December 23, 2010

• Merry Christmas!

  I’m eating Christmas cookies for “dinner,” as I type!

  Jesse took us out for a late afternoon “all you can eat” buffet lunch.  I announced to my family, “Eat big.  I’m not cooking anything for dinner, tonight! 

  And, they did.

  So, I didn’t.

  And here I am, stuffing my face with the cookies I labored over with much love.  ALL *TEN* RECIPES that totaled something like a gazillion dozen!

           
                    I guess you can figure out what will be for dessert Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!          

  I’ve enjoyed the feeling of knowing all of my tasks are behind me. 

  
                                                                 My two headed dog!

  I’ve also been enjoying my pets, now that I have the time to stop and really breathe.  The dogs, the cat (well, I always enjoy him!), the bird, and even the fish.  I’m an animal lover.  Hands down!

                             
                                           Na!  No two headed dog, here.  I was just teasing! 

  The laundry is caught up.

  The house is clean and in order.

  Every thing is enjoyable instead of stressed. 

  Tonight, candles are burning in the den, making a lamp unnecessary.

                    

  The house is sprinkled, here and there (in the corners), with a gift or two to lighten up the, otherwise, darkness.

  I’m *NOT* sorry the gift wrapping is finished.  I think I was bleary eyed when I got to the last box to wrap, last night.  I had been wrapping for over two hours, determined to finish every last box.  

  Seriously, I prayed,

  “Lord, please give me strength.  I’m so tired.  I’ve wrapped for days and days.  Hours and hours.  And, I know things look pretty and glimmery, but I’m so tired.  I know the children will all enjoy the glittery boxes.  It’s not that I hurt – and I’m glad I don’t hurt – I’m. Just. So. Tired.  I don’t know what paper to choose for this last one.  I can’t think.  I’m so tired.  Okay.  Help me decide.  I’m so tired . . .  

  I’ve wrapped so many boxes.  And, the idea of everything in boxes sounded great, at the time, and it WILL be great, when no one can tell if it’s toys or clothes, but I’m so tired.  There’s a lot of people to wrap for in our family . . .  Oh!  And, did I mention,

  I’m *SO* tired!”????

  But, it’s all finished, now.  Every last box.  Some sit around the house to add pizazz to the corners and others . . .

  The 92 **MILLION** others . . .
   

                                 
                                The 92 million *OTHER* gifts are “not so hidden” in Luci’s closet. 

  I’ve told her if she touches just one, they’ll all fall down and I’ll know it was her doing the snooping. 

  They have remained untouched and intact!                                 

                               
                                                                            Luci

  I’ve enjoyed leisurely reading “The Centurion’s Wife.”  The only time I have to read is late at night, and I get sleepy after only a few pages; but, I look forward to finishing this book over the next few days.  If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it!  I had no idea of the story’s content and have been pleasantly surprised.

                          
                                                                            Rissy

  We had a doctor appointment for Luci today.  Just a check up.  I decided the girls should all get their flu shots.  The nurse told me their office has seen two cases of flu this past week.  I had mine over a month ago, but they didn’t have the serum for the children and this was the first time all of them have been healthy – without sore throats or colds.

  I feel bad for them.  The shots hurt.  They chose their arms, even though I told them their hips had more fat and you don’t use that muscle as much as the arm.  But, they weren’t convinced.  The nurse who gave the shots isn’t known for her gentleness, either.  All three have had Tylenol and Luci needed an ice pack for her arm.

  Yeah.  I feel like a rotten mother!

                          
                                                              Annamarie

  I think this is my most favorite part of Christmas.  The day or two before, when I can savor everything around me. 

  Even the cold damp weather that’s moving in is perfect. 

  I’m in a warm home.  We have firewood ready to burn at the back door.

  I have family that I love dearly surrounding me. 

  My cancer isn’t rearing its ugly head and I’m feeling great.

  I have so many areas where I feel blessed and just plain happy.

  Homeschooling has its moments, but I feel so blessed to be able to school my children.  I’m blessed to spend time with them and form that special bond that the extra time creates.

  I feel blessed that I can bless others with a meal.  A letter.  A phone call.  All of the benefits of being a SAHM.  And, I get to stay home and be Mom *because* my husband supports me being home and teaching the children.

      

  So, in these last few quiet days, before the loud squeals of children and the “mess” caused by gift wrap and tissue paper, I’m enjoying each peaceful minute.

  I’m so very grateful God spared my life.  I’m grateful I have a healing testimony – a testimony of hope – to share with others.  I’m grateful that God’s hand blew across my body and the stage 4 cancer went bye bye and no surgery was necessary.  I’m grateful my oncologist and would-have-been surgeon both call me a miracle patient. 

  I feel full of gratitude for ALL that God has blessed me with.

  And, the anticipation of celebrating and acknowledging the birth of Jesus is a time I treasure.

  I pray God’s richness and goodness to each and every single one of you.  You’ve all been my friend.  You’ve all spoken a word of encouragement when I have needed it, you’ve prayed for me and my family, and you are all in my life for a reason.  I just pray I’ve been a blessing to you, as you have been to me.

  Merry Christmas and

  Be Blessed  ~

  • 10:31 pm
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