Merry Christmas! What is a merry Christmas anyways? I think I would wish that inspite of the busyness of preparations and events, the stresses and emotion that often accompany family life, and the possibility that you may even be dealing with loss or loneliness this Christmas, that you can take a few moments and give thanks for what you have, make the effort to really look around you and drink in the beauty that is there (in the countryside as you're driving or in the faces of those around you), and savour good food and hopefully a few good laughs. More...
Sing. Light candles. Watch the snow fall. Lay on the couch and get mesmerized by the Christmas lights. Read a good book. Listen to music. Party. Watch a classic Christmas show. Make soup. Eat chocolate. Hold a warm drink in your hands and let it soothe you. Take a little extra care with one or two presents and make them a work of art. Use a little extra colour or glimmer as you set your table.
For me, I also hope to take a little time to reflect on the experience of Mary, on the wonder of that night, on the unusual ordinary-ness of a King born among animals and adored by sheep herders, and on the love that brought this story to life.
Maybe merry isn't the best word. Perhaps "wonder-filled" is better. The one conjures up red and green, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and let your heart be light (things I still enjoy). The other brings to my mind starry nights, the intricacies of nature, the faces of children, and a depth of feeling in both joy and sorrow. You can choose. May love, joy, peace, and hope fill your heart this Christmas.
The Brauns
Saturday
Thursday
Major Changes
Just found out that J1 is producing antibodies against gluten and that is likely the cause of his stomach pain and acid reflux. Although I'm glad to find out something concrete, this was one of my least desired outcomes. Taking wheat out of a child's diet is a huge undertaking. All of my quick meals, most of breakfast, the easiest snacks, and the fall-back for lunch-time involves wheat. I'm glad that grocery stores are more gluten-free-friendly now. It is definitely easier to do than even six months ago and certainly 2,5,10 and 20 years ago. It still is a stress thinking of making this change. We don't know whether it's a forever thing or whether it's a leaky gut, get intestines healed and then he's okay kind of thing. Next step is a gastroenterologist. (Probably not much fun going to happen there). We see her on Monday the 8th...and we just found out we're not supposed to go gluten-free until anything is confirmed by gastroscopy/biopsy...
Just found out that J1 is producing antibodies against gluten and that is likely the cause of his stomach pain and acid reflux. Although I'm glad to find out something concrete, this was one of my least desired outcomes. Taking wheat out of a child's diet is a huge undertaking. All of my quick meals, most of breakfast, the easiest snacks, and the fall-back for lunch-time involves wheat. I'm glad that grocery stores are more gluten-free-friendly now. It is definitely easier to do than even six months ago and certainly 2,5,10 and 20 years ago. It still is a stress thinking of making this change. We don't know whether it's a forever thing or whether it's a leaky gut, get intestines healed and then he's okay kind of thing. Next step is a gastroenterologist. (Probably not much fun going to happen there). We see her on Monday the 8th...and we just found out we're not supposed to go gluten-free until anything is confirmed by gastroscopy/biopsy...
