Word to the wise...

So... I thought I would give you all a fair warning. Do not cross train tracks when the warning lights are flashing. The police get mad. Also, when the cop asks you if you "took a class before you got your licence, because that is where you would have learned that law." Make sure you don't answer him with " do you know the Pythagorean theorem? Because you should have taken a class in 7th grade to learn that". Oops. Apparently I should keep my inner New Yorker to myself. :)

I Believe

As you all know, I am a nanny. I nanny 3 children ages 5,4 & 2. Tonight, for the first time in their young little lives, I showed them The Polar Express. What a magical experience for them! We have been gearing up for this event/evening for 2 weeks now, and tonight was their night. I went and bought the book, and have been reading it at bed time every night for those 2 weeks. The first time I read it, it was like a little light came on in their eyes. It was the cutest thing!
So tonight, we watched the movie. We made Christmas cookies (for Santa of course!) We turned out the lights each child on the edge of the bed... waiting to hear the story that I have been reading to them for weeks. And as the Polar Express pulls in front of the boys house-- each child was entranced. And my 2 year old turned to me and said in a whisper: "Tata, Choo Choo train". And his mouth made the shape of a perfect sized "O".
They got a little nervous with the whole ice problem that the train had. The two older ones shouting at the screen "Hold on!"
As the movie comes to a close, and as the boy puts the bell into his pocket, Sophia says to him "Don't put it in there, your robe has a hole, remember!?" If only he had heard her, it would have saved him the heartache on the ride home. And when he rings the bell on Christmas morning, Alexandre said "Tara, there is magic in this room do you see it?"
And for him, there was magic in the room. And there was magic in the room for me, too.
I couldn't help but feel the magic of Christmas tonight. It was a wonderful gift for me. If you haven't seen this movie for a while, I encourage you to grab a young person, and watch it with them. By the end...you'll "believe" too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

P.S. 2 hours after I put Alexandre to bed, there was a knock at my door. "Tara? I think I hear the Polar Express outside, should I get on?" ......... Magic

Something to take note of...

What is it about getting little unexpected notes that make you smile until your face hurts? Notes that are left on your car, or perhaps on the counter in the kitchen right by your keys?

I remember my dad leaving my mom notes on the kitchen counter. He would sign it "W". I always thought it was cute. He didn't do it very often, but often enough for me to remember.

When I was in High School my boyfriend left me notes in my locker. I looked forward to them every day. He taught piano lessons in the evening, and in between lessons, would write me a note, and then next morning slip in through the vent on my locker. I loved opening the door every morning and having that little folded up paper fall out. It was a happy moment for me. I still have one of the notes he left. I keep it in my wallet still to this day. I would say that it is probably 14 years old. (I hope he doesn't read this blog... that would be embarrassing!)

I had a friend in college that would leave notes on my car or taped to my apartment door. I still have all of those too. Those meant the world to me at the time.

I used to leave notes in my Madeleine's lunch box. I loved doing it. Because I know that when she opened her lunch that day, she got a smile. I used to leave notes on the outside of Alex's brown bags for his lunch. I miss that.

Just remember to "take note" of those that mean the most to you.

Seriously?... Myrrh?

As we come into adulthood, I find that Christmas holds some disappointment to us. We are so excited as kids, to have Santa come. The magic of the season is wonderful. We make out lists to send to Santa, hoping that we have been good while he "sees us while we're sleeping, and knows when we're awake". I remember my mother packing us up in the car and driving us to the post office to "mail" our letters to Santa. And looking out our frosted windows for a little red glowing nose in the winter nigth sky. Could swear I saw it once...

But as I have become and adult, the season has lot some of its magic for me. It is due to the over spending and the red and green decor through out the malls. And I think there is a bit of me, that still wants the big jolly elf to visit on Christmas Eve. To have a surprise under the tree.

And now, as I ponder the season and what it hold for us as adults, it occurs to me that maybe Mary got a little frustrated too. Here she was, about to give birth to the Savior of the world, and she is given a barn to labor in. She traveled by donkey. (I am quite sure that was not a comfort to her!) And as she was in her pains of labor, she is interrupted by people that don't speak her language and she is given Myrrh. I can't help but think that she just looked at those "wise" men and said "Myrrh? Really? Gee, I always wanted myrrh!"

So now, I try to reflect on the birth of my Savior. This season means re-birth. A new beginning. And while I am sure that Mary wasn't quite as cynical as I am.... I learned a lesson from her. Things are hard. We are asked to do difficult things in this life. And we go through dark times. But I know that in the end of it all, the Son comes. And it is this time of year, more than ever.. that we let Him in.

I hope people love me anyway...

I got this idea from my friend Lisa Lewis. I hope she doesn't mind if I take it....

We all have quirks, and I think it is healthy to review them every once in a while ;) So if you read this, I challenge you to list 6 of YOUR quirks and then blog it!

1. I hate bare feet. And when I say "hate", I mean with every fiber of my being. If I happen to sit down next to someone with no socks or shoes on, I move the farthest away I can get without looking like I hate the person. :) I don't dislike the person, I just don't want to accidentally get swiped by their feet. And if I do... well... I have a moment where I have to close my eyes, and take a deep breath. ( I am sure I have to go see a therapist about this) And there have been some billboards with bare feet on them. I have to not look and speed past them. EW! Who thought of this??? You can only imagine what water parks do to me...

2. I always read the last page of a book. ALWAYS. I have to know that it ends well before I read it. I get a lot of flack from friends over this, but I still do it. And probably will do it for the rest of my life.

3. I am VERY crabby when I am hungry or tired. You can ask any of my 3 brothers. There have been many conversations with them that end in "Tara, call me back when you have eaten/slept." (poor guys!)

4. My bed has to be made before I can sleep in it. If I have ran out the door at the beginning of the day with out making the bed, then I have to make it when I get home, or before I get in it at bed time. It is so silly, I know. But... it is what I do.

5. I have 3 types of shampoo & conditioner in my shower at all times. I read some where when I was 14 or 15 that you shouldn't use the same brand of hair products all the time, or your hair will get used to it, and it won't be as effective. And I got a little obsessed with that idea, and I don't use the same brand 2 days in a row.

6. If I get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or to get a drink or open a window... I jump onto my bed from about 3 feet away. Why? You ask? I am scared that something is under my bed. Oh yes, I am quite honest about that. I have done it since I was young. And since I still sleep alone there isn't anyone to laugh at me--I still jump. But one day, it will be very funny to someone!

Baby, It's cold outside

this is the result of my Winter Wonderland Storm from the post before.... thought you'd like to see what I was talking about. Though it didn't help with the "christmas spirit" problem. But it is beautiful!

Deck the freakin' halls already!

It is Christmas time. Sadly, I have not caught the "Christmas" spirit. For some reason, for the last few years, it takes me a bit to hop on the train with that. I have had Christmas music playing in the car for the past few days, I have tried to go Christmas shopping, and I walk into the stores and just wander around looking at things and not seeing anything that I want to get for any family member. I am usually so good at that... having so many ideas for brothers. And this year I am excited to have a new 'sister' to buy for. But even that is difficult.
It is snowing out today. We have huge white flakes falling from the sky. As much as I hate snow, it is beautiful out side. It looks like a winter wonder land. I hope this gets me more in the mood. Because am running out of time!

Let the music and magic move you...

I ran across a song the other day that has moved me so much that I cannot stop listening to it. I listen to it over and over again. And each time it deeply moves me. (if you want to take a listen, click on the word "song")

It is also amazing to me how some things in life can make your soul yearn for something intangible. Or makes you feel like you just added something more to your life-- to make it richer.

I also love how things in life that surprise you.. can also also deeply move your soul. I was driving someone to a restaurant here in the valley last night. And as I turned off the road, onto the long drive--every tree trunk on the way up the quarter mile drive was covered with white twinkling Christmas lights. I have to say it was like magic to me. It was such a lovely thing to behold. It was really magical to me. And so beautiful. I think I might want to drive back there, just to see it again.

I think it is the "little things" in life is what makes it worth living. Songs that take your breath away, and lights that make you feel like magic still exists.

Life....

How long have I been in this storm?

So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form

Water's getting harder to tread

With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you Everything would be allright

If I'd see you this darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I will get lost into your eyes

And know everything will be allright

And know everything is allright

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown

So why am I ten feet under and upside down

Barely surviving has become my purpose

Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you

Everything would be allright

If I'd see you This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I will get lost into your eyes

And know everything will be allright

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I will get lost into your eyes

And know everything will be allright

And know everything is allright

Everything is allright

Everything is allright