Sunday, December 10, 2006

Gifts

It can be overwhelming to take in all the craziness of "gift giving" at Christmas. This year we seem to have been able to take a step back and slow down the present machine. Trying to focus on memories has helped me channel my energies. Yesterday I took Denver, Maya and Isaiah with me to the Christmas Sonlight celebration. The pictures show they are fitting in with these new friends and I am loving it. At a three year old level, however, in the gift realm, all the African kids getting a beautiful new book (a great donation from one family) Isaiah lost it. Taroh, our faithful leader, saw his tears and found extra books for all three. A great gift.

In the afternoon, more memories, building gingerbread houses and playing in the snow with five of the grandkids. Not too sure if Christa and Katie will have such fond memories of begging their kids not to eat the candy and put it on the houses instead; but it was still fun in a hectic, frazzled way. An early morning visit from my nephew bearing bagels and cream cheese was a great gift...his visit, not as much the bagels.

And then last night, the kids in bed and me reading them a story from one of the new books, our doorbell rings. The stranger bearing a small red satin covered box, explains he is a former studio band member friend of Greg's from Willow. He was at Laurie's funeral and remembered my cardinal story. For whatever reason, that day he decided to make and present us with the most intricate wooden puzzle, of a cardinal, that he had made himself. What a gift! It reminded me of a beautiful wooden cardinal wreath my sister had sent and the story of the polio stricken man who makes his living now making this creations. Gifts of ourselves, making something out of a tough situation, "paying it forward" in unique ways. Taking a bunch of pieces that don't make sense, and turning it into a gift. Now that's cool.

4 Comments:

Blogger Gail said...

BARB, NEAT STUFF INDEED. I AM LIKE YOU THIS YEAR. I JUST WANT TO THINK BACK OF OUR CHILDHOOD AND ALL THE TONS OF DECORATIONS, DAD PUTTING UP THE STUFF OUTSIDE,GIFTS, FOOD, VISITORS. ICE SKATING,SLEDDING,THE WARMING HOUSE.. SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. I WILL BUY FOR BROCK AND THATS ABOUT ALL THIS YEAR. IT GETS SO CRAZY. JUST KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK...LOVE, GAIL

December 10, 2006 9:50 PM  
Blogger Jackie R. said...

how very, very cool.

December 10, 2006 10:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love reading how God is working in your life. :)
~kim

December 11, 2006 7:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Barb....

What wonderful memories you are making for your grandkids. I like you was frosting deep in making a Gingerbread Train with Annie's little one this past Saturday. We had a blast doing it. Next Saturday we have the Goodmiller boys and hope to do something similar. These are what make the memories and Christmas a blessing. They won't remember all gifts, but they will remember how Grandma and Grandpa played with them and shared with them their time.

Have a blessed day.

In HIs Love,

Eileen G.

December 11, 2006 10:24 AM  

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