Relay

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? Galations 5:7

We were taking pictures before the bus came today... 

Our timing was off for The Polar Express, but our girls were ready, regardless, as they used their hands to make a sign...could it be they were signing baby Jesus? :) It was the question I posted on Facebook, along with their picture. One mom thought it was possible and shared this link in the comments -http://youtu.be/bGGCzM-A9Jk 

They may have missed the bus, but they were right on track! ;-)

Long story short, I emailed the teacher to let her know what happened this morning, but she called me before she got it, checking on the girls. Next thing I know, the bus came back to get the girls! :) I met the bus driver with gratitude, but surprisingly, she wasn't as happy to see me as I was to see her, and she got off the bus to let me know it! :( Thank goodness for the love of our girls teacher, Ms. Tobin who assured me the girls were fine when they got to school, and arrived happy! :)  

Getting back on track, interestingly, we got an announcement from our girls school informing us of what was in store for today just a few days ago. Each year a special guest is invited to read The Polar Express to the students, and this year it happened to be meteorologist, Tim Williams from WJZ's Channel 13 News! How exciting! Tim was the one bringing the imaginary train ride to the students ALL ABOARD The Polar Express that was headed for the North Pole! -- written by author Chris Van Allsburg! :)

Another interesting fact was that trains have always been an integral part of the history of Relay Elementary School, named after the horses that originally ran on wooden rails pulling a wagon from downtown Baltimore to Ellicot Mills. The halfway point was at the bottom of South Rolling Road where a tired horse would be exchanged for a rested horse. This exchange was called a "relay". Which is how the school and community got their name. 

Upon reading about these trains, it made me think of our little Hannah.

Her belly bears some of its own tracks that tell a beautiful story too, that led us to her sister, Lera!

Dear Lord, I need You. When trouble comes, help me to be an overcomer and learn to rest in You. You are my relay and exchange my sorrow for joy! Thank You for two sweet girls to help keep me on track. I am blessed and look forward to celebrating Your birth with our family and friends this Christmas! Thank You for sending Your love through our bus driver who also seems tired. Please give her rest and bless her for coming back to get our girls. They really love school and their teacher! Amen. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

I LOVE YOU!