Reflecting on Family Times
Although my decorations are still up, and some fun events still planned, I am starting to look back on the Christmas season, and what was really important...
Our celebrations focused firstly on the birth of our Saviour Jesus....the church programs, the loving messages to and from family and friends, carols we love to sing, etc.
Of course there was the inevitable shopping, baking and decorating...
What I can especially tuck away in my memory bank would be the special times with our children and grandchildren. We have a son and a daughter and their spouses, and 3 grandchildren. the youngest being 16 years old. As we see them mature, we are very thankful for the choices they are making, and their accomplishments.
Perhaps I am more conscious of these things because this last year my Mom passed away, and my husband has had health issues which have still not been fully diagnosed. (That in itself is a roller-coaster of emotions.)
Every January 1st our family has an ethnic themed dinner. This year, at our daughter's home, we cooked Cajun food, and just for fun, threw in a bit of Mardi Gras in décor, etc. Here are a few photos of that.
Jambalaya..
Of course there was the inevitable shopping, baking and decorating...
What I can especially tuck away in my memory bank would be the special times with our children and grandchildren. We have a son and a daughter and their spouses, and 3 grandchildren. the youngest being 16 years old. As we see them mature, we are very thankful for the choices they are making, and their accomplishments.
Perhaps I am more conscious of these things because this last year my Mom passed away, and my husband has had health issues which have still not been fully diagnosed. (That in itself is a roller-coaster of emotions.)
Every January 1st our family has an ethnic themed dinner. This year, at our daughter's home, we cooked Cajun food, and just for fun, threw in a bit of Mardi Gras in décor, etc. Here are a few photos of that.
Jambalaya..
Shrimp linguini
A plate, including crab cakes and blackened fish..
For dessert, King's cake, which represents the King of Kings..
One of our conversations last evening was about how important our relationships are.
I am so thankful to God for that blessing.
Comments
I am so sorry about your mother. My own has been gone for 25 years this May, and we lost Mr. Magpie's beloved mother going on two years ago. We miss them more than we can say along with my sister in law who died a few months after Mom did and others we love. But in the quiet of the Christmas we just spent (it was the two of us because we decided to rest this Christmas as I had been sick and Mr. Magpie working grueling hours), I rejoiced in knowing that eternal life begins now and that we are just moving ahead to the BIG celebration on the other side of the door. I also felt the joy of the Lord wash over me in that time of stillness. :-)
I pray that your husband's health issues will be resolved and am thankful that you all had such a blessed holiday together. It is good to see children make wise decisions. I pray that my little great great nieces and nephews being born during this season of life will do the same and our godchildren as well.
Sending you much love and many wishes for a blessed 2015!
xo
Sheila :-)
Before I forget, I am having a giveaway of a wonderful tablescaping book I think you would enjoy. It is open to friends in Canada. If you'd like, I would love to have you enter. No strings attached. Just wanted to do something nice for people after the holiday season. xoxoxo
Happy New Year!