{bright and shiny christmas morning}

Christmas morning came and left our little nest.

Christmas Eve saw that I did not receive my much needed rest. The night was filled with last minute wrapping, straightening up, soothing of children and absolutely no sleep.


I worked all night making sure that thing were perfect. Working so hard to achieve that "wow" effect. The one that turns all eyes bright and shiny in the wee hours of Christmas morning.

As I did that I got to thinking about the gifts that I was wrapping. What had we given our boys?

Bossy Pants got cars and puzzles. Games and coloring books. Toys.


Baby Boy got a mat and lots of things to chew on. More toys.

I wish we could give them more.



Things that I couldn't wrap in pretty packages and place beneath the tree.


I wish I could give them the hope of a peaceful new year.


The promise of a childhood full of laughter without tears or pain.


I wish I could tell them that they would never know disappointment.


That they would be accepted by everyone. Treated well by everyone.


But these gifts are not mine to give.

I find myself wondering this time of the year, what lies in store for us. Where will we be next year? Will we be proud of what we have accomplished and what we have taught our children? What kinds of gifts will they receive from us in the months to come? Will they be the gifts that you don't outgrow or get bored with?

I sometimes get this feeling that there is something on the horizon. Something that we may not be prepared for. That in turn, our sweet little ones may not be prepared for. Perhaps it is just that I am a mother. Maybe this is the paranoia that I have heard so much about.


Whatever it is, it got me to thinking. And then, as it should, got me to praying.


May your New Year be full of joy and peace and gratitude. May your homes be comfortable and your hearts be full. May your hands be open to receive and open to give. May you keep close to you the cherished things.


May your New Year be a blessed one!