A Different Christmas

Two more days until Christmas, peeps. Can you believe it is here already?

To say that this Christmas is going to be different from all the others is a gross understatement. We have added a new family member (what up, Carr?) and my dad is now indefinitely detained. It is amazing how you can write such huge life changes in just one sentence. The profound impact and meanings are not lost, however, no matter what a few simple words are able to express.

I must admit that I struggle with change. Or maybe I should say that I struggle with change that I don't have control over, that comes out of the blue. For instance, when I am ready for a new hair cut, by all means, give me a new hair cut. I have control over that. But heaven help me if I am ever the victim of my hairdresser's bad day and end up looking like Dorothy Hamill. That's the kind of change that smacks you upside the face (literally).

It's the change that you can't control that is often the hardest. For the past 30 years, my Christmases have been pretty much the same: pajamas, presents, brunch, dancing in the kitchen, watching movies, hanging out with family if they are close by, and spending it with my siblings and parents. I love knowing what to expect and knowing my role in all of it (which means I am usually in charge of all baked-goods).

But this year, it can't help but be different. My mom and I will spend Christmas eve and Christmas morning with my dad and 100 other campers who may or may not have family coming to see them. Sam and Noah will be spending time with Noah's mom and family and Claire will be holding down the fort while Carr is on call at the hospital. Such is the life of a Navy chaplain. On the evening of Christmas day, we should all be back together, minus my dad, where we will open presents and eat steak and cheesecake. Not a bad way to end the day. But definitely not the way I would have planned it.

In an effort to replace the moping I have done these past two months, I have been praying that I will see Jesus working, and if I am open and willing, perhaps I can be a part of his work too. My dad told me a few weeks ago, "Sarah, it is not a mistake I am down here in Alamosa. God is using me here." If he can have that attitude, the one who is being locked-up and limited, the one who has been slandered and persecuted, then I for sure should be able to embrace this holy hiccup in our lives and open my eyes to the bigger picture. I pray that I see the bigger picture.

On Monday, I rediscovered Hebrews 13:3:

"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Shoot fire, I am pretty sure He was speaking directly to me.

So, instead of pj's and brunch, I am going to put on my big girl pants (I can't say "panties." I hate that word) and fully embrace the strict rules and regulations of Camp Alamosa and love on my dad as much as possible. And I will chat with the men who have now become my friends and hear about all the wonderful cards you have sent them. And I am going to line my pockets with wax paper in hopes that I can get at least a half a pan of fudge through the doors without being detected.

Whatever you are doing this Christmas, whether it is relishing in old traditions or hesitantly embracing new ones, I pray that you see Jesus working too.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Therapy 101: Chips and Salsa

I don't know what it is, but chips and salsa have the ability to soothe the soul.

They also have the ability to make you extremely thirsty but that is totally besides the point.

They create a warm, inviting atmosphere...

...for humans and non-humans alike.

And they taste exceptionally good.

They provide a sense of normalcy when everything else in your world is not quite normal anymore.

They make grandpas seem like they are not so far away.

 

And they are the perfect nutritional supplement for stuffed seals made in China.

I bet you didn't know that.

The Sixth Commandment

This past weekend, I spent almost every waking moment and all of my non-waking moments with Noah. There is nothing like a six year old to make you realize that you are not nearly as cool as you think you are. Reality bites the big one, my friends.

My mom, Noah and I took a weekend trip to Alamosa to hang out with my dad. We had a great time (more on that later) and it was nice to not have to make the entire trip in one day. On Sunday morning, as we were getting ready in our motel room, we decided to have an impromptu church service. Noah was jumping back and forth on both beds, having slept gloriously underneath my right hip while six of his most beloved stuffed animals slept under my left hip.

Restful it was not.

Anyway, we decided to start with the Bible verse that was meaning the most to us this week. My mom and I both chose something from Hebrews (thank you, BSF) and then it was Noah's turn.

Me: "Hey Noah, what is your favorite Bible verse this week?" He memorizes a new verse each week at his school.

Noah: While jumping on the bed, "You shall not murder. The sixth commandment."

Good gravy, kid.

Of all the verses in all the Bible, that was the one that popped out.Well, I'm glad that stuck with him. As we all know, the correctional system is not the coolest place to spend your time. I guess I am just glad he didn't say "Jesus wept."

And then he gave a rousing rendition of Joy to the World.

Impromptu church is the best.

He thinks so too.

Top Ten: Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas is nine days away, people and I have yet to watch a single Christmas movie this year. That is a crying shame, I tell you, A CRYING SHAME. So in honor of this fast-approaching day of celebration, I have listed my favorite Christmas movies in no particular order:

10. White Christmas. Oh, there are so many things to love about this movie. The dancing, Bing's voice, the General, Danny Kaye, the costumes and again, the dancing. I could watch this all-year round.

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold has characteristics of my dad, uncle and brother all rolled into one...which can make family reunions slightly awkward but always entertaining!Everything from the squirrel in the tree to the moose-head egg nog cups to the cat wrapped up as a present to Julia Louis-Dreyfus falling down the stairs make this movie one of the funniest movies ever. And cousin Eddie is in rare form. Rare.

8. The Holiday. Two words: Jude Law.

7. The Nativity Story. This movie makes me cry like a baby. It is so beautifully filmed.

6. Elf. I have always been a Will Farrell fan and this is one of my favorite roles. His interaction with James Caan is fantastic. And who doesn't like the four major food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup?

5. Charlie Brown Christmas. I have this soundtrack memorized and it immediately puts me in the Christmas mood. I love the storyline, Snoopy's dog house decorations, the scrawny Christmas tree and their dancing. It is sublime.

4. Love Actually. This is one of those times when an ensemble cast actually works. The story lines are interwoven perfectly and not one character upstages another. And the love-sick kid is fabulous. I only wish other ensemble cast movies (ahem Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve) could be so well done.

3. Meet Me in St. Louis. I love a good musical (well, naturally because of my musical theater days) and this is one of my faves. Judy Garland is stunning and her kid sister is such an amazing actress. She truly steals the show.

2. A Christmas Story. If there is one Christmas movie that represents Christmas to me it would be this movie. I have watched it every year since it came out and I have the entire thing memorized. The narration of this movie is spot on, the characters are flawless and the leg lamp is magnificent.

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol. I am going to be honest with you: I don't like A Christmas Carol. But when you throw some furry muppets with attitude problems into the mix, then count me in!

So, what are yours? Share away!

The BEST Christmas Story Ever.

I know I already posted a video this week but you guys have to watch this. It is perfect.  And I want to squeeze each one of them...especially the little ram.

And that third wise man, well he just kills me.

And don't get me started on the star.

Oh man. Enjoy.

Recipe Round-Up: Peppermint Bark

Just in time for Christmas...

(I do not know what happened, but my step-by-step pictures disappeared! Thankfully, this recipe is simple and always turns out delicious! I know you can do it.)

Peppermint Bark

1 bag of dark chocolate chips

1 bag of white chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 tablespoon shortening

crushed peppermints

Directions:

Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Pour dark chocolate chips into sauce pan and melt on low heat until smooth. Pour dark chocolate onto wax paper and spread. Put cookie sheet in refrigerator until set, about 20 minutes. Melt white chocolate in a sauce pan over low heat. Once melted, add peppermint extract and shortening and stir. Take the the cookie sheet out of the refrigerator and quickly spread melted white chocolate over dark chocolate (offset spatulas work great!). Sprinkle crushed peppermints over melted white chocolate. Put in refrigerator until set, about 30 minutes. Once set, break apart and freeze in air-tight container. Enjoy!!

Merry Christmas, peeps!



Lip Synching Sailors Are Highly Underrated

In honor of my new brother-in-law who is in the Navy...

And in honor of this being flat-out hilarious...

I am sharing this video with you.



I hope this perks up your Monday!