Christmas Adventures and Laughter

Ahhh....the sweets sounds of Christmas break! What are those sounds you ask? In our house, it’s popcorn popping, games being played, the sound of pucks sliding across the ice, Christmas music, laughter, LOTS of food, and being together. (It’s also the munch of WAY too much sugar!)

We’ve enjoyed our time with Aunt Jen this week, and we were able to go on a special adventure with her this past week. Jen arrived at our house on Sunday evening. Our children were very excited to have Aunt Jen with them this week. We spent Monday playing games together, doing some grocery shopping, wrapping gifts, and getting ready for Christmas. Roger had to work on Monday and Tuesday, so that was a bit of a bummer, but we just made the most of our evening time together.

Tuesday was Christmas Eve, and the kids were excited! Hannah and josh came down for part of the day, and we went bowling together. I had been giving a gift certificate for the bowling place, and it was a great time to use it. We surely miss Roger when he’s not able to join us for fun events, but we were thankful to enjoy time with Hannah, Josh and Jen. The bowling place has candlepin bowling which uses a smaller ball and smaller pins than regular bowling. After bowling, we came home to cook up food for our Christmas Eve dinner. Roger was able to be home around four pm, so we were able  to enjoy dinner together before the Christmas Eve service. I always look forward to the Christmas Eve service as it sets the tone for the Christmas gatherings happening in the evening and on Christmas Day. I had thought that Wyatt and Garett were going to do their piano pieces for the Christmas Eve service, but there was some confusion so that wasn’t the plan. It felt a little scrambled at first, but it was all brought together by the grace of God. The children’s choir sang, and then the older kids played on the xylophone chimes. Each child has a chime and a stick to hit the chime with. All the children got lined up, and I was about to count them off to start, when I noticed that Wyatt was quietly laughing. Travis had managed to get his xylophone stick stuck in his pants! He had pants that tie on, and he had managed to get the xylophone stick stuck in one of the loops! He was all flustered, and he couldn’t figure out how to get it unstuck. His brothers were having a hard time holding their laughter in, and my friend Allison and I were also trying to hold in our laughter! Oh the memory! Travis managed to get the xylophone stick unstuck, and the rest of the song went off without a hitch! There was a good turnout of people for the service, and there is something beautiful and special about the Christmas Eve service. I am so thankful that it’s not all about the baby who came, but about the Savior Who came to redeem the world! What a gift!

We opened up our Christmas presents on Christmas Eve, as we were headed to Hannah’s on Christmas Day. Emma was so excited about opening gifts, and she announced loudly after the church service that she had taken a nap during church so that she wouldn’t be grouchy opening presents! The kids had gotten gifts for each other at the Christmas shops they had gone to, and I always love seeing what they’ve picked out! Emma opened up a soft blanket from Wyatt, to which Garett replied, “I’m glad you like it, there’s plenty more where that came from!” He had picked out the exact same blanket for Emma! Emma didn’t mind having two blankets! The funniest present was the gift that Emma picked out for Chandler. She knows that Chandler enjoys reading, so she picked him out some books at the Christmas shop. She was so excited for Chandler to open them, and Chandler’s expression was quite hilarious! Emma had gifted him with three inspirational Christian romance novels!! Chandler did very well at saying thank you, but his expression was quite humorous! Emma can’t quite read, so she just picked out books that she liked the covers to!

We spent Christmas Day with Hannah and Josh enjoying more delicious food, fun games, and fellowship together. The kids were a bit tired as it had been a late night the night before and they were all up early to play with their Christmas gifts.  We came home in the late afternoon, and we all went ice skating for a bit! All the kids are better skaters than I am, but my excuse is that I have to wear skates that don’t fit properly! Chandler currently wears my skates, but some day I might get my skates back!It was fun to get on the ice with the kids, but wow....we were all happy to go to bed early!


Jen’s Christmas gift to the kids was an adventure! She had purchased tickets to a trampoline park as well as an overnight stay at a hotel with a pool! The kids were thrilled! Roger had to work on Thursday and Friday, but Jen and I headed down to Portland on Thursday morning with all the kids. I thought the trampoline park would be very busy the day after Christmas, but it actually wasn’t too bad at all! We were there right when they opened at ten, and the kids jumped and played until about two pm. Then we headed to Sam’s Club to feed them a snack before heading to the hotel for swimming! The hotel we stayed at had an outdoor heated pool, and I even got in the pool...so it was warm! The kids swam for a few hours, before getting out to have supper. The kids were excited to have dinner at Olive Garden since that’s where we had gift cards to eat. The last time the kids ate at Olive Garden was with Jen last Christmas, so they were excited to have dinner there again. And after they ate, they were tired! Emma and Travis about fell asleep at the dinner table, and they were happy to climb into bed at the hotel. Chandler told me that he was having a lot of fun on this adventure, but he sure did miss Dad. I’m glad that the kids have the opportunity to enjoy these adventures also, but I surely miss Roger when he’s not along too!

We headed home on Friday morning after another swim! After thirty six plus hours of activities, it was a quiet ride home! The boys were happy to get home and check on their ice skating rink. They shoveled it off to get ready to resurface it, so that they can use it some more. On Friday evening we joined Roger at work to have pizza with his boss and wife. The kids had gifts that they had picked out for Kevin and Terri, and Emma was happy to help them both open their gifts. I’m so thankful for Kevin and Terri and their love for our kiddos. They told the kids that their Christmas gift was not wrappable. They have gifted our children with an evening of snow tubing, dinner, and an overnight at a hotel for sometime in January or February! Our kids are so very excited about this adventure, and I am looking forward to it also. The months of January, February and March can get to be a bit long, so this will give us all something to look forward to!

We are wrapping up our last few days of Christmas break as we prepare to go back to school on Thursday. I am so not ready yet! It’s been a good break. I’ve spent a few days not feeling great, but it’s been a good time to slow down and treasure our time together. Roger has been busy, but that comes with the territory of being the second man in charge....you get to fill in any spots in the schedule that are short on people. I’m thankful for this Christmas season, and I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

We love you all,
Sarah

BREAK! And an Island Christmas Party!

Oh Praise Jesus! Christmas break is here! It was a week FULL of excitement and activities as we dove Into the last week of school before Christmas break. Between making food for class parties, helping with teacher Christmas gifts and notes, working in the preschool, and trying to get ready for our Christmas, it was a full week!

Every year our school has a Christmas gift “shop” where students from our elementary classes can come and “shop” for others. They can shop for up to five people, and it costs $1.00 to shop for each person. It’s a fun event for the students, and I love to see what they pick out for others. Because we run our Christmas shop on a budget (read-stuff given to us or found on great clearance) , we sometimes end up with some very random items for gifts. The kindergarteners are hilarious to watch as they make decisions about what their parents would like! Let’s see...a small decorative bird house for a little brother (the kind of birdhouse that goes in a garden pot); another child desperately wanted to get bubblegum toothpaste for their daddy! I mean, I try to help, but this is their opportunity to shop for others! I just hope the ones opening the gifts find joy in the effort to think of them and not in what the gift might be! Personally, I always enjoy the things that my kids pick out for me. I’ll never forget when Garett picked out a Christmas present for my mom during his preschool years. He picked out a ginormous wine goblet! My mom doesn’t even drink! It was so fun! Anyways, that’s what I did on Monday afternoon. We had several older ladies from our church that came to help wrap gifts for the students, so that all their packages could go home wrapped.

On Tuesday afternoon, my friend, Allison and I were able to squeeze in an afternoon together. We went to the discount grocery store so that we could find treats for our kids stockings! I can buy a lot more fun food items for our kids if the packaging is damaged or the food is slightly expired. Cheaper food...yes, please! It was a fun afternoon with Allison, and one of the things I’ve missed since taking on the preschool position is time with her. I’m thankful for lots of laughter! We went into one clothing store that had a lot of sweaters and coats as well as Christmas decorations and household items. I was browsing the sweaters and trying some of them on. I found this cape sweater in gray that looked quite nice, as I was slipping it off the hanger, I realized that I was about to try on the tree skirt!! Oh my word! The fancy tree skirts were all on hangers and the rack was not too far from the clothes. I hadn’t noticed that I was now looking at Christmas decorations, and I was going to try on a tree skirt! Don’t mind the crazy lady trying on the tree skirts! I quickly replaced the tree skirt and walked away! Ha ha!

After school on Wednesday, I took all the kids out to find Roger at his job. We needed to get our Christmas picture taken, and time is running out! Roger gets home after dark, so I decided to bring the kids to him. We found one of the pilots to take our family picture, and Chandler took the one of Roger and I. They aren’t fancy pictures, but we did it! And I found a Groupon for staples holiday cards. I made them into a New Years greeting card, since I know I won’t get them all mailed out before Christmas! We put together Christmas gifts for the teachers on Wednesday night. Having five kids in a small Christian school means that every teacher gets a gift from the Robertson family! Each gift is different depending on the teacher and how interested the children are in helping to put together a gift. Our gifts are never crazily awesome (at least not in my opinion) but after being the teachers aide this year, I realize what a blessing just a simple card or gift can be. Teachers don’t teach because of the gifts, but what an encouragement a simple card or gift can be in the life of a teacher! Anyways, Roger put the kids to bed and I finished up the teacher gifts. We are so very thankful for each teacher and staff member in our school. God has continually provided for our children’s education, and I just am in absolute awe of His goodness!

Friday was party day for all the classes! I did not feel very “merry and bright” on Friday morning as I tried to help the kids gather up all their stuff needed for their class parties, tried to remember the things I needed to remember, and try not to forget a child! Rogers car decided not to work on Friday morning, so I took Roger to work. I totally did not mind, but it did mean that the morning was a bit more rushed! However, we straggled into school early, and by the time school started, everything seemed much smoother! I know that part of the problem is the sugar overload that our children are on. It’s like a buzz! I bagged up a bunch of cookies and other treats and put them in the freezer for another day. I made salad, green peas, and fresh berry salad for supper one night, and the kids gobbled it all right up. I know that our bodies crave healthy food! After school on Friday, I took the  kids caroling. We stopped at a few homes of older folks in our church, and sang a few songs to them.  The kids weren’t exactly delighted to go, but once we got going, they did a great job. They were certainly a blessing to me, just hearing them sing carols to the older folks!

I am certainly not ready for Christmas, but I do enjoy this time of year. I have a great advent devotional book that I am reading, and children certainly add excitement to the holiday! My sister, Jen, is coming from South Dakota for a few days, so we are looking forward to having her. We spent some time on Saturday getting ready for her, and then we took a plane out to Matinicus island for a Christmas party out there in the afternoon. It was such a special time as a family to fly out there, walk down the snow covered road to the party, enjoy wonderful food, visit with friends, and walk back in the dark laughing and talking together. It was a special memory that I will forever treasure. I hope our children will treasure the memory also. As we walked down the road to the party, the kids were running and jumping all over the road. Travis found a broken bathtub beside the road. He asked me to take his picture in it. He said,”It’s the best kind of bathtub...a broken one!” Oh dear! That kid!

Roger and I spent a long time talking about how the snow covered dirt roads, darkness, and the feeling of community reminded us so much of our Christmas in Alaska in 2012. Time flies by! I’m hoping that our children will remember these memories as well. I don’t remember very many presents that I received from my childhood, but I do remember delicious food, eating in the living room, Christmas caroling, and ice skating memories! Family is important. And we are working hard to teach our children that life is not about “stuff”, but rather it is about living our lives for the glory of God.

I hope that you all are looking forward to making some special memories with your families this Christmas season. We have so much to rejoice in this Christmas, but the most important reason for rejoicing is that Jesus is Lord! He didn’t stay a baby, but rather became a man who would bear the sins of the world on the cross. He died for my sins and yours, and he rose again. Now that’s a reason to rejoice! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Program Delights!

“It was the week of the Christmas program, and all through the night the music teacher was dreaming, scheming, praying and working on so many things!”

Oh what a week it was! To God be the Glory great things He hath done! (That’s a great song too!) I  started off the week with a special invitation to a ladies candlelight Christmas dessert at a local church. My friend, Sharon, invited me to join her at her table for the special evening. It was a delightful evening of sweet fellowship, delicious dessert, and a festive atmosphere. It was a great start to my week. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go by the time 6:00pm rolled around on Monday evening, but I’m so glad I did. The speaker spoke on how Jesus is the most priceless gift, the most precious gift,
the most permanent gift, the most perfect gift (and one more “p” that I can’t remember at the moment!). She gave Scripture passages and it was truly a special evening to reflect on the specialness
 of the season. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to go.

Honestly, the rest of the week passed by mostly in a blur! Between music rehearsals, decorating, putting the program together, working, and being a wife and mom, I’m not really sure what I did on what day! Roger was a tremendous support throughout this whole preparation and work for the Christmas program. We had some interesting supper meals this week including popcorn with cheese and sausage (from my parents in Wisconsin!) Our kids didn’t complain though, and they were happy. I know the week was a bit crazy for them too, as I probably drove them a bit crazy with constant reminders, asking if they had seen something, would someone please fold the laundry!, and where are moms shoes? Oh yes, it was a crazy week!

On Thursday evening our kids, along with a few others, had the opportunity to sing at a Christmas chapel service at an old church building. This is our third year of going, and it’s always a special time to sit in a older building and sing the carols of Christmas. Our kids as well as a few others from the school sang “Away in a Manger” and played the chimes. Travis was very, very tired and he kept on missing his notes. I finally gave him a different chime and that seemed to help. Except when it was time to play the chimes, I think Travis forgot altogether which note was his! We had a fairly dramatic pause in the song, before we just kept on going. Oh well, the people seemed to enjoy it anyways! Of course, on the way home, Chandler asked Travis what was the matter with him. Travis had no idea what Chandler was talking about so Wyatt informed him that he had missed all of his notes in the song. Travis insisted that he had played his chime, and Wyatt announced, “yeah, at the WRONG time!” One things for sure...his brothers will straighten him out!” It was a lovely service, but my favorite part was the message given. The pastor didn’t preach for long, but wow the plan of salvation was clearly given! I love the fact that people could not have missed that Christmas is not just about baby Jesus, but about the fact that Jesus came to die for us. Garett made the comment on the way home that the preacher was easy to follow and that people could understand that they needed to ask Jesus into their hearts. (I love the fact that he was listening)

Friday morning found us at the school early! Chandler climbed up into the attic to search for some missing shepherd staffs, and he found them! The preschoolers have been working on memorizing Luke 2: 8-20 for their part in the Christmas program. They have done a great job of memorizing it. I’m so thankful for each teacher in our school that gave so sacrificially of their class time to help bring the Christmas program together. From the preschool teacher to the junior high teacher, each teacher supported the  music program, the teacher and the students. By the time one o’clock came around, we were as ready as we were going to be! The students did a great job at their matinee performance, and some worked hard to overcome their nervousness. I had given a solo part to one of the junior high girls, and although she was nervous, she did it! I’m hoping and praying that these music programs can be the start of some of these students using their God given talents and gifts. The staff gave me a special card with a gift card to a restaurant and a massage! I am very much looking
 forward to that! I also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the school and an arrangement of flowers from the parents group. One of my friends, gave me a coffee mug and an ornament. I am so very, very blessed. I received a hand written note from one of the students that I will forever treasure. While I will enjoy the cup and the Dunkin Donuts gift card that she and he brother (along with mom and dad) gave to me, I will always remember that sweet and thoughtful handwritten note to the music teacher. Somehow it made all the long practices, preparation and planning seem to fade away! I was completely blessed.

For the evening performance, the auditorium was very full! Of course, at two minutes before the program was to start, my friend, Allison and I were up on the stage duct taping the garland into place!   That garland had hung in place for most of the week....until two minutes before the performance! Oh, how I’m thankful for friends that pitch in a help with whatever needs doing! The preschoolers did a great job in their recitation and songs. Only one student tripped over his costume, and of course, they all melted the hearts of all the people there. Our pastor was able to close out the program with a clear plan of God’s gift of salvation. The Christmas program is an event where people willingly come out to the church, and often times hearts are more receptive. Since they are coming to see the children and listen to the program, the best message we can bring is the good news that Jesus Saves!

Chandler came down with a headache shortly before the evening performance; a friend messaged me to say her daughter was complaining of a stomach ache; but even with all the opposition from Satan, God still showed Himself to be strong and mighty. Chandler made it through the program, as well as my friends daughter. Chandler went home shortly after the program with Roger as he had a migraine so badly, he was throwing up. I stayed around to help picked up some things, as well as to visit with Rogers boss and wife, and my sister, Hannah. We decided to stick with our Christmas program tradition of Chinese afterwards, so Hannah and I took my four kids over to the Chinese restaurant. The kids were clearly hungry and tired as they pretty much just sat and ate! It was nice to visit with Hannah for a few minutes.


Because of the short space of time between the end of school and the evening performance, we decided not to go home. Allison and I set up a few things for the refreshments that would happen afterwards, and I gathered my thoughts! I had read about a Christmas shop for kids a few days ago on Facebook. A local church was hosting an event where kids would get to shop for others....all free! That had my attention! The event started a four pm, and I figured we could go right away and then be back in plenty of time for the Christmas program. Allison brought her girls along as well, and off we went! We were there a few minutes early, but if we had come any later, we wouldn’t have been able to do it as the line was backed out of the door a few minutes later! The church people were so nice and helpful and told me that kids could shop for their siblings, parents, and grandparents and close family members. They didn’t set a limit on how many people the kids could shop for, but when I told them that we had seven in just our family, they looked surprised! I told our kids they could each shop for five people, and they could pick whomever they wanted to shop for. The kids do all the shopping at this event by themselves while the adults have fellowship in another room. No sadness there! I’m always happy to spend a few minutes  with Allison! The children were very excited with what why picked out, and Allison and I were thrilled to go to an event that we had nothing to do with!   I’m glad we took our children as it added some excitement to the afternoon. And now we have some presents under our tree!

It was a busy and full week, but one with so many blessings that only God could bestow upon us. As we approach the last week of school before break, I would appreciate your prayers. We want to be able to convey to our children the true meaning of Christmas in a way that is special and real to their hearts.

Love,
Sarah

Snow Days, December Memories and HOPE!

A snow day!!! And it was a snow day that made sense even to this Wisconsin girl! We woke up to snow on Tuesday morning that continued all day long. Roger had told me on Monday night that he was fully expecting a snow day on Tuesday, and he’s usually right. The kids were excited about having a snow storm, even though that means they will have to shovel the ice rink. Roger did not have to go to work either today, so it was nice to spend the day at home.

Wyatt and Garett have piano lessons on Monday afternoons, so it’s been close to dark by the time we get home. Since we anticipated a snow day on Tuesday, I called Roger to see about getting a Christmas tree. Our tradition in Wisconsin was to always to to this cute little Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree, we’d been doing that since our first year of marriage. However, since we’ve moved to Maine, we’ve had trouble finding a local spot to go and cut our open Christmas tree, and one that wouldn’t break the bank. We’ve yet to find a spot, and we wanted to try a Christmas tree farm this year. However, with the coming snow storm, the kids asked when we would be able to get our Christmas tree. We generally put up our tree shortly after Thanksgiving and take it down shortly after Christmas. This year the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is really short! The boys asked if maybe we could just get a tree from a tree lot instead of having to wait until later this week or even next week before getting a tree. I called Roger, who was still at work, but he agreed that it would probably be wise to just go ahead a get a pre cut tree from a tree lot. So after piano lessons, we trotted off to tree to find our Christmas tree. The first tree lot we went to wasn’t open, so we found a different place. Emma decided that the boys could pick out the tree as it was cold and windy! The boys piled out of the van to look over the trees. Chandler is our budget conscious child, so he  immediately asked the man how much did the trees cost! The smallest and cheapest trees were $25.00 and the prices increased from there. The first row of trees were pretty short, as they were about as   tall as I am! We checked the second row of trees, and Garett found one that was a bit taller than he is,  and the tree was $30.00. We didn’t spend a lot of time picking out a tree, as it wasn’t long before we were cold. Thankfully, the man helped Garett tie on the Christmas tree and we headed home. Although it was not the experience we had planned, the kids were happy. I think it’s the first Christmas tree I’ve ever picked out without Roger- what a weird feeling! Emma was happy to help decorate the tree, and while it’s not exactly how I would’ve decorated the tree, it’s a beautiful representation of our children and their ornaments.


We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with some friends of ours that invited us to join their family. Allison invited to come along with their family to her mother-in- laws. “Grammie” had about fifteen of her own grandchildren at Thanksgiving dinner, and we added another seven people. Yet, Grammie graciously hosted about thirty people in her home for dinner. We were thankful to be invited to share in their dinner, and we are thankful for their friendship to us. It was a good day, with good fellowship  and delicious food.

We spent our long weekend soaking up time at home. Garett went with Roger to work on Saturday, but for the most part we just stayed around home. Roger was working, so we were not able to get the Christmas tree (but ended up doing it on Monday without him!)  It was nice to get some extra cleaning done around our house as we prepare for Christmas. The kids are excited about Christmas, and they have put together a list of things that they would like to do in December. They enjoy these school days as we get closer to break as they have classroom parties, field trips, and special events. I think Roger and I especially miss our church in Wisconsin this time of year, as our church hosted special parties and get together for adults. I always attended the ladies Christmas party and this time of year is when a new secret sister was chosen for the new year. Roger and I would attend the staff  Christmas party and our Sunday school Christmas party, and I miss those special times of fellowship,   food and Christmas cheer. But that’s neither here nor there, so moving on!  

We are down to the wire with the Christmas program details and both the students and the teacher are ready to be done! But we aren’t done yet, so as I told my students, we must “finish the race set before us”. I also told them how my dad often sang a song while I was growing up about “don’t quit”. I still remember the words to that song. “Don’t quit, there’s a job to be done. Don’t  quit there’s a race to be won, don’t quit. Weary Christian, don’t quit!” Singing is not necessarily my Dad's talent, but making a joyful noise is something he does very well! We only have a few practices left before we wrap up the Christmas program for another year. I’m not sure that God will bring me back to this next year, but I certainly have learned a lot in the three years I’ve taught  music!

The ice skating rink that the boys have been working on will be making its debut either tomorrow or Friday. The boys (especially Chandler) have been diligent in carefully adding water to each layer.  Bringing the water hose in and out, being patient and diligent...I think they’ve learned a lot!

I’ve been reading an Advent devotional book, and I’ve been teaching about it in our children’s Sunday School class. I am so thankful for the HOPE that came because of Jesus! Jesus became a willing servant, a humble baby to rescue a world of unwilling, ungrateful sinners. I am so glad that He rescued me, and that in Him my Hope is found! There is something very special to me about doing my devotions in the morning with the Christmas tree lit and the room quiet. (Quietness is short- lived around here, so I relish it greatly!)


 

 




We still don’t have our Christmas photo done or our Christmas letter written, but at the rate time is flying by and the speed that I am getting things done, I’m sure it will be a New Years Greeting (or maybe an Easter greeting?!)

As we enter these busy and special days in December, I hope that you find some time to spend in God’s Word. It’s a special season every year, and I want to savor the moment with family and friends, as well as my devotional time in the morning.

What are your family traditions for this month? A few of ours include:  decorating the tree, making cookies, drawing names for each other, visiting older folks to sing carols to, making a blessing box (random treats and small gifts to surprise someone or a family with), ice skating as a family, going to the Christmas parade, going to the Walk to Bethlehem (a church that does a great job taking you on a journey to Bethlehem) and special dates with our children.