Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

I sat down to the computer on Christmas Eve to write some reflections, but after catching up on reading a few blogs it was suddenly time to get ready for church . . . and then Christmas was upon us. We had spent so much time and thought leading up to this day and suddenly it was here. We went to my parents and Josh and Sarah's church for Christmas Eve service. We filled a whole row and left one seat empty--Josh, Timothy, Sarah, Elisabeth, me (Laurel), John, Mom, Dad, and Nathaniel. Henry and Charlotte were in the nursery. Two years ago we also filled up a whole row, with no empty seats: Timothy in the nursery, Charlotte on Sarah's lap, and Tim and Kristen. The service was ripe with reminders of the sorrow that has occurred since we were there last, and the joy and peace that sustain us. "No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found . . ." and "Hail the heaven born prince of peace . ...

After exploring the farm Aunt Sarah and Charlotte settle down to some checkers. Henry and I take another Ox-cart ride around the house. Grandmere gets to some knitting. And Laurel and Grandmere spend some time studying, "The Frugal Housewife." Certainly in these uncertain economic times we can use all the tips that we can get.

Grandpere shows Henry how to use a close line. His attention was long enough for a brief lesson. The farm had a washing station set-out and a bunch of rags that required cleaning. The kids went right to work. Elisabeth exhibited her abilities as she stayed at the task long after everyone left, even coming back to it later in the day. Additionally, she was the only child not to get soaked from her efforts. Perhaps we need to go old school at home to get a little more help from Elisabeth. IT wasn't all work at the farm. There were plenty of toys to explore. I never knew what this one was called but Elisabeth had a great time inventing games to play with a stick and a ring. Everyone took part in the jump rope. As Laurel shows it can be great fun when everyone is laughing together.

Barrington Farms, at Washington-on-the-Brazos, is a living history farm. On approaching the farmhouse we were told, "touch whatever you like, except the china." They had toys, dress-ups, all sorts of stuff. Elisabeth quickly got into character, donned an apron and grabbed a broom. Also at the farm we were treated to an Ox-cart ride. There are 8 of us crammed into the Oxcart; Josh, Sarah, Laurel & I and all of our kids. The farm also included pigs (and some piglets), chickens, and some guineas. Prior to visiting the farm we went for a little hike with the kids (~1.5miles). Here Henry and Charlotte hold hands with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Josh, the rest of the adults are following behind. Timothy and Elisabeth were well in front giving each other stroller rides.

Gathering for Thanskgiving included a lot of really wonderful food. Much thanks to all who brought all delicious dishes (there were no non-delicious dishes). We enjoyed them on Thanksgiving day and then the next (see later post). Here Timothy and Elisabeth watch over the Turkey so wonderfully smoked by Uncle Josh. Ymmmm. We ended up eating a little late because the Turkey took longer than expected. However, it all worked out okay because with the kids in bed we got to enjoy a peaceful dinner-just adults.

After Laurel had begun making plans to decorate our Ike pile for the holidays the removal crew got back around to our street (I count about 10 weeks after the storm) to complete the removal. That was a happy happy day for me. I should get to repair the grass in the spring.

Fairy and Prince 3 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Elisabeth has planned out her costumes for the next few years. Next year she will be Ozma of Oz, and I can be Glinda the Good if I want to be. Henry can be the Tin Woodman or the Scarecrow. Daddy can be the Gnome King. The unfamiliar characters are from the 3rd book in the Oz series, Ozma of Oz. The Gnome King is a short, fat, gray creature. Daddy will need quite the costume. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozma_of_Oz When she is seven I think she'll be a witch. We'll have to think about that. She's been playing with pretend guns at home lately. I need to watch who she hangs out with. I don't quite get it. On the other hand, she spends a lot of time talking about all the ballets that we (as a family) are going to be in, and how she is designing the costumes.