True meaning

I received this email a few weeks ago and thought I would share it with all of you. It really hits home this year. I am trying my hardest to teach my boys what Christmas is all about... Christ, not just santa and presents. This email said it all!



Last December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience, I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writings, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than a fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Clause, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow-caps upon their heads. Those in the front row - centre stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".The audience of 1st through 6Th graders snickered at the little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE". And, I believe, He still is!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!

I am FiNaLLy done decorating for Christmas! I usually have it all up the day after thanksgiving, but we were all sick so it had to wait! We didn't go all out this year like we usually do. We did get light up on the outside, well...WE can't take the credit for it, our good friend puts lights up for a living so we hired him! Thanks Conner!! Way worth it by the way, he even comes and takes them down to! WOW! Lights were WAY important to Ayden this year! He loves it! I can't wait until Christmas day. I'm not exactly ready, but we are trying to get back to the true meaning of Christmas this year. We are trying to teach the boys that its not all about toys and Santa. Christ will be the center of Christmas for us this year! I wish everyone the happiest Christmas season! Remember what is truly important this holiday season. Take time to stand back and enjoy friends, family and the Lord! I am truly grateful for all the wonderful people in my life...I love all my family and friends!!

My baby is 2!!

Austyn...2 weeks old

I can't hardly believe that Austyn is 2 today. It has been the fastest 2 years of my life! I love this little guy so much. He was quite the surprise. Ayden was only 8 months old when I found out I was pregnant with Austyn. As some of you know, it took a little while to get Ayden, so we were shocked to say the least. What a little blessing he is! He is the easiest going little guy...EVER. He is SO tender hearted as well. He gets his feeling hurt so easy. He is also very kind, and listens really well. He shares with his super demanding brother at the drop of a hat, and most of the time does it with a smile. He is my little cuddle bug, he loves to snuggle, and I love it just as much as he does. He is as smart as they come. He can already count to 15 and knows all of his colors. He loves Dora and Barney, I know...what a combo hu?? He also loves diggers, tractors and anything that moves. I can't imagine our lives without him...so here is to you Austyn!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

These are all his cousins...I thought this picture was pretty cool!

He had a great birthday, and was spoiled as usual! Thanks to everyone who came to his party on Sunday. He LoVeS all his new toys!! We LOVE you Austyn!!

SNOW...finally!!

I can't tell you how excited I am about this! Maybe it will finally start feeling like Christmas! Its hard to get into the Christmas spirit with no snow on the ground! Hopefully it doesn't melt today!

Elfyourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Are you serious?????

So, I have the stomach flu today.....GREAT!!!!!

SiCk Stratz fam

Its been a rough couple weeks here at the Stratz house! I usually don't like to vent on my blog...but its just part of life, hu?! I know that all you moms out there can relate with me. Sick kids are the worst! I can't handle it! It all started about 3 weeks ago when I came down with a horrible cough that just kept getting worse! Of course, I don't go to the doctor until I literally can't breathe! When I finally got to urgent care, I found out I had a sinus infection and bronchitis! Yuck! So after a few days of antibiotics I was feeling...ok...just ok! Then I got a touch of the tummy bug on top of the flipping cough!! Then the next day Dave came home with the stomach bug as well! I quarantined him to our room and Lysoled the heck out of everything after he was better (24 hours later!) I was just waiting for the kids to get it right on Thanksgiving...luckily they didn't! I thought that we dodged the bullet!! So I am still not feeling up to par, very tired and wore out! Austyn woke up barfing last night at 12:30am and didn't stop until this morning at about 7:30 this morning. Every 30 minutes like clock work! I felt SO bad for the little guy!! So after cleaning carpets at 1:00am I was ready for bed! Well...Ayden was in bed with me after that coughing up a lung...all night! So Dave had to do barf duty! He was a trooper. Ayden felt a little better this morning, but by noon he was running a fever! Great! I always freak out about Ayden and fevers since he has febrile seizures! Ayden started his round of barfing around 5:00 this evening! So needless to say...I am in for a LONG night again...I can feel it! I hate this time of year just for this reason! I am just praying for us to be healthy for Christmas! Sorry for this long venting session, but I just had to! I feel much better now...thanks!haha

Here is Ayden at midnight....He is still all smiles even when he is sick! Notice all the towels he is laying on....that makes for easy clean up when he misses the garbage can!haha