first 'real' snow of the winter

christmas happenings

simply divine - our church's stained glass

hand stamping paper and attaching candy canes to hand out at our church's soup kitchen Christmas dinner

decorating Christmas cookies or as Blaise says 'when can we sprinkle the cookies?'

images I saw this week

'Give what you LOVE' - at the mall

the manager on our mantle with twinkling Christmas tree lights

cars speeding by the lit trees lining the street by Pittsford Wegmans

picture holidays

Even though it is a busy time of year, I'm trying to carve out some 'me' time and take a photo class online; "Picture the Holidays". Each day of December we receive a prompt; today's was 'reframing the season'.

My original idea was to have Blaise frame with his fingers the outside of the George Eastman House. He tried so hard but couldn't hold his fingers still very long. Then along came some guy walking his dog . . . bingo. I didn't get the house in focus as I originally intended but then I realized this was even better with regards to the meaning of the photo.

For each of us it is what we make of the holiday season. Some of us choose to have a very long list of 'to do's, while others focus on the real reason for the season. I'm hoping to be somewhere in the middle leaning towards the later. One thing I am very focused in on is seeing the coming of the holiday through the boys' eyes - 'seeing is believing'.

letter for Santa

After visiting Santa last week, Ambrose keeps asking Damian and I what we want for Christmas. I keep asking for a new camera and Damian just keeps telling him that he hasn't decided yet.

There is something magical about being 5 and seeing Santa. As we grow older we may not 'hear the bells' (according to Polar Express) or we may not 'believe'. I'm going to argue we see magic in different ways . . . for instance I love receiving hand written cards/letters at the holidays. Or how about watching my son last night watch 'Polar Express' and smile from ear to ear when Santa handed the boy the bell and we all heard it ring. AHHHH, so many magical things . . . we just need to stop and enjoy them.

So I decided I need to write a letter to Santa too . . . I just hope I've been a good girl.

simply divine

Favorite ornament from Betsy that she handmade
Blaise praying at lunch
Willow nativity set, a gift from my parents
Handmade ornament from Sarah
Playmobil nativity set from a neighbor
Cross hanging in our entrance way
Statue of Jesus from my parents

So many illustrations, so many blessings.
(my assignment today for my photo class)

Park Avenue Holiday Open House

After school Ambrose mentioned that he asked his teacher if they could go caroling down the halls of the school and each kid carry an instrument. I love this idea but I'm guessing this might disrupt the other grades (K-6) and their classes. We (Damian and I) often comment on how much he has matured since the beginning of school . . . sharing his ideas, participating in circle time and so much more! How wonderful!

Tonight we went to the annual Park Avenue Holiday Open House. We strolled down the avenue to take in the lights, saw horses pulling a wagon full of people, warmed ourselves by a bonfire, window shopped and listened to some carolers. Although it may not have been Ambrose strolling down the school halls singing he enjoyed the music filling Park Avenue this evening. And now he is all nestled in bed.

A wreath framing a light along Park Avenue. Today's 'Picture Holiday' assignment was to 'frame' an image of the season.

Another framed photo - looking into our house as the window frames our Christmas tree.

the white stuff

You can see it falling
faster and faster it comes
wet, very wet
small and large
as I tilt my head back, it hits my forehead
clings to my eyelashes
my tongue is out to catch it
as I raise both of my arms up
close my eyes to experience it
. . . snow, the white stuff.

Today, December 1st, lots of the 'wet' kind.
Clinging to the trees in its beauty,
dashing inside to grab the camera
try to keep it dry
one quick shot across the street.

Well, this is good
but from the window it is even better.