Boys' Lego Creations

the slopes...

Boarder boys...

So smoooooooth...

...whoa!

Bottoms up!

The only ski bunny! (say's Daddy!)...

...and the ski bunny's only boys!

Noël

This morning was one of those special moments for the Bauman family. The four of us brought an “offering” to the table to begin this Holy Night. Joshua, our thinker/ponderer, brought a clear and moving description of a shepherd in the day of Jesus: simple, poor with “lots of time to pay attention.” Caleb, our feeler/hoper, brought a two-sided picture, because "it was hard to explain". On one side was a depiction of himself at the manger, kneeling with the shepherds and giving Jesus his "only gift," His heart. On the other side was a very detailed picture of Jesus on the cross, blowing away the "sins" that were attached to Him as he died. Kneeling in front of Jesus was Caleb giving his heart to Him. In his little mind, they were the same...the Christ child and the dying King. Oh, the orthodoxy of children!

As I told O.Henry’s joyous story, The Gift of the Magi, Joshua and Caleb's eyes grew big and wide as Della and James realized they had sold the most precious thing to give a perfect gift, only to find out that the gift was no longer important. "They gave each other the gift of love, the most important gift," was Joshua's response. The gift itself no longer mattered but only the heart that gave it.

Back to the shepherd's and God’s news to a weary world. Stephan reminded us (www.underthemango.com) that God still searches out the poor "shepherds" to announce Emmanuel ("Ave" is Latin for "Hail" or "Hello"), while fewer "Kings of high estate"search out Emmanuel.

May you experience the thoughtfulness, hope, and unconditional love of Emmanuel as Christmas dawns.

The Baumans love you!

Indy boys...

water boys

captain, my captain...

A Sunday in Annapolis...

Two boys at the helm...

woods and wonder...