Joy in Christmas Lights

Today's Joy

I find joy in seeing my husband's not-quite-smiling-because-it's-too-early face across the breakfast table. He had a lot of vacation time to burn before the end of the year, so he's home today. It's also nice to have him around to do some of my running with the kids. It thrilled me just to hear him call yesterday to tell me he was on his way home from work early. I like having him home (for a little while, anyway).

Finding Joy in Snow

I don't have to go anywhere today, so I can find joy in these scenes from my yard this morning. We got about 10" or so thus far. There was a lull earlier this morning, but now I see the snow has picked up again and so has the wind. Blizzard conditions are expected this afternoon. but it is beautiful!A wild rose bush in our meadow.

Part of our meadow.

A pine tree in our yard. If you look really hard, you'll see the Christmas lights are on.


The view from my front porch.

Joy, Joy, Joy

Well, the past few days have been crazy busy, but I'm still working on finding joy, even in the midst of this busyness. I enjoyed my time with my mom and with my husband, but I also found joy in the simple things. For instance, in a Christmas tree in the gas station bathroom. It made me smile. And did you know if you intertwine both colored and white lights, it's really pretty? I do need to get better at taking pictures of things like that, though I would have looked ridiculous taking a camera into the bathroom with me. Turning up the volume on the radio and singing to Christmas carols at the top of my lungs (yes, I was alone in the car and it was dark, so no one saw me :) made me joyful. And may you find the joy in this holiday season.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 7, 2009

Outside my window...The weather did turn - big time. It's snowing now and we're supposed to have a big storm on Wednesday. I'd rather like having a snow day. It would be nice to all be home together with no place to go.

I am thinking...about the sermon from yesterday. Our pastor reminded us that without Christ, there can be no joy. I took joy yesterday in being at church. "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"

I am thankful for...the time my mom and I spent together this past week and the time Doug and I spent together.

From the learning rooms...Can I count decorating, cleaning, wrapping presents and baking as home ec?

From the kitchen...tacos tonight. Something quick and easy so that we have plenty of time to put up the tree.

I am creating...my Christmas cards. I must get those done and out the door!

I am wearing...jeans, a light blue sweater, a white turtleneck and my new navy blue slippers. Plus I have an afghan thrown over my shoulders. "Baby, it's cold outside." Have I been listening to too much Christmas music?

I am reading...Not much these days. I'm way too busy. Just trying to keep up with my Bible reading.

I am hoping...for a snow day on Wednesday!

I am praying...for safe travels this week with all the snow coming.

I am going...piano lessons, Kohl's and Shopko, the bank, pick up Brian and Jonalyn from school.

Around the house...the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

I am hearing...Alyssa asking me a question, the scanner humming (secret project)

One of my favorite things...Christmas lights. So beautiful!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Putting up the Christmas tree tonight. Work. Cleaning the house. Getting some baking done. Getting my cards finished. A light week. I need it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing: Alyssa picked this tree and Brian cut it. He must really be getting to be a young man if he's allowed this privilege.

To read more daybooks, go to the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Cookie Baking

Yesterday I took the time to make some Christmas cookies for the cookie exchange tonight. It had been a busy day. I could have instructed Alyssa how to do it while I was making dinner, but I wanted to do it together and unhurried. O.K., so I was up until 10:30 finishing them, but we did it together. She's not the neatest cook, but I didn't get impatient (or not very impatient!) with her mess. And we ended up with some good cookies. Most importantly, we spent some nice time together. And the bonus - it snowed last night! For a little while, until it all melted, it looked like Christmas. I took just a minute or two to look out the window and truly enjoy it.

Back to Basics

The joy has gone out of Christmas for me. I tend to get caught up with all I have to do, wanting to make the season perfect for my family and I lose the true meaning of it. It's nothing but stress. I'm determined this year to change that and make this a truly joyful season for everyone - myself included. So each day (I'm going to try, anyway!) I'm going to find something that will bring me joy and remind me of the true meaning of the season. Everything that has been lost in the hustle and bustle.

Yesterday I spent some time looking at old pictures. Some were of my grandmother. I had forgotten, or maybe never realized, what a beautiful woman she was. I remembered the smells from her kitchen - cinnamon raisin bread, banket (a Dutch pastry filled with almond paste). I heard her voice and her thick Dutch accent. It is memories like this that I want to create for my family. I also remember her strong, unshakable faith. And that, is the most important memory I want to leave. I pray the Lord will help me to do just that.

My beautiful grandmother.