Dressing the Part

Disclaimer:  These are only my opinions!  Do not feel you must adhere to them in any way.

Now, that the Halloween season has passed, we've dressed our children as characters and our stomachs are way too full of candy and chili, I want to give my honest opinion on the matter.  As a new parent a couple of years ago, I struggled with holidays in general.  I did not know how we would handle a dark night and another in which a man "comes down" our chimney (which, in fact, we do not have).  I wanted, mostly, to be among the secular mind frame and play the part.

Until my husband stated his opinions on the matter...

I was crushed when he first told me he was opposed to Halloween, Santa, the Easter bunny, etc.  In fact, I went against him on Daniel's first Halloween and dressed him up as a lion, took him to our loved ones' homes, and filled his little bucket up with treats.  Silly, right, considering Daniel was only 6 months old?! 

Time has passed since then, and now the parent of two boys, I'm realizing that I want to be less worldly and more Godly.  Yet, I'll admit that I thoroughly enjoy costumes and presents.  I've asked myself (and many friends in the faith) how to be Christian yet partake in these holidays.  I've even felt guilty when I learned that other Christian families have opted out of these traditions altogether because I personally enjoy them. 

How can I be Godly in seasons of ungodliness?! 

Halloween is filled with spooks, scares, and secular activities that I honestly don't want any part in, but since it is also filled with such sweet innocence and fun, I have searched the scriptures to know my stand on the issue.  For instance, Jesus said in John 17, And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they (His words) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  I am to keep myself and my children from the evil that is in the world. 

Is Halloween evil?  Not necessarily, but if you spent any time out last night, you were certain to see children younger than ten with blood-covered faces and demon-draped costumes.  That, to me, is evil: pure and unnecessary evil.  What were those faces saying to my boys?  That this world is evil.  That even young children are being exposed to things they should never see.  That I have a huge responsibility to teach my children be an example, a light, to those around them. 

Christmas in no way is evil unless you consider lying evil, and I do.  I know we all have to "lie" to our children at times, but blatant untruths that we can avoid should be avoided.  This, to me, means that Santa shouldn't be played up as the most important part of Christmas.  Why is his face all over the place from November 1st to December 25th?!  If I'm not mistaken, the reason "Christmas" was originally celebrated was to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.  Whether He was born in December or not, that time of year was set aside to honor and celebrate His miraculous birth.  Isn't HE the miracle of Christmas?!  Isn't HIS FACE the one we should be looking to during this time of year?!  With that in mind, my heart aches for children (and adults) who look forward to Santa's arrival but have no clue about the arrival of the One who came to offer them the gift of salvation. 

So, what did we do on Halloween?!  Our children dressed up as the cutest Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt we'd ever seen!  We didn't mention trick or treating, and we didn't take them to see anything haunted, though we couldn't avoid the scary things we encountered just going to Mimi's house.  We visited our friends and families' homes, and the boys got to hug the necks of those they love.  Those they love spoiled them with some of their favorite treats and took pictures of their adorable faces.  We were in this world, but definitely not of it.

And, what will we do for Christmas?!  Our children will be surrounded by those they love the most.  They'll enjoy meals and hugs and hear stories from holidays past.  They'll be given things they want and definitely do not need.  :)  They'll each receive three gifts from Mommy and Daddy as Jesus Himself was presented with three items surrounding the time of His birth.  Finally, they'll come home and hear the true story of Christmas under our "Scripture" tree which will be decorated with ornaments that individually represent the life of Jesus. 

I know it's hard to be different when this world wants us to "fit in," but I'm striving to be a parent that is different because Jesus Christ calls me to be peculiar and set apart.  While I realize some choose to distance themselves from these holidays and events, we've taken the stand for Christ and decided to be Christians amidst (and despite) the things of this world. 

Samuel was Sir Topham Hatt this year.

Running to show Mrs. Becky from MDO

his Thomas bucket at Temple's Trunk or Treats.

Getting a treat from Mrs. Becky.  :)

Excited to see his treats!

Daniel was Thomas the Tank Engine.

Visiting Pop on Halloween

The only picture of both boys dressed up.

Eating treats with his friend, James Luke,

at the Carver's house.

30 Months Old...

That makes Daniel sound super old. However, he's still a sweet, crazy boy who is very young at heart!

In his 30th Month, Daniel:

Weighed 33 pounds.

Wore sizes 2T and 3T in clothes.

Wore a size 8 1/2 in shoes.

Still in size 4 diapers.

Loved to hug his baby brother.

Liked to annoy his baby brother.

Became more and more dramatic.

Was very, very bossy.

Had to be reminded of his manners.
Colored all over the carpet.
Mommy was super thankful for her carpet cleaner!

Peed in the potty for the first time!

Liked candy and prizes.
Really enjoyed pumpkins.  :)
Took a trip to Louisville, KY.
Daddy preached a week long revival there.
Had an adventurous and active week.
Went to the awesome Louisville Zoo.
Loved the elephants and baby polar bear.
Fell out of the full-size bed in our KY "apartment".

Some of Daniel's Popular Phrases:

• Now.
• I want that.
• Gimme that.
• I hit you.
• I love you, Mommy.
• I get you.
• Wanna go outside and slide.
• Take a bath now.
• I hiding.
• I stay here by myself.
• That was funny.
• Daddy, I did it by myself!

Some of Daniel's Favorite Things:

Food(s): Spaghetti and Pizza

Toy(s): Puzzles

Show(s): Curious George, Word World

Movie(s): Spiderman, The Incredibles

Snack(s): Gummy Snacks, Bananas, Apples

Song(s): I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

Color(s): Red and Blue

Thing to Do: Take Bubble Baths

People: Bekah and Natalie

Some of His 30th Month Highlights:

Guilty. 

Someone used his crayons all over the carpet.

Meeting Mommy's best friend, Amanda,

for the first time!

Playing on the "trampoline" in the nursery

at church with good friends.

Holding hands with brother before bed in KY.

His treat for being good on the drive home

from KY to TN with Mommy.

Going back to KY to see Daddy.

On the rhino at the Louisville Zoo.

Walking through the Toy Story section

at the Louisville Zoo.

Doesn't Daniel make a great "Sarge"?!

Looking at the lions with Dad.

Face to face with a gorilla.

That glass, as thick as it was, made Mommy

a nervous wreck.

This one's for you, Aunt Ca.

In the Willy Wonka section of the zoo.

Leaving the Zoo.

Daddy earned some "cool points"

for setting the tent up in the house.

Being "horsey" for Samuel.

Playing with cousin, Natalie, at church.

Taking a nap in the swings in our backyard.

16 Has Never Been So Sweet!

In His 16th Month, Samuel:
Still weighed 22 lbs.
Was 30.5 inches tall.
Walked full time...  still wobbly.
Wore size 12 month clothes.  STILL.
Wore a size 5 or 5 1/2 extra wide in shoes.
In size 4 diapers.
Had really sensitive skin.
Disliked heat and outdoors.
Was extremely shy.
Preferred his Mom and Dad over anybody.
Was not a fan of anyone.
Liked to be left alone.
Hated being pushed or bothered.
Was climbing on everything!
Loved Mommy's jewelry.
Like pretending to drive.
Was walking all over the place.
Often blew kisses.
Waved bye-bye a lot!
Loved to be going.
Always was pretending to pray.
Learned that Aunt Ca got married!
Became pretty smitten with Uncle Dustin.

Some of Samuel's Firsts Happened this Month:

• Drank from a straw
• Told us he had pee-peed in his diaper
• Ate his first Oreo.

Favorite Things:
Food(s):  sweets, cake
Toy(s): balls, books, red car, and Elmo
Show(s): Sesame Street
Movie(s): Elmo in Grouchland, Cars
Snack: goldfish, raisins, chips
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Words He was Saying: hi. ball. bye-bye. night. daddy. momma. cup. caw (car). go. mik (milk). Pa (grandpa). Ca (aunt jessica). Mimi.  hun-gee (hungry).  Dan-yule (Daniel).  Amen.  tank you.  peez (please).
Thing to Do:  play alone, watch movies, ride in the red cozy coupe
People: Daddy and Mommy

Some Other 16th Month Highlights:

Climbing the couch with Daniel

Taking a bath with Brother

Sweet, smiling Samuel

Riding in his red car

Flying in the dark

Getting hugged (or choked) by Daniel

How he got this bag of chips, I'll never know!

After his first Oreo

Drinking milkshake from a straw

Reading with Pop

"Driving" Pa's farm truck

"Praying" before desert

29 Months Old!

In His 289h Month, Daniel:Weighed 31 lbs.
Wore 2T clothes.
Wore a size 8 or 8 1/2 in shoes.
Still in size 4 diapers...
Liked to wear sunglasses.
Enjoyed taking pictures.
Loved driving his tractor.
Especially if Samuel would ride in the back!
Hated for his hands to be dirty.
Loved to pretend to drive cars and trucks.
Was big on dressing himself.
Would NOT pee in the potty.
Liked being naked.
Was extremely bossy and demanding.
Never took naps unless he FELL OUT.
Celebrated his Aunt Jessica's wedding!
Loved his Uncle Dustin.
Asked for Dustin ALL.THE.TIME.
Loved to be playing outside.

Was often found:

• lining up his trains and cars
• sneaking under the beds
• making messes
• taking his diaper off
• pointing and bossing
• standing/playing naked
• throwing fits
• begging to watch movies
• avoiding naps and sleep
• saying his Bible verse, Be kind and loving to each other.

Some of Daniel's Favorite Things:
Food(s):  Whatever he could sneak for himself!
Toy(s): Thomas trains
Show(s): The Backyardigans, Dora, and VeggieTales
Movie(s):  The Backyardigans' Mission to Mars
Snack(s):  gummy snacks
Song(s):  Thomas theme song (new rap version)
Color(s): Blue and Green
Thing to Do: Jumping, Running, Laughing
People: Mimi, Natalie, Ca, Bekah, Pa, and Pop

Popular Phrases and Words of the Month:

• No, it's MINE!
• Go to Mimi's house.
• Let's go!
• I need you.
• It funny.
• Bye, I love you.
• Look at me!

Other Big Things from Daniel's 29th Month:

Making some very long train lines in the living room

Driving in the sun room

Getting in a naked nap

Driving Mister Samuel around the backyard

Loved visits from Pop

Playing with Pa in his farm truck

Noticing his hands had gotten dirty in Pa's truck

Eating his favorite thing at Addy's 3rd birthday party

Or Calls Me Home...

As I sit quietly on the living room couch, with our two babies tucked in tight and my husband enjoying the middle of the bed, I realize how blessed I am.  Just today, I heard "I love you" three times in a row from my two-year-old and had dinner with some very dear friends, but also occuring today was a dear man of the faith being laid to rest.  While I know he is rejoicing this very second upon such sights I cannot fathom, I cannot help but wonder what his sweet wife is feeling without him.

His passing (and many others recently) has me fearful over losing those I love.  The adversary seems to find ways to make me question God's sovereignty, and I tend to get weak when he tugs at my heart.  Just last night, I dreamed that I woke up without Daniel, and tonight as Brian and I talked about our day, I got teary-eyed when we discussed what we'd do without the other.  He told me I would be fine, but I couldn't imagine it...

While I know that God is in complete control, I can't help but be human and fear what is to come.  I know there will be loss.  I realize there is a chance I'll out live our children.  I understand that our children already only have one set of grandparents.  I am very aware that I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.  What I have is now.  This very moment.

In this very moment, I have all I never pictured I would.  I have the most amazing husband who loves me for me.  He accepts me just as I am and loves me with his words.  I have two beautiful boys who literally make my heart joyous at the thought of them.  Their laughter and love make me want to be a better person for their sake.  I have a heavenly Father who lavishes His love on me on a constant basis.  He saved me from my sins when I cried out to Him as a 10-year-old girl. I have more than I need here in our home.  I'm spoiled rotten with material things.  I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that is open to love. 

Tomorrow is another day, and while God very well may choose to change all I've been given, I am going to rest in the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand.  I'm going to sleep peacefully, knowing that if I do not wake, He has prepared for me a home in heaven. If I lose everyone I love, I still have Christ.  He will always be my Comforter, my all in all.  In Him, I can truly live without the fear of death.  May we all see our blessings in life and use them for His glory until He comes back or calls me home.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand