There is a Russian legend of a very old woman who lived a long, long time ago. Her name was Babouscka, and her home was a little hut in the coldest corner of that cold, cold country. During these months, not a soul passed her door. Then, one night she heard the distant sound of bells and voices. Three men astride humped beasts drew closer and she saw that they wore magnificent crowns and jewels. They stopped in front of her home and explained that they were on a long journey following a wondrous star in the sky. “It leads to a town where a newborn child lies, and it is for Him that we search.” This star was blocked by many clouds though, and so they asked her for directions to the nearest town. Babouscka asked them, “Who is this child?” One of the men told her it was a King and they were going to worship Him. He asked her if she would like to go with them, “for such a child there has never been seen.” Babouscka peered into the dark, cheerless night. The warmth of her home beat on her back. This star was nowhere to be seen. The bitter wind howled again. She shivered and shook her head no, no she couldn’t go. Not now, perhaps tomorrow. The three kings could not wait for her to make up her mind and so they left the woman and traveled on. As the days passed, poor Babouscka thought a great deal about the kings. "Ah", she sighed, if only she had gone with them. Day by day her regret grew over the chance she had missed. The child became her first and only thought. Finally, she wrapped herself in her warmest shawl, filled her basket with her best goods and shut the door to her warm house behind her forever. Babouscka had no hope of overtaking the three kinds, but she thought she might find the child they had sought so that she, too, might love and worship Him. And so her journey began. In Russia, she is thought to travel through villages in search of the Holy Child born in Bethlehem so many years ago. With her brown wrinkled face close to the pillow she looks kindly at all the sleeping children with tears in her eyes. And always she leaves behind a candy or trinket, something she hopes will lighten the heart of the little child she’s left. It is said by some that Babouscka’s journey is one of sorrow and regret and that her search will never be satisfied. Some though believe that she finds happiness in seeing the smiles left on little children’s faces when they wake up Christmas morning.
This story is one that touches my heart, especially as I reflect on this year. Luckily, I believe it has been one full of memories made and opportunities met! One of those most memorable times was our 2 ½ week trip to Greece with my parents, sisters/husbands in May. Then, there was our first Nebeker family reunion over the 4th of July down near Cedar City, Utah. My sister, Chantel’s wedding in October was a special event that again brought us together. Now, my parents are able to go on another mission…Mozambique, Africa is their next stop and they will be there for 18 months on a CES mission…they leave at the end of February. Now they’ll have to miss out on another birth of a grandchild…no, not mine! My sister, Chantel is expecting! Our children are healthy and happy and that brings us so much joy. Our lovely children have enjoyed 2008. Jacob (9) is a Bear in the Cub Scouts program, has piano lessons, and enjoys time with his friends. Rachael (7) is in Girl Scouts and loves it! She is starting piano in March when she turns 8 and is baptized…that will be an exciting event! Qaiden (4) is in Pre-School and loves playing with his friends and playing outside. Aleah (1) is finally walking with the help of her orthopedic shoes. She is not talking yet, but hopefully next year she will catch up to other kids her age…she as well as each one of our kids are a joy to raise! We are so grateful for all the Lord has blessed us with this Season, and know that he is watching over all!
We hope 2009 will be one of joy, love, and NO REGRETS! As in the story, Babouscka didn’t want to go with the kings at that moment because she was content with where she was and thought there would always be “tomorrow”. We all know that tomorrow sometimes never comes…As my loving parents always say, “Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today”. Thus, we want you to know we love and appreciate all of our dear friends and family. We hope your year will be full of happy times and even through the trials, may you be strengthened and know you are loved and watched over! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
December 13, 2008
December 7, 2008
Breakfast with Santa!
We had breakfast with Santa this Saturday morning. It was a yummy breakfast of different potato frittata casseroles, yogurt parfaits, doughnuts, sausage patties, choc. milk, oj, milk, etc. It was great....the kids got to sit on Santas lap and he even gave them each an orange! They had someone read them the polar express and each one got a bell. My sister (who came with us) asked Jacob afterward, what his favorite thing was of the breakfast, and to my surprise, it wasn't the DOUGHNUTS!!!! (All he had on his plate was mostly doughnuts!). The thing he liked the best were the bells! It's just the little things that often times mean the most to us in life isn't it?!!!
Christmas Lights!!!
Jacob's favorite lights
Rachael's favorite lights
Qaiden's favorite lights
Jacob earned a Cub-Scout award before seeing the lights...
For Family Home Evening on Monday, December 1st, we went with all the other Cub Scouts/families to see the lights in Layton. It was fun for the kids to see all sorts of animals and other things made out of colorful lights around Layton Park. Later this week we went back for our Mortgage Company Appreciation party to see the lights, but instead of walking, we saw them as we rode on the back of a trailer full of hay! I love hayrides! The kids had fun again seeing the lights and eating doughnuts and having hot chocolate.