Christmas Comes In

In a few days it will be December

and the season

of 

Love 

Joy

and Peace

will be upon us.

Years ago, I realized that things like love, joy and peace 

don't just happen because 

Tis the Season.

Every year,

somewhere in the midst of 

the hustle and bustle,

the stress of getting all the teacher's presents

the grandparent's presents,

and the kid's presents bought,

the children's pageant rehearsed,

some random regional attempt at the Nutcracker  attended,

the cookie exchange cookies baked,

and the white elephant  wrapped,

I tend to really dislike what Christmas has become.

What I have let it become.

What I have made it.

I become tired, bone tired.

Distracted and grumpy.

Until

Christmas Comes In.

Some years it is a memory.

And some years, a song 

or a sweet act of kindness

when least expected.

A hug.

A verse.

It's like the whole mess has no meaning until that moment-

that magical moment when I remember

the beginning, 

the wonder 

and 

the reason.

Christmas Comes In 

I never know when it will happen

but in the weeks to come, 

I will be watching for it,

and hoping for it

for you too.

In that quiet moment,

I hope you feel the 

peace,

joy

and love

that we have 

because He came.

When Christmas Comes In.

So Thankful!

I'm so thankful that

the weather is so mild and mellow right now, mild enough for us to sit out on the deck and drink our coffee. Jim spied an 8 point buck charging across the road yesterday morning while he was out there.
A flock of about 25 geese have been visiting our pit for the last couple of evenings too.

The smell of wood smoke is in the air.


On a really still day I can hear these guys practicing from the deck...

and the Gorillas are now MIAA Div II champs and I will get a couple more chances to hear and see this band perform!  GOOOOOOOOORILLAS!  Go Pride of the Plains Band!!!!

And in a very few days,
most of my family will be gathered around the table, giving thanks for each other,
for loved ones far away,
for another year of blessings,
for health

for growth and change and traditions that draw us together.

We will eat.
We will shop.
We will watch football.
We will slap up my Christmas decorations.....

And I will begin packing for a very special trip.
I will get to hold this baby...
for days and days on end.
And kiss him for days and days on end.

And in between those hugs and kisses, I will be chasing this precious little girl and reading her stories enough to last for the next year.  Maybe we will do a craft, or go for a walk in the park, or take a nap together.
God willing.

I am so blessed and thankful!

Giving Thanks!

   Have a wonderful day.....hug your loved ones....count your blessings!

XOXOXOX!