Christmas Reflections

I took this picture the other night...captivated by the reflection of the tree in the window.  I loved the imagery...especially since I've been so reflective lately.

This time of year can be so magical.  The children's excitement and wonder are contagious.  The decorations and lights remind us of this special month.  The reason for the season can inspire us to grow closer with God and journey further into relationship with Him.  But for some, this time of year can be hard.  Really hard. 

The last few days my mind has been filled with thoughts and prayers for friends who, during this holiday season, are struggling in relationships, praying loved ones through surgeries and illnesses, and mourning the loss of loved ones or the loss of relationships that once brought them joy.

And, if all of that isn't enough,  a tragedy occurred yesterday...something so incredibly sad that caused me to pause in the middle of my crazy, running-out-of-control day to hug my children a little tighter and to tell my husband just how much I love him and appreciate him.

The tragedy didn't affect our family directly.  But it was someone Animesh and I both knew.  And the story that surrounds this situation is heart-breaking.  Out of respect for this family I won't share details.  Let's just say that it is so very, very sad.

I write all of this not to be a "debbie-downer" at Christmastime but out of my belief that we experience difficulties and tragedies occur for reasons we may or may not understand on earth.  Personally, I believe that God has opened my eyes to these situations in order that I may cling to Him more tightly and worship Him more as I stand firm in my belief that He is the One True God who reigns over all the earth....even during difficult times.

Emmanuel.  God is with us.  No matter what.

And THAT is a Christmas message to be joyful about.

12 Days of Christmas


It's party day today...and one last 1/2 day tomorrow before the break.
YES!



And we're ready for the holidays...complete with mild, comfortable
temperatures.
Yes, Christmastime in Texas suits me just fine.

Christmastime in Texas

 

My favorite lines in the song:

"There may not be snow...

in San Antonio...

but it's a Texas Christmas

to me!"

It was a....

....hot chocolate drinking....

....gingerbread house making....

 

....Christmas parade float riding kind of weekend.

Loved it all.  But I'm now ready to
get some things accomplished.

And since I'm thinking I might be tied up for a bit...
it might be awhile till I post on the ole' blog.

Meanwhile, you can visit me here if you'd like.  

Since they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

Who is "they," anyway?

I discovered Posterous awhile back.

It just took me awhile to figure it all out.
It's so easy!

And it's a fun way to post via my phone.....
anytime!

Which is handy for me since I'm almost never home.

Speaking of never being home...
it's time for me to jet off again.
The to-do list is long.
But, as my friend's husband reminded her
when she was stressed about her to-do list....
it's all fun stuff!
Good stuff!
Festive stuff!
I just need to take a deep breath...slowly...
and remember that it'll all get done.

Eventually.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 22-30

Wow.  I really fell behind the 8-ball with my gratitude posts.  But it's not for lack of being thankful, that's for sure.  Our Thanksgiving weekend was packed full of reasons to be grateful.  Family.  Food.  Friends.  More food.  Our health.  Laughter.  Even more food.  A chance to relax.  No alarm clocks to set.  No place we had to be.

I didn't want the weekend to end.

We started off our holiday week by making our traditional "Thankful Tree."  It's going to stay up till next year to remind us that Thanksgiving isn't just in November.  It should be every day.  Even when we have to dig deep on those days when we're feeling not-so-grateful.

We enjoyed a lovely holiday meal with my parents at our house (I don't have any pictures...I was too busy being sous chef for Animesh...he cooked a fabulous meal, but I can see why chefs have a very stressful job!  I was exhausted!).

Saturday we drove into downtown San Antonio to enjoy the Christmas lights on the Riverwalk...and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on the river.

After dinner we stopped by the Alamo for the traditional tourist photo op.  The Alamo is so pretty all lit up at night.  Remember the Alamo.

 

In front of the Alamo stands the city's beautiful Christmas tree with, as Deven put it, "the most gigantic ornaments I've ever seen!"

We ended our fun evening with a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown San Antonio.  

Priya was in heaven during the carriage ride.  It made the whole evening for her.

And it wouldn't be a true family outing without Deven getting so cold that he had to borrow Daddy's jacket.  It was actually only about 55 degrees, but this kid is always cold.

Of course Trevor sacked out the minute the car started rolling.  Precious....

Next up?  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fred...our Elf on the Shelf.  He's due to make landfall somewhere in our house tomorrow so he can keep track of the naughty-ness and the nice-ness and report it all back to Santa each night while we sleep.

And Saturday we are riding on our church Christmas float in the Boerne Weihnacht's Christmas Parade on Main Street!  Come on out and see us...and welcome December!

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 19-21

We had a busy, full weekend.  Thursday evening was the 3rd Grade Family Fun night, and the moms who planned this event did a great job focusing on "giving" and "community."

 



The 3rd graders made place mats for a nursing home, and they also brought canned goods to be donated to Hill Country Daily Bread....such a tremendous ministry located in our own charming town.








Friday after school we delivered the goods to the nursing home and to Daily Bread.

And Sunday morning our Girl Scout troop (along with my boys and hundreds of other Daily Bread volunteers) helped sort food and pack Thanksgiving boxes for those in need in our community.




It was a great weekend of giving.  And it reminded me how grateful I am for food and shelter and clothing.  Blessings we often take for granted.  Especially as we plan for our feast on Thursday.

We spent Sunday evening at church decorating for Christmas.  Afterwards there was no shortage of yummy food to eat as we enjoyed one another's company and sang Christmas carols.  It was after a rousing rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" that it hit me just how close we are to Christmas.

It'll be here before we know it.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 17 & 18

It's been a really rough couple of days.  Today I'm so grateful for the little things that have helped boost my spirits.



Monday I took my friend to the charming town of Fredericksburg for her birthday celebration.  We started this tradition last year...and it was so much fun we decided to do it again.  This trip I remembered to bring my growler.  Had it filled with my favorite brewsky at our favorite lunch spot.  Tuesday and Wednesday evenings I enjoyed this beverage oh-so-much.

Speaking of Tuesday...I'm  usually ready for bed by 8:30pm, but I stuck it out for a guitar lesson.  I'm so thankful I did, because Richard always makes me laugh.  I'm learning fun songs (see playlist), and the "jam session" (I've always wanted to say that...) was a real mood pick-me-upper.

Yesterday we drove past our old house in San Antonio located very centrally but in the midst of a swirl of traffic and noise.  For the first time in 6 1/2 years I didn't miss our old home.  I am happy to be exactly where I am.  Centipedes, scorpions, armadillos, and all.  Today I got to enjoy actually being at home--a rare occurrence in my crazy busy life.  I had the pleasure of enjoying a very quiet lunch on my very quiet back patio.  Enjoying this view on a 60 degree day.

Making myself write these gratitude posts has been therapeautic...especially on days when I least feel like expressing thanks.

Things are starting to look up.