Well, here it is the end of the year already. Where did all that time go?! I went back to my first post of the year, the one where I detailed what I wanted to accomplish this year. I didn't totally fail, but neither am I able to cross every item off the list. Next year, I need to review the list in July so I can get on the ball with the resolutions that slip. Anyway, here's how I measured up:
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This past summer, for two of EJ's friends' birthdays, we got them this Skip it toy. Of course, it was a hit both times, and when I saw one at the thrift store, I knew it would make a great Christmas present for EJ. Today was nice enough outside, so I let him play with it in the driveway.
Last week I invited myself along on a shopping trip with my sister-in-law. I finally realized why girls like to shop so much! It was SO fun. We went to an outlet mall, and we visited a bunch of shops. I had a gift card to one shop, and eventually we made our way there. But first, I found this cute top (listen to me, all preppy and girly). It was $50 originally which I got for—wait for it—$9.
Quite a while ago, I saw a picture of these grinches on facebook and after several people asked me to make them for ladies meeting, I decided to. I was especially glad my mom could come over and help EJ and me make them. We cut up some strawberries and bananas (after a quick trip to the local grocery store to buy bananas) and washed some green grapes.
When I made stockings for my parents, EJ asked me if I would make him a monster one. (Last year I made him an apron out of the same monster material.)
This is his stocking at our house. I used it as a template. Last year after I wrote my stocking stuffers post, my mom lamented that she and my dad really missed out--and miss out--by not having stockings. So guess what I did? I made them stockings! Merry Christmas, parents!
Last year, I saw this genius idea, probably on Pinterest, to make a portable wrapping station. They took it farther than I did, but I am happy with what I made.
My husband had this rolly-thing he probably got off the side of the road somewhere. Of course I'm human. We're all human. God created us from dust, and when we die, we will go back to being dust. In the meantime, our sin nature has a death grip on us (pardon the pun) and if we try to do good or be good on our own, we will fail. Miserably. Every time.
This is something that I've always known in my head, but last week, this truth danced around in front of me and I realized for the first time how true it really is. Today EJ and I spent the day at DHR helping sort and catalog angel tree presents for the foster kids in my county. When we first walked in (just after 9 am) one of the workers who saw us (told me later that) she got very angry and was about to tell us we needed to get lost because we were NOT welcome here--with an angry, distorted face.
She thought we were foster kids, coming to claim our presents. I'll let that sink in a minute...All day long, as we received the gifts bought for these kids who will spend Christmas away from their parents, this lady oohed and ahhed over each expensive toy and gadget, claiming how happy it made her to know these kids would be looked after this holiday season. Yet, when she saw (what she thought were) two of those same foster kids, she became emotionally violent. Sigh. I love presents. All the glittery wrapping paper, the big shiny bow, even the smeared name tag--they all scream "OPEN ME!!!" And 99% of the time, I am not disappointed. (There was that one time that I opened the wrong present, and I was disappointed then...) My new gift fills a tiny spot in my life perfectly, bringing me joy--not just when I use the item, but because I think of my wonderful friend who gave it to me.
I am convinced that the moment in which we live is called the present for a very specific reason. Most of the time, we float through life. Or plow, or fly, or trudge, or even a mix of these colorful verbs. And most of the time, those around us fall prey to our hurried, self-centered journey through life. But as a mom, this is a dangerous way to live. To constantly need a personal bubble of space where we can exist in peace, to always have a sharp retort to silence the never-ending questions, to seldom find a smile--just because. |
Who am I, you ask?
In 2006 I had a stroke, and every day my husband encourages me to use my remaining brain cells to the best of my ability. I love to organize, make crafts, and go on adventures (safe ones). I hope that through my blog posts, you will be encouraged to accept and make the best of challenges God throws at your life. Categories
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