the magic and joy of Christmas

It comes each year and we all rush around from store to store and party to party.  Christmas.  For me, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  I have always enjoyed it and by that I mean really enjoyed by stopping and soaking in every possible moment.  From decorating the inside of the house and the outside to baking desserts and candy, seeing those family members and sharing a laugh over lunch, the lights at my dad's house(this year my boys were thrilled to help with this task and that is a special memory all by itself).
Sometimes, I just want to freeze time...just to be sure that breathing in each moment.  The truth-I am breathing in each moment.  Some of the moments have been faster than others but for the most part this year we were able take time with just us four and make some very sweet memories with our wonderful extended family as well.  I am so very thankful for the joy of the season......

 





The Funeral ride

A few months ago my family made a decision that my grandmother did not need to drive any longer....which makes me sad.  It is another sign that she is aging.  Her mind is great, so good that her bossy self still tells us all what to do!  And, of course we follow those directions!!  She called me and told me that I had made it on the list-the list of 6 people and this list consisted of those that would drive her to the necessary locations.  I just responded in agreement(and laughed a little inside) because she was very specific in her orders.  I was also honored that I made the cut.  :)

So, it has been on my mind to visit her more and take her to hair, dr appointments, etc.  This past Saturday she needed me to take her to a funeral.  I am driving over to pick her up and the boys were very curious just exactly why we were driving Nanny on this day.  So, I explained we were taking her to a funeral and then it came....what is a funeral???  I explained the best I knew how-a funeral is honor or pay respect/love to someone that has lived a VERY long life here on Earth but now has moved on to Heaven("of course Jesus lives in their heart" says Carson).  Sounds confusing? Nope, the boys understood exactly what I meant. In their little minds, they restated what I said and expressed it was good that God allowed people to grow up & get old before they go to heaven.

Driving down the driveway, we are still in conversation about the funeral.  I tried very hard to keep it simple but I could see the "wheels turning."  I pull my car around so that my Nanny has easy steps to make to the car.  The house door opens and she walks out with her cane.  Mason says "hmm, well that is funny that we are going to her funeral because she looks real good to me."

I began to laugh hysterically and then quickly told him not to mention her death while she gets in the car.  And, they did a great job not talking about her funeral while we were in the car.  However, when we get to the church the boys notice that many elderly people are walking in the door.  And, that is when Mason says "this has to be the OLD PEOPLE church because that is all that is walking in the door!!"

Kids are the most honest & most literal among all of the ages of the human race.  And even though embarrassing sometimes....I truly love every second of it!!

Train up A CHILD in the way he should go:and when he is old,

 he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Tis' the Season

It is the season of giving, and many are rushing around trying to find the perfect gifts.  A few days ago, I found myself anxious because I still need to buy for so many people.  I shared my thoughts with Tony and then it hit me....it is the season of giving but not just tangible gifts.  Yes, everyone likes to receive those types of gifts but what if we took the time to give other types of gifts.
This week I promised my Nannie that we would put her tree up and the boys would decorate it.  She was thrilled to know that we would come and do that for her.  Carson took it upon himself to be in charge of it and he unpacked the ornaments and quickly began. Mason put a few ornaments on the tree and then quickly ran over to help my dad pick up pecans.  But, Carson stayed with it and did a wonderful job.  My Nannie must have thanked us four or five times.  We sat and talked with her about nothing in particular, a little about the holidays, about traditions as a family, and about baking candy & Christmas treats.  This will be a memory that will never fade.
It has been upon my heart to visit a few elderly people at a local nursing home.  I want the boys to go and visit and bring candy to them.  I am not sure how they will respond, but I feel that it is important to take time to visit those elderly people that may not have family or the opportunity to leave....especially during the holidays.
Maybe just maybe if we can take a little time to give of our time than it truly could be Christmas all year long.....

A recent picture of my Nannie and  my Carson :)



And the days go by......

Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone...headed swiftly into the Christmas Season.  My boys could not be more excited!!  Halloween was so much fun, both boys wanted to be a character from Star Wars....they LOVE the movie, characters and especially a live show at DISNEY!  So, we bought their costumes, and I thought we would be lucky to make it to Halloween night.  They wore them and pretended and swished and swooshed more each day.  We had a blast at the church's trunk or treat...lots of games, lots of freinds and family, lots of candy....fun was had by all!! Halloween night came and they were super excited to get more candy and spend the evening with family!

After Halloween, my boys were tired, naturally, but tired of the day-to-day routine of things and desparate of a break.  When I first found out we had a week off at Thanksgiving, I was disappointed in a shorter Christmas holiday and going till June.....but we needed it!  Being plagued with allergy/sinusitis issues(all 4 of us), we were ready for some "down time."  So, we made no real plans except for family time on Thanksgiving day.  We got up each day and did whatever we felt like doing.  Lots of home time, which is my favorite and a few play dates but all week was a very relaxed week for us...and very much needed!!!
We took down our Christmas decorations but did not put any up till after Thanksgiving.  I felt very strongly about not rushing into Christmas and enjoying Thanksgiving.  My boys drew pictures of what they were thankful for and my heart could melt each time they talked about their blessings.  At this very young age, they get it...they really do and they were very eager to share with the entire family!

Onward into the Christmas season, and we could not be more excited!!!  I normally take 2-3 days to complete my tree and decorations and Tony works on the outside by placing the lighted deer.  This year the boys made sure the decor was up and ALL completed in one day!!!  They made sure everything was perfect...we let the boys place the deer outside and decorate the tree inside just how they want it.  Mason made "families" with lots of the ornaments.  I would not have it any other way-ever!!  Carson is already discussing with Mason why we celebrate-Jesus and his birthday.  "It is not all about gifts, it is about Jesus."  Mason says "but the gifts are nice too."  There have been some precious moments with my little unit already and I am soaking it up!