Alabama
We had a good trip down to Alabama yesterday - safe, uneventful, and even cry-free for the most part (we left super-early so that Daniel would sleep most of the way... and it actually worked!). Today we are enjoying a second Christmas with Seth's family! The tradition here for the last few years is that Seth's brothers/sister/in-laws give to charities in each other's honor. The grandkids get presents, though!
Christmas
We had a wonderful time celebrating Jesus' birth! All I can say is that it's a good thing Santa didn't try to fit all of Daniel's new toys in his bag - he wouldn't have been able to fit anyone else's! We did have a great time with Jessica's family (and extended family) who are in the area and we're looking forward to New Years weekend when we'll have Christmas II with Seth's folks in Alabama! We'll get pictures up as soon as possible!
Christmas Candles
Did you know that putting candles in the windows of your house is originally an Irish tradition? It is usually explained as meaning either that the home welcomes Joseph, Mary and Jesus (unlike Bethlehem) or that the home is Catholic and welcomes priests who preform mass. Why would you need a signal to welcome priests? Because there was a long time in Ireland's history when mass was not allowed by the English rulers of the island. Now the tradition has come to America, where it usually means something more like: "I'd rather put a few candles inside than climb on the roof with icicle lights".
Girly Angel Wings
How come almost every time you see a picture of an angel it looks like a girl (or sometimes a baby)? I haven't done an exhaustive study, but I don't remember any Bible passages that refer to female or baby angels. I know of a lot of places where they are described as looking like men - except a that usually they are way more scary than any man I've seen.
Another thing: I know there are creatures in Heaven that have wings. But they also have zillions of eyes. And more than one face. I can't find a single reference to human-looking angels with big white wings.
So where did that girl with the long dress and feathery wings on our tree come from?
Serving a Missionary
Last night at Ruby Tuesday Seth served a missionary to Russia. She was probably in her 70s and has lived in Moscow for quite some time. Evidently she forgot about retiring! She did say, though, that she might be moving soon to a warmer place because the winters are getting to be a bit too much for her. By the way, she left a great tip!
Diamonds and Babies
This Sunday we had a bit of excitement: one of our friends asked his girlfriend to marry him in front of the whole church! She said "yes", and the crowd went wild :) Also, our new youth pastor announced that he and his wife are expecting! That's the fifth baby this year for our church of just over 100! Soon we'll take over the world...
5 Months
Daniel turned 5 months old yesterday and we are constantly amazed by how fast he is growing! Not only in size, either - he's sitting up by himself now pretty well and he's started eating rice and oatmeal cereal. Everyday is a new adventure, and we are thrilled to have him around!
