Holland.

Beautiful things.

I adore the Christmas season. We have been blessed with so many beautiful things – mainly gifts of loveliness and splendor from wonderful people. I’m sharing some of the pretty things. Nora’s favorite thing to do is “rearrange” after we’ve got everything put properly in its place. The boys, of course, are too young to manipulate our Christmas treasures, but soon…

We have Nora’s wooden Nativity set from my mother; the lovely “Dough Boy” cookie jar from dad that I love to fill up with goodies; our fine-looking Santa statue that sits proudly on top of the DVD case; Nora’s beloved rocking horse; the tree, of course; with the angel that Jeff and I purchased when we were engaged; the cat who eats the tree and a very special ornament that was passed down to us from a very extraordinary, and very, very elderly woman that was Jeff’s neighbor as a child. The ornament was made by a young lad with Down syndrome nearly 50 years ago. Isn’t it just perfect? Just as perfect, I am certain, as the boy who made it.

Wishing everyone a magical season filled with love!

Wordless Wednesday - The Traditional Hat

And this year, baby Isaac will wear the hat. I do think that this is the last year it will be passed down! For more on Wordless Wednesday, click here.

Wordless Wednesday - My 20 lb. Turkey!

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Do you see what I see?

Nora is at such a magical age. She delights in the beauty of each and ever season, of each and every day, and of experiences that I too recall with fond memories of my 5-year old life. Not a care in the world. And, she is growing up so very fast. With my focus on the special needs of her brother and of the demands of caring for a newborn baby boy, I often neglect to give her the attention she so deserves. She is, after all, a self-governing little girl, just like her momma. She plays so well on her own and she takes good care of herself. Her imagination cannot be illustrated with words and her intelligence seems to flourish every day. Time after time, she amazes me with her expanding vocabulary and her ability to understand even the most complex of situations. She also comprehends entirely too much concerning her sweet brother’s Down syndrome and I am afraid that she is beginning to worry about dear Elliot. She sees him as an inconvenience sometimes and I am trying hard to change her perception; a perception that she’ll grow to appreciate as she becomes more of a young lady. She’ll soon realize just how blessed we are as a family to be graced with such a special presence. Elliot is truly an angel…as are all of my children. I am trying hard to appreciate what all of my dear angels give me each day. Amid the screams of dear Isaac, the demands of Elliot’s unique condition, and Nora’s need for more and more attention, I try to take time each day to give thanks for what God has given me…for the elation that motherhood brings is not felt by all. I must relish in my “position,” trying as it is, and not forget to strive to see things through Nora’s baby blue eyes…the eyes of a child that is so quickly maturing.

Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for? I was tagged by Stephanie at A is for Aiden to reflect.

There are trivial things, such as turkey and football (and lying indolently on the couch after indulging in too much) which are often associated with Thanksgiving today. We would be wise, instead, to focus our attention on our almighty God to whom we owe all of our thanksgiving. God has blessed me with so much. This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for:

Elliot’s angelic eyes that light up at the sight of his baby brother…even amid the screams.

Baby Isaac’s health…we prayed for the best.

Sweet Nora’s heart of gold, and ability to see only beauty on earth.

Elliot’s “enhancement” and the joy that it has brought to me in the way of new special friends.

Jeff’s ability to provide for our family. Because of him, I am able to focus on the aforementioned.

I am tagging Melissa at Banana Migraine, Laura at Now I’m a Mom and Jess at Raising Joey.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed with the bounty of the season and many beautiful smiles from family and friends.

Wordless Wednesday - Concern

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