truly, truly receive.  

Because this is the season of receiving.  

No matter how much we'd like to make it all about what we give - our money, our craftiness, our time, even our hearts - it's not.  It's about something we cannot give.  We weren't even enlightened enough or honest enough to ask for it in advance.  It takes humility and a broken heart to even ask for it, and most of us don't want to look at our broken heart or humble ourselves.  However, this is the greatest Gift.  There is one Gift for everyone who will recognize they cannot earn it, they cannot reciprocate, they cannot find it elsewhere or make it for themselves.  

They - we - can only receive... and celebrate.

Yes, 'tis probably easier to give, but better to receive.  Make room in your home... your workplace... your schedule... your heart.  Receive the Gift - a savior, a king, a teacher, a friend.  

good news

"Good news, children: Jesus Christ is bored in the gym!"  

--- Obi-2

(I think this is supposed to be "Good news, children: Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem!")

o christmas tree

My mom is a true pioneer woman.  She hunts every autumn (seriously - we're eating venison thanks to Nani).  She grinds her own whole wheat flour to make bread.  She... let's just say I could (and maybe will) write an entire post about her many pioneering attributes.  The true irony is that she's spent a lifetime of dancing and teaching ballet.

 

I admit I'm no pioneer woman, but every once in a while I want to be like that.  This year, our family decided to take advantage to living in an area known for its evergreens. Imagine a first for us: tree hunting with saw in hand, bounding through snow to a glorious spot.  Finding our Christmas tree deep in the forest and hauling it home in a one-horse-open-sleigh.

Okay, it wasn't quite like that.  We went to a tree farm.  In town.  True to our lovely climate, we trekked through mud in the rain to find just the perfect evergreen... and then another... and then another...

The boys reminded me to see beauty in non-conformity.  I reminded them to pay attention to details.  They looked at trees their height, stringy branches reaching out to poke their cheeks. I found tall, handsome tannenbaums.  They found trees with holes from thin branches scattered unevenly.  They pointed to ones whose spines had bent against the northern wind a bit too much to stand straight.  I found ones full of even, neatly spaced bows and tall, straight trunks.

In the end, we found two trees we could agree on.  The first was at the bottom of the hill.  To take it home would require a very long hike to the top of the hill.  Wisely, we decided to wait on that one and see if there were any lovely trees nearer the top. 

 As we hiked into the thick of nobles, we found IT.  There (in a very convenient place) stood a gorgeous, full, healthy tree.  At about 8 feet tall, it was magnificent.  They boys shrieked with delight, and I sighed at finally finding one we could all agree on.  There we gathered, smiling, imagining it covered in lights... 

But enough of that.  There was a saw in my hand, and I needed to get that tree out of the forest - er, tree farm - before the rain thoroughly soaked us.

We posed for a few photos, and then I set the boys to stand back so I could cut our fresh, "live" tree for Christmas.  A few tugs back and forth on that saw, and I was huffing and puffing with very little to show for my effort.  Mud covered my cute, plaid boots and squished up onto the cuffs of my jeans.  My ski hat caught a branch, pulling my hair with it.  Without work gloves, needles were painfully sharp on my cold fingers.  Obi-2 started wandering away from the safe spot where I'd placed him to see the action up close, and I started to envision my 2-year-old crushed by a wayward falling Christmas tree. 

I finally admitted I was over my head in this adventure.  Would I be like a pioneer and cut our own tree, or head to the Boy Scout's stand and purchase one?

Well, I did neither.  Instead, I transformed from pioneer woman to damsel-in-distress.  I pulled out my cell phone, made a call to my knight in shining armor (whose office was minutes away), and begged him to take an early lunch.  Thankfully, he obliged, and cut the tree at its base with swift, strong motions.  He also made quick work of lifting, tying, binding, and securing it to our van. I only had to hand our friendly tree-farmer some change and sweetly chirp "Merry Christmas!" before we were on our way.

So, folks, there you have it.... the story of how we got our Christmas Tree. 

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,

How lovely are your branches.

thirteen things we're anticipating

It's a season of expectation and preparation.  We get to choose what we're expecting, though... so often, December has a way of sneaking up on me with obligations, higher expectations, and extra costs.  This year, we're trying to make it a bit different.  

We made a list in October - yes, around the time of this post - of experiences we wanted to have during advent.  Some were simple, some required scheduling.  Our idea was that we'd intentionally say "yes" to some things, and "no" to others.  

It has worked in some ways.  There's also the rush of new invitations and opportunities around this time of year.  A constant stream of potential stress gives us a chance to have grace with each other and ourselves! 

I was blessed with many traditions and good memories of Christmastime.  That is a gift in itself, and one worth sharing.  I'm also interested to know the traditions, stuff, and fun other people enjoy this time of year.  Here's a small sample of our practical list.  I've written in no particular order.  Please join the conversation and leave you own ideas in comments!

1. Cut down our Christmas tree


2. Attend the tree lighting ceremony and carols in the town square
3. Bake cookies for the neighbors (with enough for us, too!)


4. Host a potluck Christmas dinner with our small group


5. Hang lights on the outside of our house 


6. See the Christmas ships sail down the river


7. Visit the Grotto to experience the beauty of that place and hear some wonderful music


8. Load a huge library of Christmas music onto my iPod


9. Make handmade gifts for loved ones


10. Take the boys ice skating, and enjoy a hot chocolate at Nordstrom's cafe afterward


11. Hang my grandparents' Santa Claus painting in our home


12. Learn Silent Night on my guitar


13. Take part in a candle-lit service on Christmas Eve

Not everyone is celebrating, nor excited, at this time of year, but many people write lists on Thursdays.  Visit them!  

blessings,

MamaToo

it's a conspiracy, part III

Advent - a time of expectation and preparation.

We expect... that God will faithfully deliver us the slavery and despair we experience... that a ruler will be sent to govern the world with justice and peace... that we will receive a gift we could never imagine or reciprocate... that God will be with us.

We prepare... recognizing the ways our hearts and lives long for change... raising hope in our home, neighborhoods, and world... living generously and acknowledging the source of all we have been given.

I'm in a bible study with some women from my neighborhood. What a blessing that has been in and of itself! Our current book is by Beth Moore, and this week part of our homework studied the Greek word that is translated to "thanks" in several passages. Parts of the definition from Strong's Concordance gave us pause. It was interesting to discuss and consider how "thanks" might be more than our own uses of the word...

Transliteration: charis
Definitions: 1) grace 1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech 2) good will, loving-kindness, favour 2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues 3) what is due to grace 3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace 3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit 3b1) a gift of grace 3b2) benefit, bounty 4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

In many ways, the marketing world we're witnessing this weekend has it right: Thanksgiving is the best kick-off to Christmas. Beyond the 4 AM sales and piles of catalogs, there is this truth: we begin Advent with recognition (and celebration!) of all we have. We have an opportunity to pause in thanks, praise, and fellowship. We can be openly grateful. We are invited to enjoy the people and things in our lives. We can see the painful in the midst of the joy. We can feast!

This year, our family is taking several practical steps to expect and prepare a celebration of God's arrival into humanity. To begin with, we'll be asking 'round the Thanksgiving table to hear proofs of grace received by each person. Like the pilgrims, some stories are not so much about bounty as survival. Other stories will reflect an amazing season of harvest. In each reflection, we can choose to hear God's grace, mercy, and provision.

As the weeks progress, I'll be sharing some of our practical Advent ideas here as well. I'm sure I'll be checking out Shannon and many other WFMW folks for their ideas! In the meantime, what works for me is simply this: pause, revel, and enjoy the grace and abundance God has offered!

to honor a veteran

I posted this in September about flying our flag. It is a good reminder for Veterans' Day. Our country now has veterans from every generation of adults... We have much (and many) to be grateful for.

In particular, I just want to say how proud I am of my brother. He is currently serving in Iraq, which I wrote about in that post. He was already a veteran of foreign wars before this tour, which makes him one of many veterans who are currently serving in dangerous places and away from families and comforts. I hope and pray he will return home soon. In the meantime, our flag flies - to honor him & the others who join him as veterans.

My mom gave me a t-shirt that many people are wearing in my hometown. It has this to say:

Because of a Soldier

Because of a soldier

I display this yellow ribbon

It says nothing about my political views.

Brave men and women volunteer

to come to our aid in time of need,

answering the call of duty, no matter what it may be.

This ribbon tells them and the world that I salute

a soldier's courage and commitment

and will support them... in any way that I can.

If you happen to disagree, you have that right -

love,
MamaToo

feliz something

Is it too much to ask? Seriously... is it too much?

I got in the car today and heard "Feliz Navidad" playing over my favorite station. Thinking it was a little fluke or promo, I kept it on... right through Elvis' "Blue Christmas" and Nat's "Christmas Song." Somewhere in the middle of an orchestral "Joy to the World," I turned off the radio.

I love Christmas music - ask Mr. Kenobi, who thinks there's entirely too much around this house after Thanksgiving. :) I also understand the concept of celebrating Jesus' birth all year long, but seriously - Elvis? Nat? Is it too much to ask that we wait on this music until - I dunno - NOVEMBER?!?

It's Halloween. Playing Christmas music is just a bit creepy.

boo has spread

Boo!

This is just an update to say that our little "Boo" project has spread throughout the 'hood. Almost every house on our block (both sides!) has a "Boo" sign. Can you imagine? This is a long city block, and there are a lot of houses. We've had a lot of boo-ing.

Our neighbors have been making copies, thinking up clever treats, and blessing each other with sweet surprises. I'm thankful to be here, and when the neighbors come knocking on my door tomorrow, I'll be happy to see them. When it rains again & I'm homesick for my friends or old neighborhood, remind me of this. God is good, all the time.

Oh, and if you're looking for a fun spin on celebrating this holiday, we read "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" this week. You might enjoy it as well.

flag to remind

Is your flag flying today?

Six years ago, when tragedy jolted us all, many tried to figure out what we could do. Some gave blood - do you remember the lines of donors? Many of us prayed. Most of us tried to do something to remind us of who we are, where we are, and what we have. Those moments continue to impact our nation today.

In the weeks after the Sept. 11th attacks, nearly every home in our Seattle neighborhood had a flag on display. As time passed, people started putting their flags away, not because they didn't love their country or flag, but they were just moving on from the season of remembrance. We were one of those families, not of malicious or political intent, but we just sort of moved back into "special day" flag flying.

My brother, who is part of the US military, told me I should fly that flag at all times. He says it reminds us of who we are, where we are, and what we have - every time we see it waving in the breeze we can remember to live as if we are grateful. He says it reminds us of those who have served, still serve, and will serve our country. I didn't disagree with him, but (as lame as it might sound), I didn't have a light on our flag, and didn't want to forget it out in the dark, so I just put it out on holidays.

I have friends here temporarily, stationed on a project with the Australian Air Force. In each of their homes hangs an Australian flag. They also have a flag sticker on their vehicle windows. Even if you didn't know them, you would immediately see those flags. Quite possibly, you'd ask them questions. I loved that they were comfotable in drawing out those questions, even engaging in conversations with people, to claim their own citizenship with a beautiful mix of pride and humility.

Over time, I started thinking that I don't know many Americans with flags in their foyers, tailgate windows, etc. Perhaps it's because most of us live where flags fly in public places everywhere. Perhaps it's because we fear tension with neighbors over a perceived (intentional or not) political statement. Perhaps, as cynics suggest, we tend to use a flag as a representation of our emotion - celebrating with gusto, but forgetting quickly.

My brother left yesterday. His wife and children, my parents and brother, our family, and all of his friends will not see him for quite a while. He has left for military duty in Iraq.

When I spoke with him this weekend, I was reminded of how I am much more interested in my own comfort and stability than he seems to be. Honestly, I don't understand his strong desire to go and serve in a dangerous and difficult place, especially while I know how deeply he cares for those here, and how much they need him. He is certain that this deployment is where he is meant to be at this time. His wife, similarly, wants him to go and do the work ahead. (This from a happily married couple who absolutely want to be with each other!) Certainly, she wants him safely home, but she is excited and convinced that he is headed into purposeful work.

I asked him if he was nervous about going over there; I wondered if he worried about his safety or purpose. My brother, without missing a beat, answered, "Yeah. I am nervous. I hate flying over water, and that Atlantic Ocean is going to be a hard flight."

Um, I meant, are you nervous about being in a war zone? Again? On your second trip?!?!

His answer was just as quick, but absolutely sincere: "No. I will be safe, and I want to go. It's a phenomenal experience to do this. It's amazing to go, to get to contribute and experience it for yourself, instead of just taking what people tell you. " And then this: "I volunteered to go. This is what I want to do."

Wow. I want to have his strength and courage, but I don't. I told him I'll be nervous for him, and I'll be eager to see him safely back home with his wife and kids. In the meantime, I'll be praying. I'll also be flying my flag. It will remind me and everyone who passes or enters my home of my brother - and others like him. It will us of the many people who have fallen while living and defending what we have. Its wave will remind me to pray, both with gratitude and hope. It will remind me that many men and women have gone, are gone, and will go far away from the cities, homes, and country where the US flags fly freely.

I don't know the answer to why our flag went into "sometimes" use, but I do know I want to see it every day and remember.