Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Future
There's a party in progress at my house as I write. Mac and Autumn's 3rd Annual Christmas Bash. They even had an ice cream cake that said just that. And shrimp cocktail, cheese ball and crackers, pepperoni, nachos and salsa. And cookies.
Games have been played, laughter has been heard. A living room full of teens gathered in my home for an innocent night of fun.
I've been in the kitchen all day, baking. Baking Ladylocks. And making peanut brittle, chocolate covered peanuts, and peppermint bark. I've been trying desperately to capture a bit of what Christmas past has been. Trying to stir up memories from my children's Christmases gone by.
Wasn't it just last year that they had their pudgy little hands grabbing Chex mix from the counter? I'm sure that they had to stand on their tippy toes to reach the cake pan. And now? Autumn will be in her own home next Christmas; decorating her own tree, and creating new traditions for her own little family. And Mac will be home on Christmas break.
This is the first year ever, in my 19 years of marriage, that I haven't baked dozens of various kinds of cookies. I picked a select few, and kept it simple. Simple gifts, simple foods. It leaves more time for cherishing. Cherishing. Time is slipping by, and I need to savor every moment.
10 comments:
I am sad already, and Bradley is only 1! :-0
I think every year cherishing becomes more important...and I'm only 17! It's strange to think that soon Lord willing I'd be starting my own traditions for another Christmas. I think this season helps us appreciate family more.
oh Tracy, having been there...I can feel your mother's heart....but trust me as time goes and change goes, God's grace and love for us fills the gap...don't ask me how that happens but it does. We are on the flip side of parenthood and loving our empty nest years and creating new memories...and they are cherished and will be remembered as well....
You are so right on to simplify and enjoy more....
Merry Christmas sweet friend to you and yours...and soon you will have a wedding to plan...can't wait for all those posts.
Deby
You are right Tracy, these moments are so precious. I'm packing my hospital bag today, and I can't believe where these wonderful months have gone by. We are making a transition from newlyweds to parents! What a big change. Each season that passes brings something new, and something to miss.
(((Tracy)))
Merry Christmas my friend!
XO
Julieann
Tracy, I'm in the same boat as you and at the same time I am coming to terms with my Dad's failing health. I am determined to view this next stage as a beginning and not an end. I have had the honour and pleasure of raising my children to adulthood and I have been able to stay at home with them since their births. What satisfaction I feel. But this is not the end of an era, it is the start of a new one and although my daughter is leaving home next summer, I am still her Mum and she will still need me.
Be brave dearest Tracy and remember that Autumn and Mac ultimately belong to the Lord. It helped me so much when I realised that the Lord will be with my children wherever they go, even though I can't go with them, that they are His precious children, and He is watching over them constantly.
Love and hugs to you,
Tina xx
Oh, Tracy, I don't know what to say. I can't imagine when the time comes for my children to fly the nest..........I do want to say thank you for the reminder to CHERISH each moment and to make the most of them. ((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))) I wish there was more I could do to cheer you up!!! I really hope this is a very special Christmas for you!!!
That sounds so wonderful. I hope that one day I will have a large family in which I can do the same.
Happy Holidays!
-Kittee
Merry Christmas Tracy to you and all of your family!
I'm so happy about your news! My, how they grow up so quickly! Just the other day we were talking about your visit to the island and the boys asked me how old your children are now; we can't remember where they fit in with their ages.
Again, Merry Christmas!
Vanessa
Tracy, you in such a bittersweet time right now. I hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Post a Comment