I'm feeling totally overwhelmed, under-prepared this year, even though I thought I was doing well! A few glitches hit us, then down it all came :(
So what I really want to do is catch-up. I'm paying someone to tidy up outside, and I'm paying to get my carpets cleaned. Dropped some things I was going to make from the list and bought on-line instead. Trying now just to concentrate on making our Christmas special - as in special TIME with the kids, not about the presents, or the decorations being perfect, but doing more significant things with the kids instead.
Today we made beautiful Christmas cards for Nanny (my Mum) - totally gorgeous. Lots of time and effort and LOVE was put into them - I know she will love them :)
We have also been talking about Jesus and Joseph and Mary a LOT! One thing that has really struck me this year is how strong Mary's faith was. Here is a young lady/teenager pregnant, barely betrothed to Joseph, who in turn was considering canceling the engagement upon news of her pregnancy. Was she scared? Overwhelmed? As a mother I know I had so many thoughts going through my head about my unborn child, but imagine knowing you are to give birth to the Lord. Giving birth to God's only son. AMAZING! (I have this card sitting on my desk right next to my computer.)
Lately, I keep having dreams with lots of angels in them. I know there is a message there somewhere, just can't quite hear it or remember it when I wake. They are all beautiful dreams - so ethereal. I'm sure if God wants me to hear the message He will make it loud and clear. For now I'll enjoy these beautiful dreams and make sure I'm always listening.
My kids are also asking amazing questions - like "If we make Nana a Christmas gift, how can we get it to her?", (they want to give a Christmas gift to their late Nana). We decided a song would be a better gift :) So the next question was - "Do spirits hear? Because you have to leave your earthy body here, and our body has the ears! Only your spirit can go to Heaven.". {Oh, Lord, please guide me and help me minister to them. I know I have so much more to learn. I am ready.}
My eldest sang in the school's Advent Lessons and Carols night. She did an awesome job. She has been practicing at home (and school) for weeks. It was kind of starting to drive us all NUTS, because she would sing one carol constantly, relentlessly, always, everywhere, everyday, day and night!!! But, I guess, at least she was prepared! We talked a lot about CONFIDENCE - she is so shy and quiet. I was worried she would just freeze up there and not sing at all. But she did awesome - we could even hear her :) So proud of my little angel.
My house is a complete mess. I clean and clean and clean everyday. There has not been a day it has looked clean though. It.is.driving.me.crazy!!!! Seriously considering hiring a maid for the day...seriously!
Totally LOVE flannel sheets - why, oh, why had we never purchased these things earlier in our life! Although, it does make it VERY difficult to get out of bed in the morning {especially the cold mornings}. I purchased mine from Target - on clearance, or course! They are dangerous - have almost missed a few morning deadlines because of them!!!
Should be exercising everyday...instead have been enjoying hot chocolate every evening ;) Oh, well...there is always the New Year's resolution.
Think that is enough. Love a little extra today :)
