We've spent days sharing meals, gifts, movies and time together! Big boy smiles and excitement about the snow, jubilant expressions about candy apple scent, a personally recorded CD with a beautiful 'familiar' face on it ... and knowing that the ones not here would love to be ... all speak of family ties and making memories.Some of my favorite things began with receiving pictures of smiling faces via email from those who’d opened their parcels in Indonesia. Then our Vegas family arrived and I enjoyed listening to songs like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, when she didn’t know anyone was listening ... and reading one story after another...
mostly to prolong the Sweet Pea's bedtime.
Oh, and have I mentioned the snow? Funny how having a little child in the bunch, makes everyone a child again!
The first time everyone went out, we didn’t build a snowman. Later on Natalie kept reminding us, "we didn’t build a snowman " so Papa kept his promise and what a happy little girl we had!
So this was Christmas . . . it always sounds like it’s such short lived joy! So much anticipation and it all comes to a sudden end. In our case, if you read between the lines, there was a sadness attached in that the grandkids couldn’t make memories together this time. My tears came when no one saw. I can’t help but remember a German Christmas song from my childhood which speaks of joys that soon pass by, yet Jesus being the only one who can give us joy that will never end! This is so true . . . and it’s because we wish for everyone to know this wonderful truth that we can smile and say we had a wonderful Christmas and know that the joy of the Lord and His daily presence and provision will continue to be our reason to rejoice.
Papa snowman & Natie snowman keeping watch at night
13 comments:
Anneliese, What a sweet post reflecting on your Christmas. The picture of you and Natalie is so darling. I did note the sadness in your voice threaded through your loving words.
I pray that God will continue to give your strength and joy in your heart as a mom and grammie. .
And may the sweet sound of that dear childs words. . never leave your mind.
What a wonderful reflection of the Christmas at your home! Keep savoring all those memories...they so precious.
Thank you for sharing your Christmas memories with us. Like moms and grandmoms of all ages we ponder these things in our hearts just like Mary did.
It's not easy being a far away grandma but there are benefits - like being 24/7 with our Grandkids when we they do come and visit. (grin) Your pictures and stories show a family who really love each other.
Anneliese, such a wonderful reflection of your Christmas time together with your family. As you savor all the memories that where made this Christmas Season may God continue to give you much joy in your heart. I am finding out this year what joy a grandchild brings to the Christmas Season. I,too,will cherish this Christmas.
My God give you peace.
Thank you, Mom, for an absolutely beautiful post ... and for including us in your thoughts & prayers as you celebrated. I LOVE the pictures!
Hi there,
I found you through Lovella's blog. Your posts often touch my heart. I am a missionary in Argentina and we were hoping to make it home for Christmas. But we are in the middle of adopting two little girls and the paperwork hasn't gone through yet. I thought for sure this Christmas everyone would get to meet them and they could see snow for the first time. It is hard being away from family but God's plans aren't always ours. Blessings to you as you love your kids and family long distance.
Leana
Oh Anneliese. I loved your very personal post today. I too could feel the sadness hidden behind the words and now I understand. Ah....you are such a wonderful mother and grandmother....I am glad you have many many memories to draw on when you feel lonely and are missing those loved ones.
What a special time you shared with your family. Even from afar I know your family there will have felt your family heart strings. We had to say good bye to ours that live out of town too, but yours are SO far! Isn't email so great. We get update pictures so often. I know you do too. I enjoyed seeing your family as they are growing with their children. I remember your sweet girls when they were little. You are very blessed. Kathy PS I too am finding afew little memories of a baby that was here last week. All the baby quilts are fresh for another visit.....sometime.
oh Anneliese what a beautiful post. I am glad that you had a chance to be with these grand kids and hopefully one day soon your whole family will be reunited again.
i am so grateful that i have come to know you in this past year and hope that one day our paths will cross.....your life is a beautiful example of Christs love.
Hi Anneliese:
Oh so precious!! I miss Kristal so much and I miss you visting them and seeing you too. Looks like you all had a blast! Look at all that snow, wow! Happy New Year!!
What awesome pictures!!! and it looks like you had a wonderful time together even tho it was too short! I know what you mean about enjoying the ones you have and missing the others....seems that is the story of our lives these days isn't it? I can hardly wait to catch up on our walks next week...but for the moment, I am still enjoying having Heather here.
I love that picture of your grand-daughter asleep in bed. So cozy and peaceful.
I think I'm tired now!
what great pictures, it truly was a special christmas with all the snow, it just felt different this year having the snow around seemed to slow down the christmas holidays for us anyways. As a young mom I am not sure what it is like not having my kids in my house right now but as a daughter I couldn't imagine not being around my mom ALL the time, so I am sure your girls and their families struggle not having you around all the time either, there is nothing more precious and special then to have the grandparents around and involved in our children's lives as well as the cousins becoming the best of friends. your children are off doing God's work and there is nothing more wonderful then children following the Lord.
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