silent night {900 lights}

when i was putting the kids to bed tonight,

we were looking through our "kid magazine."

it had a snowman on the front,

with little kids all bundled up in their snow gear.

maybe just one boy.

you get the idea.

anyway we were reading stories of how to remember jesus during the christmas season.

it talked about doing thing for others,

like being more understanding when your sister wears your shirt without asking,

giving toys to a family in need,

and singing christmas carols.

and then we turned the page, 

and there was a picture of the baby jesus in the manger.

on the night he was born,

in his mother mary's arms.

with the animals, angel, and wise men gathering around.

stars in the sky.

a dark sky.

with the hymn "silent night" on the page beside it.

so i sang it to max and brennan,

all three versus,

in the dark of their room.

and it was quiet,

except for the sound of my voice.

and my heart was full with the christmas spirit.

happiness and joy in my life.

with the gift i have been given to be able embrace motherhood for all it's worth.

the good, the amazing,

{the bad, and and the ugly}.

the euphoria is gives me during moments like these.

the exhaustion and heartbreak is gives me when things are hard.

and the day is winding down upon me.

but

OH

how

i love singing to them before they fall asleep.

especially tonight.

silent night.

.......

900 lights on our beautiful tree.

we put them on her tonight.

{did i mention she drinks 2 liters of water a day? we are kin.}

so we twinkled her all up.

a little before dinner.

a little after dinner.

and the top after the kids were in bed.

so for future reference,

if i am missing,

no need to call the police,

just check the big room with the twinkling tree gracing our front window in glory.

surely, that's where i'll be from now until new year's.

silent night,

holy night.

"silent night, holy night

all is calm, all is bright

round yon virgin, mother and child

holy infant, so tender and mild

sleep in heavenly peace

sleep in heavenly peace."

"silent night, holy night!

shepherds quake at the sight

glories stream from heaven afar

heavenly hosts sing hallelujah

christ, the savior is born

christ, the savior is born."

"silent night, holy night,

Son of God, love's pure light

radiant beams from Thy holy face

with the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth."