Santa Cow

Yes, Jingle the Elf had to go there.  He met the fox in the kitchen, and just had to ask that question.  This is one of those very popular internet things this year, so popular that even Madison understands it. Daddy asks her what the fox says, and she replies, "Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringe-ding!"

Today was a rainy day.  Surprise, surprise, surprise!  Daddy had plans with hid buddies from high school, but before we did any of that, we had BIG plans in the morning.  Oh yes we did.

This is Santa Cow.  This is big stuff.  Two years ago, we missed an opportunity to see Santa Cow, and then the same thing happened again last year.  So this year, by gum, we weren't going to miss it.  Suddenly, this became one of those events that held the same weight as going to Stone Mountain or something.  They actually took the picture above for us, and then printed it and gave us a framed copy before we left.  Madison directed us to sit at the table right next to Santa Cow, so we had breakfast together with the Santa Cow.  She also got a small stuffed cow and a candy cane, which she of course devoured once we got into the car.  But several times - before we left, she'd periodically get up from the table and give Santa Cow a hug, which was cute.

Here's something else we did:

We went to Lowe's to build a train.  But it isn't just a normal train - it's a Candy Train, one covered with scratch and sniff stickers.  Madison and Daddy used a hammer and nails to put together the train itself, adding wheels and a cowcatcher, and then came the add-on candy canes and other childhood delights.  This was a full session, so we were glad we made the reservations a few weeks ago.  As an added bonus, Madison got her next patch to attach to her apron.  I believe she has about six patches now, meaning she has created about six of these wooden vehicles.  She's gotten really good at it, and is improving each time with the hammer.  In fact, she drove in several of the nails completely by herself this time.  The end result was a train that could roll across the floor at Lowe's, no problem!

We scurried out of Lowe's, and it was pouring rain.  Pouring.  Everything was so cold and wet.  You can just hear that guy from "Christmas with the Kranks" calling out:  "You could really use an umbrella!"

Of course, we had umbrellas.  Madison had her tiny pink one, and Daddy had his monster golf one.  Still, this sort of weather is no fun really.

We got home, and that's where Daddy had to say goodbye for a time:  he was off to Cleveland to see his old friends, while Mommy and Madison spent the day inside together.  Madison drew today - her gift this morning was a book that showed how to draw dolphins.  She also played games and used the Kindle.  And ate.

Tomorrow we'll be spending some more time together - we've got interesting plans.  Tonight, it's time for bed.  Before going off to night-night land, here's another entry in our ongoing Christmas movie series:

"All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names." Sometimes that happens, especially when you've got a nose that glows bright red. Others talk, or maybe do worse.

But as Christians, that can happen to us as well, can't it? We're supposed to be the light of the world, shining bright. Like Rudolph, we can be tempted to cover it up and blend in, trying to look like everyone else.

But God needs us to be the light of the world, especially when others are in the fog. Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes, and without God, it's easy to get lost. When you're lost, you're in a fog unlike anything else: you can bump into trouble, go way off course, and it goes without saying you'll have no vision.

It's time to uncover that light, and see the Way. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. And just like Rudolph, that light can lead the way to safety, and save the day. It's the reason we celebrate Christmas: that light has saved misfits like you and me.

This Christmas, no matter what, shine His light like never before. That light has brought joy to the world!