Friday, December 21, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Well here we are to Friday already!  Time is whipping by and 2012 is almost over.  I have decided not to let myself be bothered by the fact that no matter how much I try, I still find myself scrambling at the last minute trying to finish up "details" that have to be done.  It is just how it is I guess at the end of the day.  The only problem is I find myself moving slower and slower as time goes by.  I think the thing I didn't consider, or take enough in account for, was the time it has taken me to help mom with all of her details and shopping etc.  And trust me, we kept it as simple as we could.  I tried in vain to get her to eliminate it all together.  But it was important to her, and she REALLY wanted to, so I helped her.  We finished up the last little bit of shopping etc. for both of us yesterday, and then I sat down yesterday afternoon and helped her organize and sign all of her "money" cards for all of her grandchildren under the age of 20.  Doesn't sound that bad does it?  But there are 18 of them!  She gave each one of them 10 dollars in 2 dollar bills.  I think they will all get a big kick of it.  All mom had to do was sign the card (which she insisted on!) with either love and prayers (her signature words for the last 30 years) Grandma, or Great Grandma as the case may be.  I counted out the money, got it into each card, put their name of the front of the envelope, and made sure we didn't forget anyone.  When we were done I put them all into a zip lock bag for her in her purse, so HOPEFULLY they will all actually get to where they are suppose to go.  It was sooo hard for her to sign her name and she was soo frustrated I felt bad, but we finally got it done.  She also did money cards for her own kids and then we had to take care of that, sent some money to her one sister, and she wanted to buy a shirt for one of her sons which we got bought and I just finished wrapping up for her....I "think" she is done now.  : )  She is going back to my sisters this afternoon so I have to help her get all her things together as she will not be here for a week (with the exception of Christmas day which she is spending with us) as Melody and Mike and Sam will be here.  I am soo excited they are able to come.  Not only because I want to see them of course, but because our whole family has not been together in a year.  And EVERYONE will be there here on Christmas Day.  Not a single grandchild should be missing.  My heart is STILL heavy for those who WILL have loved ones missing this Christmas, and believe me I take nothing for granted.  I am grateful and blessed and praying everyone stays well.  Melody is 15 weeks now, but is still suffering with some morning sickness, so I am praying the flights won't be bad, and she does well too.

Sometimes it is hard to wrap our heads around the fact that everything we do concerning Christmas, such as decorating, shopping, baking, parties, special programs and celebrations, presents, candy and food, really has anything to do at all with the birth of Jesus over two thousand years ago.  And yet all the traditions surrounding Christmas keep us all working it year after year.  I have tried as usual to make sure to not miss my devotions or quiet time with Him, or spending time in prayer and in the Word, and yet I have still tried to make Christmas Day something everyone will cherish and enjoy.  Even keeping things simple, it has been difficult.  And so, here I am again, 3 short days before Christmas, and I am really kind of tired, and still have some things that must be done.  BUT!  How grateful I am for that first Christmas Day when a baby was born to save the world from it's sins and provide us all a way to live forever with Him!  That gift of love from our Heavenly Father is the best gift anyone of us could ever receive.  So as we gather this Christmas with our families and friends, I pray we all remember just WHO it is we are celebrating, and take time to praise and honor Him.  Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward men.

I want to take this time to wish you all here in blogland a very Merry Christmas!  How I love and appreciate the moments of time I spend here with all of you.  I will not be posting again until after Christmas, but I will be around as usual visiting you when time permits.

WELCOME!  TAKEN WITH MY NEW NIKON D3200 HUBBY GAVE ME (EARLY!) FOR CHRISTMAS!  SOOO EXCITED.  MORE ABOUT THIS LATER, AND OF COURSE I HAVE TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT!

12 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas to you too, Dear Debbie. I seem to be a bit behind every year as well but somehow what needs to be accomplished gets done. Looking forward to seeing pics of your time with family!

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  2. My dear Debbie, You are staying so busy; may the rest of the days be relaxed and filled with joy! What is Melody's due date? My Carrie is due June 8th-so she is past the first trimester. This little one was another surprise but we are all so excited.
    From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas.
    Love, Noreen

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  3. I hope you and all of your wonderful loving family have a very merry Christmas, Debbie! I am excited for Melody!
    Hugs~

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  4. Hi Debbie. You are certainly not the only one who is scrambling around with last minute things! I think we all are! How wonderful that you could sit and help your Mom the way you do!!!
    Hoping the Mel has a good flight, with no sickness!! Enjoy your family and Merry Christmas!!!
    Love
    Kris

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  5. Your mom sounds like my mother-in-law. She also insists on sending something to each child and grandchild despite her advancing age of 88. Bless their hearts!

    So glad to read that your Melody and her family will be with you at Christmas. I know how much you love to spend time with her and of course ...Sam.

    Have a wonderful blessed Christmas Debbie!

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  6. Have a lovely day and I know you will have fun with all of your beautiful family. I look forward to getting caught up with you after the new year too.
    Have a blessed and a Merry Christmas.

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  7. All the best with figuring out your new camera...woot!...I have yet to figure out mine. Just take lots of pictures.

    Your description of helping your mom with her Christmas chores is so sweet. This is what builds those memories into our hearts. I know that she was very appreciative!

    Oh it will be wall to wall people at your place. Wall to wall people is such a good thing at least once a year. Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  8. I know you are going to have a wonderful Christmas Debbie, surrounded by those you love. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to even more magic in the days ahead as you figure out that new camera! Your pictures are always so amazing.

    Love,
    Sonja

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  9. Somehow, even keeping things simple is such work, isn't it? But when it's all said and done, the things that we'll store up and treasure are the memories that we make, spending time with those we love.

    So excited to hear that you will have your entire family with you this Christmas.

    Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas!

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  10. Roughly 20 minutes ago I FINALLY finished all my pre-Christmas dithering. I'm sitting with a cup of freshly brewed coffee & enjoying this pause before the long ordeal of eating begins in roughly 3 hours, and last for some 48 more hours.

    Anyway, I wish you & yours a most blessed & joy-filled Christmas.

    Kathleen

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  11. Debbie
    The Merriest of Christmas to you and yours!

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  12. Love hearing about your life, and of how you are always so positive, and of how God gets the glory.
    Wishing you and your dear family the most blessed and joyous Christmas Day. great camera!
    Love,
    Sue

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!