Another one...
Was it earth shattering? Not really. But it did have it’s exceptional parts. The gifts I made for my most precious Helena couldn’t have been more lovingly accepted. What a wonderful little girl. And her Grandpa, Pawee, did his part!
She is the brightest spot in my life. Thank You, God for this very special girl!
That’s it for Christmas 2018. Next year will bring wonderful surprises!
I am torn between the memories of 40 years at one place and 4 at another. I lived in Oklahoma for 40 years. That time started my freshman year in college through 2014. During that time I experienced about all one could experience. There came a time when I felt I just had to leave. Whether it was the risk of tornadoes, and we grow them BIG in Okla, or just running away from always seeing someone you know everywhere you go, but I had to go somewhere else and make a new start. At the time the short list was Colorado Springs and Kansas City area. My son did not like KC so that knocked the list down to 1. I was not going to live in a place that he might be less than likely to visit. So, off to Colorado we went. We found a house fairly quickly in a wonderful neighborhood. The best part of that was the neighbors that we had there. They were the best we ever had. It was a very close knit group that we found ourselves a part of in a very short time. We also found a church to be a part of and a Bible study in our neighborhood with friends we will have the rest of our lives. I would venture to say that they are the best friends we have ever had. After a while we left that church for the most amazing worship experience of my life in Aurora. It is the best for us at this time. On top of all that 2 of the 3 children moved here to stay the rest of their lives in this area. So, with all this great stuff how could I possibly miss Okla? Well, it's the memories. I can fly into the airport and look out at the city and see all the tears I shed for lots of different reasons there. I also see all the great times and all the successes and all the emotions. They all happened there. So, what do I miss, the memories of the people? I obviously miss the people. There are a few people that are at the top of my list. My Jo is there. I will always miss being able to be near her whenever I need. I've tried to be there as often as I can, but there are times I don't see her for 3 months. That's just too long. That can't be helped. That is just the way it will be. Not what I would wish for. I also have my wonderful sister and the world's best brother-in-law there. I miss them a lot also. Having these 3 people there has me torn between 2 places. Do I really want to live in Okla again, not really. Do I want to see them when I want, YES. But miles keeps that from happening. Here we are at Christmas time, a real family time, and they are there, some 600 miles away. I will be OK and the family here will make new memories with the worlds best granddaughter, but a part of me will remain in Okla with Jo and Max and Judy and Winford.
Wynton Marsalis is obviously one of my favorite musicians and here he is playing O Christmas Tree, Dixieland jazz style. When he does Dixieland I can tolerate it. Others, not so much. But I love Antonio Carlos Jobim and here’s one of his Christmas tunes. Enjoy.
Has it always been this fast paced? Or was there ever a time that it was nice and slow paced enough to go caroling and bake cookies and all the other traditions that take time? It’s been a stressful busy time for as long as I can remember. When my children were very young we had no money for gifts and we made gifts. Of course that made the time around the holiday busy but we still had time to do things like decorate and we loved it. It was important to have the Christmas music on and we baked and ate cookies and candy and gave it away to neighbors and loved ones. Things changed when the kids were in the homeschool basketball program. Actually a lot changed then and mostly I wish we had avoided that program completely! The people in charge of that program did not have my kids best interest at heart! It took years for me to see that clearly. The director was a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing! But back to Christmas, because of this I only tolerate Christmas today. I want to make it special for my granddaughter and each year she becomes more aware will help me to get in the spirit of Christmas. I will always be beyond grateful for God’s Son becoming a baby and made flesh for me.
i made several more Christmas cards today. For some reason I insist on no two alike. With that in mind they are taking a lot longer than they should. They are a gift and most will throw the card away. I have to be ok with that. Just a labor of love.
Who makes their own Christmas cards? This year I decided to use my hobby and make my own Christmas cards. Little did I know that it would be this detailed and take this long. It has been a labor of love and I had no idea each one would need to be so involved. Now, before you think they are good or even close let me say they are a hobby and I just enjoy the heck out of drawing. That’s reason enough to be ok with what they look like.
If you aren't sick of Christmas music yet let me help with that.
It takes something like this to make the Christmas songs a little more palatable. At least that's what it takes for me. I certainly love jazz so this is a no brainer for me.
Here is another in the Nutcracker installment. This has been done so many ways. I do love this version. It's not a new thing but it has taken me a long time to find it. Enjoy.
