We wish you...

...A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

You serve the Lord Christ...

"Whatsover you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ." Col. 3:24

This saying ennobles the weary routine of earthly employments, and sheds a halo around the most humble occupations. To wash feet may be servile, but to wash His feet is royal work. To unloose the shoe latchet is poor employ, but to unloose the great Master's shoe is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! The 'divine servce' is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick.

We read this in Spurgeon's daily readings the other day, and I've thought back on it several times since then. During the holiday season, when my work in addition to my holiday to-do list becomes a burden, this was a good reminder to do all my work for His glory. The admonition and comfort (what a promise to receive the reward of our inheritance in Christ!) of this Scripture was also a timely encouragement to me to spend time each day learning at the feet of my Savior.

The Teacher's Wife

For the record, I want to say that I love being a teacher's wife. There are downsides, which I won't go into now other than to say that at times, Stephen comes home emotionally drained. But there are so many benefits. This is my top-ten list as the wife.

10. Stephen is home by 5pm most days.
9. His "clients" are adorable.
8. The PTO -The events they organize are amazing.
7. Christmas vacation and more time off for other holidays, too.
6. Christmas goodies from students. CHOCOLATE, chocolate, and more chocolate.
5. Christmas giftcards. My favorite: Starbucks!!!
4. The praise from parents and students. From what they tell me, I would have loved to have him as a teacher!
3. Parent training. Stephen has said the experience is making him a more patient, understanding parent.
2. The stories. I love to hear Stephen tell me what "Johnny" did or said or how Stephen entertained the class when he told them his dream from the previous night.
1. The teacher. I love that although I'm at home, I get to share in his work. (the gift card sharing is especially nice :)

Picture crazy

am I. (apparently, at this late hour, I also turn into Yoda.) I just wanted to prove that I can post something without a picture. Oh, this is hard. Here goes.

I am lame

...according to this Napoleon Dynamite personality quiz. I knew there was a reason I don't ever take these quizes. I really wanted to be sweet like Napoleon. I thought about re-taking the quiz and selecting the chapstick, dance moves, liger-themed answers. But, who am I kidding? I'm a tot, and there's nothing I can do to change that. I do wonder. What in the world is "light and crispy" and "a bit on the greasy side?" I gather it's not very flattering :-P I think I'll have Stephen take it. (Please, oh please, don't be Kip)

Snow Day

Stephen had a snow day today, and I spent the morning in bed --sicker than a dog. Thankfully, that passed, and I was able to get up and start making a dent in my Christmas to-do list. Once I was able to enjoy it, I realized how much I love lazy days. We ate grilled cheese and Campbell's tomato soup- very reminiscent of our childhoods. Nora seemed to sense it was a day to chill and obliged us...sleeping in and then napping easily. I was able to get visual proof that she is cuddling more. I know I am WAY biased, but did you ever see such a precious baby?! I am a very blessed momma.

Comfy cozy

Nora saw her first snowfall Monday. Honestly, she didn't seem all that impressed. She was more excited that it meant daddy was able to stay home 2 hours longer on Tuesday morning...one of the perks of being an elementary school teacher.

Tuesday night we attended the school's Christmas concert. I couldn't believe how little the first graders looked. It made me long to be a fly on the wall during one of Stephen's classes. So many of the kids, with obvious admiration, come up to Stephen that night. Hello, Mr. Shipp. Look, there's Mr. Shipp. You have a cute baby, Mr. Shipp. It was so precious, and made me very happy to see the influence Stephen is having in the lives of many children. Should God direct our steps away from the school next year, as is our plan now, I know that Stephen will miss them.

Nora's personality is developing more every day. She jabbers and coos all the time now, especially in response to people talking to her. Another positive development is Nora's growing taste for cuddling. For some time, she had too many other important things to explore to take time out to snuggle with mom and dad. Snow and falling temperatures now keeping us indoors, Nora has decided there's only so many things to explore in a cream-dominant, 2-bedroom apartment, and has found cuddling is not too bad :) In all seriousness, it is a powerfully emotional experience to hold your young child who with such trust snuggles close to your heart. I say- "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

A price break on car insurance

...for the old man, Stephen Shipp, who is now a quarter of a century old. He turned 25 years old on December 3. I wanted to do something special for him for such a momentous occassion, so I invited one of his longtime friends from GA on the sly. Amazingly, Michael bought a ticket and planned his trip in response to my email invitation just a week prior to Stephen's birthday. I enjoyed getting to know M better as we all enjoyed a weekend of good coffee and even better conversation. It was a lot of fun to plan something so spontaneous, and even pull off the surprise successfully -yeah! Thanks again, Michael.

I just want to say publicly that Stephen is the best husband a woman could have and the best father any girl could want. (Nora told me to add that...as well as the above picture since we didn't take one of Michael and Stephen to mark the occassion.) Stephen is a compassionate leader, a wise counselor, a loyal friend. You know, it just struck me as humorous that as I'm writing this sweet post in dedication to the love of my life, I'm elbowing him in annoyance telling him to give me more room on the couch. Oh, the blissful days of "happily ever after." :)

Setting the record straight...

This is a more true-to-life picture of my sister, Abigail. She is very talented. I especially admire her way with children. (Abby- Nora can't wait to see you at Christmas!)