Fantastic! Got a netbook from Santa today and I have high hopes that the new (adorable) pink computer will equate to many more blogs in the future. Part of my problem recently is that playing with my kiddos requires my presence in the playroom – which is a full floor away from the computer. Not very conducive to blogging. No, not at all.
I had a completely wonderful Christmas today. Enjoyed my three-year old’s excitement over her new bike, laughed at her equally thrilled expression upon opening her 4 inch tall Strawberry Shortcake doll, kept many cookies away from my little boy, indulged in a few (mmmmm Oreo Truffles) myself, watched my dad and husband play numerous games of pool, conversed with my mom in the kitchen like days of old, was showered with gifts too wonderful and plentiful while basking in the warmth of my family’s love and company. The four of us (hubby, Madison, Donovan and myself) opened the morning with the reading of the Christmas story from Luke, sang “Happy Birthday Jesus” and all wore our Christmas jammies as we unwrapped presents. Then it was off to the stove to whip up french toast, two kinds of eggs, bacon, cinnamon/raisin English muffins and mimosas. We played for a while with the munchkin’s new toys (Mommy’s new netbook had to charge for 8 hours) and then took a nap before heading off to Nanny and Grandad’s for Christmas dinner with my siblings and their families.
For tonight, I just feel so content and thankful for the many blessings I’ve been given. Sometimes it’s easy to focus on the few things in life that are rubbing the wrong way. To become consumed with fixing and controlling others, and forget to just enjoy the good in life. Tonight – I choose to remember the things that are great. First, for Jesus. How amazing that God would come to Earth. More incredible still, that He came because He loved me. Wow. Second, for a loving, supportive husband who is my perfect partner in life. Who encourages me during hard times, congratulates my successes and always knows exactly what to say when I need another point of view. Next, my kids. They light up my world. They remind me that no matter how much I want to be a perfect mother, it will never happen, and that’s ok. Because they love me even when I mess up. When they smile at me, I see such pure love and trust in their eyes. I am always reminded that that’s what God wants from me. Just trust and love. Parenting is staggering. It’s humbling and overwhelming to be in a position to shape Donovan and Madison’s lives. Lord help me.
Lastly (at least for tonight), my extended family. Tonight was so special – Christmas always has been, but this year was something different entirely. I felt such peace just relaxing at my parent’s house. Their home is the one I grew up in. Lately, the walls and carpet have changed, but no redecorating can remove the happy memories which come flooding back each time I walk through the door. As we clinked our sparkling cider (and wine) wishing each other a Merry Christmas, before stuffing ourselves silly on my mom’s wonderful cooking, I felt a wave of gratitude to my Mom and Dad. I realize no parents do everything right, mine would certainly admit to many mistakes – but I so appreciate how well they instilled the importance of family in us growing up. I remember hearing once that family are the only people God chooses for us. We get to pick our friends, our spouse, our co-workers, our church groups, our band members, knitting club, gym buddies etc, but our sisters, brothers and parents – that’s all God. The ugly truth is, sometimes family stuff gets messy. People get hurt feelings, wounded pride and damaged egos. Nobody knows your faults better than the people who shared a bathroom with you for 15 years. Good, bad or ugly – your family knows it. Plain and simple, sometimes family relationships are hard. Really really hard. But ultimately, those people are the ones God decided should be with you starting at birth. I figure they must be worth all the difficult conversations, explanations, calling out what doesn’t make sense, and all the “I’m sorry” hugs. Any awkwardness is worth it when the prize at the end is good solid friendships with the ones who were important enough for God to not give you any choice in the matter.
Bakerlady 