Merry Christmas

I'm pooped.  2 too many nights of staying up till 3 and 4 in the morning.  Leta fell asleep on the car ride home and didn't wake up while I changed her, diapered her and put her back to bed in her crib.  I crawled into Annie's crib with her to snuggle her and tell her good night.  I could have fallen asleep in there with her. We are all exhausted.

So just a quick few thoughts:

Christmas is always happy when there is gratitude.  Lucy and Elsa were the perfect receivers today.  "Mom!  This is the best day ever!!!!"  "Thank you thank you mom and dad!!!!" (while giving a big hug).  I always get a little worried before the big day if our girls will be disappointed with their presents.  They weren't.  Many smiles from all today.

I am reminded once again of my many blessings.

- The blessing of creativity:
This year (and every year) you hear of stories of families who won't have Christmas.  Often I think, "but there is so much you can do without spending money.  Christmas magic isn't only about money."  And then I come back to reality and eat a dose of humble pie and realize that I was raised in a home where I was taught to sew and how to cook beans.  I know how to turn trash into treasures.  I know how to find free activities to entertain my kiddos and how to utilize the resources around me.  I know how to add a dose of magic into our home without spending a dime.  Not everyone was taught those things from infancy.

- The gift of health:
My newest little nephew, born a week and a half ago, was diagnosed with severe hemophilia type A and had bleeding on the brain.  Miracles have happened to guard and protect this little boy since before birth and we are ever grateful.  But once again I am reminded that our health, especially the health of our children, is more precious than the riches of the world.

- The gift of Christ:
Sometimes I feel utterly helpless.  I want to heal my nephew.  I want to take away all the sadness of a friend going through a divorce.  I want to say all the right words and be a great comfort.  Often, I can't do the desires of my heart.  I fall short.  But, we have all been given the gift of Jesus Christ.  Born as a baby in the most humble of circumstances.  He heals.  He comforts.  He knows how to love perfectly.  He is the reason to celebrate.  He lives!


Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!