The True Story of St. Nick

The other morning Brayden and I were on our way to school.  We always listen to KLOVE.  For those of you that aren't familiar with it..... it is an awesome christian radio station.  

Well there was a little segment on there that told about St. Nick.  It goes on and on about the "real" St. Nick and how he disguised himself and then handed out things to those in need.  Brayden and I both were listening intently.  Suddenly.......  I hear St. Nick died in 344 A.D.  But his tradition is still carried on today (something to that effect.... I may have the date wrong.....)

Oh NO!  THEY DID NOT JUST SAY THAT, was my first thought.  I cringed.  I dreaded the words I knew he would say and at the same time, I am praying that he didn't hear that part.  Well he did hear it loud and clear....  our conversation went like this....

Brayden: "Mommy did you just hear that?  St. Nick really died?"

Me: "What honey?"

Brayden: "They just said St. Nick died!"

Me: "Yes, I did hear it.  But honey, that was a long, long time ago."

Brayden: "St. Nick still gives toys though.  How could he do that if he isn't alive?"

Me: "Like they said.... we still carry the tradition.  He lives in our hearts."

Brayden: "But Santa and St. Nick are friends.  Does that mean that Santa is dead?"

Me: "No way is Santa dead.  Absolutely not!"

Brayden: "Thank goodness."

I would really like to call KLOVE and ask them to please take away the part that tells of him dying.  We heard it again yesterday and Brayden says "oh, here is that story again about St. Nick and how he isn't alive anymore."  (as he is rolling his eyes)  

Have any of you listened to KLOVE and heard the same story?  I can so relate to the whole.... we have lost the true meaning of Christmas and have commercialized it too much.  But I treasure the magic in my children's eyes as I read Christmas stories to them, or as we write letters to Santa, or even when they see the empty plate where Santa's cookies were, the night before, and all that is left, are crumbs.  I love and cherish those memories!  I am going to hang onto them as long as I can.  Thank goodness he seemed to accept my explanation and has not brought it up since.  Woo.... escaped that one without a scratch!

Annual Christmas Pictures

Today was the day.  Every year, Aunt Sue takes the kids to get their Christmas pictures taken. It is a tradition that started many years ago with Justin (daddy) and Aunt Shelley when they were little.  It is now Brayden and Bailee she takes for annual pictures (thank you Aunt Sue).  I tell you what, everyone should experience formal picture taking with kids, at some point in their lives.  

It was seeming to go pretty smoothly at first.  We had two or three clicks of the camera and were on a roll, then some people show up to pick up their portraits.  The photographer had to stop and help them.... Next thing I know the phone is ringing and she is on the phone scheduling appointments....  By the time she returned, Bailee had decided she was done with picture taking.  Her temper was beginning to emerge and she was working herself up into a lovely display of fit throwing.  We would stop at times and let her play around and compose herself and then put her back in front of the camera.  The photographer even pulled out the feather duster.  You know that nasty thing that they put in every child's face.  I cringe when I think about it....  I wonder how many snotty noses it has tickled every time I see it.  

Guess what, the feather duster worked....  Even at one point it was me that grabbed it trying to get Bailee to crack a smile.  Ugh!  She is on an antibiotic still so hopefully it will help her fight whatever I may have scattered all over her face.  

Here are some of the pictures.  Check out the one in sepia.  This is after Bailee had thrown one of her fits.  Brayden looks thrilled doesn't he....  memories, memories, memories.  Thanks again Aunt Sue for providing great pictures and memories that will last a lifetime!