Monday, December 15, 2014

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.

















25 comments:

  1. Beautiful Vicky... thanks for the reminder to live in the moment. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. So good to see you here, Katie, and hope you have a wonderful week as well.

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  2. This is the first Christmas I've spent in the family home since I renovated it. I've been unpacking Mom's decorations and like you, feeling quite sentimental. It's so good to read how you're able to center yourself and be present.

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    1. I've lost my way back to you, Kass, but want to wish you a blessed Christmas.

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    2. Kass- I can only imagine how the memories must be rising up to meet you. I hope you feel peace and comfort in those memories! I practice, being here in the moment. I truly see, and know, how quickly it can elude us, so today is the day to live fully :)

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  3. Savoring the moments and building memories ... what better way to live life. Blessings to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas.

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    1. Thank you Susan, I wish you the same wonderful blessings through the Christmas season!

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  4. Can't think of anything better than savoring the moments, especially with family! Enjoy! Thankful your Mom is okay. Praise the Lord!

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    1. Thank you- its really been years since we've had my side of the family here and I am so excited I can hardly stand it! To have mom feeling well enough to be a part of it, will truly be a blessing.

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  5. Mimi in Germany? Cool!! I would love it if she lived in Munich!!

    So so glad about your mom!! Thanks be to God!!

    P.S. Love the Laura Ingalls Wilder quote :-)

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    1. Hello Susan,

      acually I live in the near of munich and work every day in munich ;-)!

      Greets from there
      Mimi

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    2. Mimi, I live in Bogenhausen, near the Isar, 10 min from the English Garden. Small world!

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    3. How is it that I never thought of putting the two of you together!! This is great :)

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    4. Mimi, let me know if you want to meet up for coffee in the new year :-)

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    5. Susan, that would be great! If you want you can write me an email on nomimikry@gmx.de :-).

      But I have to premonish, my english isnt the best ;-).

      Regards
      Mimi

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    6. Most likely better than my German! Will write soon!

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  6. Such good news about your mom!

    I, too, am trying to just set aside all the craziness and enjoy the moments - sometimes they are hard to find because we're so busy, and I never wanted busyness to take over!

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    1. It IS hard. We didn't do much of a Christmas photo/card this year. Something had to go- but I see the sheer delight on the boy's faces when they see all the signs of Christmas all around them. I've had to say no to some things, but am enjoying the things we've been able to accomplish.

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  7. I feel so blessed, Robin- I truly do. Seeing you here, was an early morning gift to me this morning. Much love to you sweet friend!

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  8. I'm so happy to read the good news about your Mom's back, Vicky.
    I know that all of you are grateful to find out that her spine is being perfectly held intact. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow....
    I think you have it JUST RIGHT when you take each moment....savoring it and holding onto each memory to savor for another day. We could all take note of that....and do it more often.
    Sending you love and warmest hugs for a continued blessed year, Vicky. This year is drawing to a close, and it seems to have traveled by very quickly. As the new year dawns, know that you have friends that you have never seen who think of you and pray for you and for your family on a daily basis. I love you.
    Merry Christmas.
    Love,
    Jackie

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  9. Vicky, I read your post yesterday but couldn't remember if I'd commented or not. That's how crazy things have been. Your posts are always so beautiful, such a treat. I feel like I can relate to so much of what is going on in your life. We're in this life thing together and I'm very glad. Have a very blessed week coming up. It's going to be exciting! I will be thinking about you with your house full of people, full of love. XXOO

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  10. Hi Vicky... I mentioned you on my blog today.

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  11. I love how you said it, "Almost like Christmas in reverse." As I read, I found myself thinking through my moments to savor, going over our decorations in my mind, and just plain slowing down. So thankful for your mom's good news!!!

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  12. Vicky, I'm seriously happy to hear about your mom's news. Glad to hear that with minimal intervention she can look forward to pain relief far sooner.

    Glad you are savoring and recounting the stories. I always think maybe one day I'll have a decorator tree but what could be more decorative than a lifetime of memories in each special ornament? We like to think about where and when and in what context. Hannah and I usually do this together. Both the kids each have a very special Snow Babies ornament, too, that they received as babies from us. Love those immensely. I'll send you a picture. It's the 23rd now and I hope things have slowed down and you're feeling well enough to embrace each moment and make lots of new memories. Big hug.

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