Mary and Joseph on Steroids

In my previous post, I shared how Jon proudly assembled the nativity scene gifted to us by his father and step-mother upon our marriage. I don't know what possessed my husband to then feel the need to accessorize the rest of the buffet table.

The neighboring advent wreath, I don't have a problem with. I mean, to complain about where an advent wreath is placed just feels wrong. On the other hand (and other end of the table), I did have objections to the "other" Mary and Joseph figurine. No, not the figurine itself. It's a lovely piece that belonged to Jon's grandparents. My objection is its placement next to the nativity scene. It's called "scale" as I had to inform my innocent husband. Men. There's something disturbing about looking at the sweet nativity scene and seeing a giant Mary and Joseph looming. It just gives new meaning to "no room in the Inn."

And he got this because I married him!

Internet, tonight was a momentous occasion in our household. Well, for me it was more joy for my husband. For him, it was the fulfillment of a long-awaited family tradition. See, Jon's father is a pastor and he occasionally spends sabbaticals in Israel. While there, he purchased these incredibly beautiful hand-carved, olive wood nativity scenes for each of his three children. And they are gifted to his children upon their marriage. Over the years, Jon has watched his two younger sisters marry and receive their nativity scenes. On more than one occasion when we were dating, he mentioned that he had one of these nativity sets somewhere at his dad's house. After we were engaged, we were in Minnesota with his family and I remember the exact moment he finally realized his long wait would be ending. I think the conversation went something like this.

Jon: Oh, now I'll finally get my nativity set!
Me: Honey, surely they would have given it to you at some point, even if you didn't get married.
Jon: No. I think they would have had to will it to me upon their death or something.
Me: Well, you're welcome. I'm glad I could be here for you.




















So tonight, I watched my husband unpack and assemble "our" nativity set, and what will become a family heirloom that we pass down to our children.

Merry Messed Up Christmas

I'll get around to writing something more meaningful and touching for the Christmas season, but first I hope you enjoy some of my favorite seasonal Calvin & Hobbs cartoons.

Seasons Greetings Neighbor!

If you haven't been fortunate enough to be exposed to a neighbor's festive holiday expressions, let me share mine with you.

This...














This is the view from our back yard. This? This is our neighbor's BACK yard.

This...














This is the neighbor's front yard. And this?













This is a close-up that just doesn't do it justice. There's music. Playing loudly into the street. And this? This is my gift to you.













You're welcome.

Status Update

Since I recently promised to post more and haven't, I thought I'd give you a quick apology and update. My laptop is having behavioral issues (like refusing to boot up). I'm trying some therapeutic techniques this weekend and if it continues to "act up," I'll be taking it in for professional counseling. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll try and be back soon with more disturbing stories.