December has been wonderful!
I am overwhelmed by how richly God has blessed our family...in so many ways.
Christmas Eve morning we packed the children in their jammies and enjoyed breakfast at Dunkin Donuts.
Little Bit enjoyed every bite...
Every SINGLE bite...
Everyone was happy and content. And everyone, save Little Bit, had coffee.
The awe on their faces...
The sprinkles on their noses...
And that hot hunk sitting across the table from me...
It was a great time together...even the little bit of swiping that went on!
I highly recommend Christmas eve breakfast out, with children in their jammies. It was awesome.
Late that afternoon we let them each open one gift.
Matching jammies for Christmas morning!
Because when my sisters and I were little, my mom always got us matching pajamas!
Christmas morning finally came...
It was a day of fun and play!
But I have to be honest...the food was wonderful.
The company was great! The Engineer's parents and brother joined us. We loved having them! - I missed my Mom. This was our first Christmas apart. (Not bad in 29 years!) And we missed Grandma and Grandpa. (Grandma just had her knee replaced.) Ok, and I always miss the Christmas Eves we had when I was a little girl. I got a little teary remembering my grandparents and their beautiful, large table, set with all their finest, and the family packed tightly 'round it! And as I grow older I appreciate more and more my Mom and grandmother.
The gifts were far too plentiful. Everyone was very generous.
What I'm trying to say is that it was a picture perfect Christmas. Except for my heart...possibly, our hearts. Looking back on the day, and on Christmas Eve, I am sad that we didn't even take the time to read the story of Christ's birth...we prepared our home well, I'm just not sure how well we prepared our hearts. We talked about intentionally preparing our hearts. We just never did it. At least, I didn't. And I didn't faithfully point our children in that direction. I don't like Christmases like that, and unfortunately, this wasn't a first for us. In all the hustle and bustle and late nights and company (which we do love!), and quite frankly, lack of caffeine, it was very difficult to pull away and spend time with my Savior. I chose other things instead. A lack of time with Him, especially over several days, leaves my heart longing and a bit sad. I'd like not to repeat this.
I am thankful that God does not leave us or forsake us and that while we were yet sinners - not once I got my act together - Christ died for us. Again, I am reminded of and thankful that His mercies are new every morning.
And when it was time for the grands to depart, and the uncle, the children would have none of that. They attempted a two man tackle, much to their chagrin and after being pulled on their bellies through the house, Uncle broke free!
Hallelujah what a Savior! Hallelujah what a friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end...
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Merry Christmas, jenn! You are so right, but you, unlike others at least recognize it...that's a start. I love the pic of little man with the sunglasses on. Miss you guys SO much! Can't WAIT till February! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful Christmas! My 6 year old memorized Luke 2 this year, and I was amazed with the ease that he absorbed it! We gathered around the fireplace on Christmas Eve just before bed to read the story of Christ birth and talk about it. But then, by the end of Christmas day, I always feel like along the way, we lost the focus (as the little one sat at the foot of Grandmother's tree with wrapping all around him proclaiming "I want to open another one!"). It's a struggle for us all to stop society and the busyness of the season from driving the focus of our celebrations!
ReplyDeleteMany blessings in the new year!
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteYour blog has become one of my favorites! I so appreciate all you share because it is so real. I so hear you on getting caught up in Christmas and hustling and bustling over Christ. Besides our candle light service we went to on Christmas Eve and a prayer before our lunch, I didn't spend time with the Lord either. It is just so terrible and makes me sick. Thank goodness the Lord forgives us and knows our short comings. We wish your family the very best in 2011! Happy New Year!
It's a good thing you're so darn honest... keeps the rest of us feeling "normal" :) I appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, the Holy Spirit's nudging gives us plenty of room for New Year's Resolutions to include Him a little more.
(Love your slippers)
Happy New Year~ I have found myself in the same position many a year! I love your honesty and your pictures make me smile!
ReplyDeleteDear friend, I know I've been where you found yourself this Christmas... when one realizes it, it's frightening -- so easily we are swayed away from what matters most.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to draw near, too celebrate the gift of our Savior (isn't that the essence of the Gospel?). And, you can praise God for your wonderful, beautiful Christmas memories... despite our wanderings He laces our days with grace -- such mercy brings tears to my eyes.
I stopped by the other day and didn't leave a note to let you know I had been here. Sooooo.....the comment is being left for you today. :)
ReplyDeleteHow B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. all your photos are! (As always) I especially love the one of Sister with a gift in front of the tree...background all blurry....soooo gorgeous!! How precious these days are my friend. ENJOY!!
I hear you about your heart being sad about the Lord being set to the side...how easily it can be done! May the LORD help us all day by day to keep HIM moment by moment in our thoughts....only by HIS grace. (Hebrews 12:1-3) Hang in there...as you live these days with your little ones HE is in the midst...teaching and guiding and leading...what a blessing to belong to HIM.
Sending you a big Canadian hug!
Love,
Camille
So many treasures.
ReplyDelete(PS-That tree of yours looks stunning! Is there tinsel on it or just lots of lights?)
Thanks for stopping in! I LOVE finding Mom-blogs with integrity and thought-provoking posts. And creativity and artistry all in one! I am thankful you found me...and I found you:).
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so lovely. Your family is precious. Yes, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season...I have been there myself. It is so like Christ to be born without the fanfare and all the trimmings...I have to remind myself that the way He came is often the way He chooses to be worshipped. But, we can rejoice that our God loves us still...even when we fail. He is showing me that over and over again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jackie