savoring...

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Christmas has been barging right through our front door in steady fashion!  Christmas goodies, beautiful cards, packages, and presents.  

The best gift?  Is the one we received after my mom's MRI last week.  Her back is NOT fractured.  All of the muscles around her spine are tight and sore, compensating for the weakness around her spine- but the vertebroplasties are holding her spine intact.  So pain meds, and physical therapy and massage are the plan for now.  We're so thankful! 

So we got busy!

Colton and I have savored finding and re-telling the story of each Christmas ornament and decoration, we carefully unpack.  My mother-in-law started gifting me with snowbabies, long before Rick and I were married.  I have a beautiful collection, thanks to Carole, and we feel her spirit with us when we look at the display we've crafted with them.

We unpack a few things,  and then suddenly its time to go.  A hockey game awaits, and Christmas plans are on hold till we return.  And so our days go…

But then we return, and the mailbox is filled...

I have a lump in my throat as I open this package from Mimi in Germany!  She knit that "Tiffany" blue hat for me (my favorite color,) and sent chocolate and the Faith, Love, and Hope heart I put right on my tree!  Precious friend- how you delighted me! 

This beautiful card and necklace came from my friend Shelley.  It says "Hope is an anchor for my soul."  Could there be anything more perfectly said?  I am so touched how these messages go out and come right back in, thanks to all of you.  Thank you, Shelley!

But we're flying out the door again.  Boxes of lights, and ornaments, and decorations are scattered amongst the hockey gear, drying on the staircase.  Its a royal mess!  But I can only smile as the joy of Christmas unfolds before my eyes.

Colton is over the moon.  We are awaiting the arrival of 15 people!  Its been years since we've had such a gathering of people, and we're all so excited.

Then, another package, arrives.

When I held a drawing for a Barnes and Noble gift card, my friend Ricka won.  Who would have thought she'd share that gift right back with me?  I was very touched to discover a new Jesus Calling in a package that came over the weekend.

I wish I could show you the goodies that came with this beautiful, handmade, card!  But they're devoured- gone-just like that!  Thank you Nichole!  I'm so sorry I missed your visit! 

A few other things have come that I hope to come back and share, too.  Each one, touches me, and honors me in such big way.  I want to share all about it...

But, you see, something within has shifted a bit.

I find myself hyper-aware this Christmas.  Watching each tiny moment unfold.  Not wanting to miss a single one.  

So each time I think I am about to find the camera and take some photos of all the lovely blessings you've sent to us, and post about them… I stop.  I find myself using the time, instead, to savor the verse on the card.  To talk to the boys about a memory I have of the people in the card.  To share a story.  To snuggle in with the dog.  

To live my moments and feel them.  

Its almost like Christmas in reverse.  Because on the day of Jesus' Birth?  I'd love to just focus on Him.      And family.  Having all the preparation done.  No last minute scrambling.  

So we're practicing the savoring, and preparing- for the arrival of our Savior, the best gift of all.