Monday, January 7, 2008

supernovae

Just a few words on James' (my six year olds) holiday.

James has been skeptical of Santa for years. Ever since he heard about him. I don't like to lie about said large man. Ive been dealing with the question "is Santa a real person?" by asking him "what do you think?." Or sometimes, "You will know when your older." He would sadly admit "I think I already know."


Here is James at Josh's cousins' Christmas Party (circled in red). He seems to be saying "You think this big guy can fit down your chimney? Impossible!"

This year on Christmas eve we watched Polar Express and by the end we were both confused about our convictions.

We caught him on tape that night, admitting he now believes in Santa. I was so proud of him! Maybe because I could never have said that at age 6, or because it was before he opened all the things on his wish list, or maybe because its just time to believe in good things. I don't know, but it felt triumphant.

On New Years at my in laws we took turns toasting something to 2008. I toasted 'to life' with a wink. James caught right on and got a little somber. He took his time, and asked if everyone was listening (all the while staring at me). He then toasted to what I think we all wanted to say, 'to health.'

That night he sweetly prayed, "please bless ALL the things we toasted to tonight will come true."

Hes not all hope and faith, though.

I was just reading to the boys the book A Pocket Full of Kisses. Its the rather cheesy story of a boy raccoon who is worried about his mom sharing her love and 'kissing hands' with his little brother. He doesn't think she has enough love for the two of them. So in a sentimental moment the mom takes the boy outside, points to the sky, and explains:

"Every night, just before the sun goes down it reaches out with its rays and touches every star in the universe. One by one, the stars light up and shine down upon us. Even on nights we cant see the starts, they're up there sparkling away. No matter how many stars fill the sky, the sun will never run out of light, and its rays will never stop reaching out to them.

Thats the way it is with kissing hands. When somebody loves you, their kisses are like the suns rays-always there and always shining."

James quickly jumped in "yea, until it burns up all its fuel and explodes."

18 comments:

Jon Paul said...

James is so practical about cosmology. I love it.
To health.

Kelli Proctor said...

James is so smart, way beyond his years. What a good kid though. You are so awesome, we miss you guys! I have to agree, to life and good health. We love you guys!

Paul said...

There have to be ways to marry science and the intangible. We miss those boys, and you too.

Matt said...

To outfoxing raccoons

Brooke said...

We love James. We miss you guys. Savannah loves The Kissing Hand, so we will have to try what sounds like the sequel. How are you feeling?

Mary said...

Sounds like you!!!

wendipooh13 said...

James is such an amazing little guy and I am soooo grateful that Austin has some a great example of a friend who is someone he looks up to and admired. You have No idea the impact that James has on him. Austin is sooo excited just to go to school to hang out with James. Thank you for raising such a wonderful boy, you two have done a stand out job, and yes James is amazing.....

Kirsty said...

James, James, James...

IAmTheWalrus said...

My granddaughter, Elizabeth, who just turned 3 was in the car with her parents. They were driving the car through snow covered roads splashing great waves of slush intermittently from either side of the car (all Utah drivers will get the picture). Elizabeth piped up and said, "Are we dashing through the snow?"

Rod and Kandace said...

Alisa, my friend Shelby who is also going through this type of a challenge has this quote on her blog, thought I would share it with you.

"All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God. . . "
Howard W. Hunter

Jesse Urry said...

I think to good health is what should be said and keep thinking of this year and if you tell your self good health then you should get it.
James is cute it is hard to say yes or no to santa just hope he will belive for a long time.
I am glad to see you up but do not over do it take it a little at a time or you will have a set back.

Kathy

Brittani said...

Hey you! You have such a darling family! I hope that your doing well. Love you!

Sonja said...

He seems too young to have to think about these things. We miss him!

Steven said...

camera?

jennie said...

Love that James, and LOVE YOU! I'm glad to hear you are feeling better, what are we going to do about your birthday this weekend?

jennie said...

Who's going to write birthday blog for you??? I hope you have a good one. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Jesse Urry said...

Alisa, I hope you had a good Birthday the other day. Just think your getting better each day. I know the Lord is watching over you and helping you and your family and if you trust in him he will lead you and bless you with all that you need. I am glad your my friend and your so strong and getting stonger and better each day.
may the lord bless you
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Mary said...

Alisa,
Are you alive??? I miss reading your sweet voice! I really hope a guillotine didn't come your way! I thought of you the other day on your big day! Hope it was a good day! Loves!