The Spirit of Giving

It really is quite magical when your children ask you to take them Christmas shopping. I know what you're thinking, they wanted to wander the shops pointing out the top toys on their list. Nope, not this year. My little angels have been saving a portion of their allowance in order to finance their own purchases this year.

So, off we went to a local store, in keeping with their meager budgets, to find the perfect gifts. I was instructed to wait, without peeking, as they scoured the aisles finding treasures for their Grandparents and GG. Once the purchases were made and their money carefully tucked away, we hurried home. The wrapping began! By the time they were done the table in the basement was covered in ribbons, bows and discarded scraps of paper. Both children, laden with gifts, trekked up to their rooms to hide their parcels until Christmas.

I was amazed at their wisdom as I listened to their comments to each other: "Finally, I know what it feels like to give," said one to the other. "This is better than getting a present. I can't wait for Grandma to see this!" the younger one replied.

Little do they know, but my children have already given me the best gift. They embraced the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. God Bless.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year.....NOT!

As back to school jingles dominate the commercials and half crazed moms play tug of war over sale priced pencil cases, I am preparing to return to work. I know many families are eagerly anticipating their young students returning to school. I am not one of them. Despite a slightly rocky start, as my youngest adapted to life outside of school, it has been an exceptional summer with my kids. I have thoroughly enjoyed day trips to local museums, conservations areas and parks. I have happy memories of picnics with friends and two successful camping trips. We play board games and card games 'til our hearts' content and read several great chapter books at bedtime.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Grade Five for my daughter and Grade Two for my son. Both are excited and anxious for 'one more sleep' to pass and for Tuesday to dawn bright and sunny. As I drop them off at the sitter's and continue on to work, my thoughts will be firmly fixed on my kids. They made this summer so much fun. I am going to miss them.

A Gentle Reminder

Wow, time flies when you are busy and can't grab a moment to reflect about what's been going on. Summer time brings a slower pace, but the lack of structure takes getting used to, for the kids, especially. I was wondering why, after only a week and a half into the summer break, I've been hearing, "I'm bored...." Between morning routines, baby-sitter's, school, homework, young people's lives are rather regimented. Don't get me wrong, the routines are necessary, but it takes a toll on children when that structure vanishes for July and August. We're settling into our groove though, and we have lots of great things planned. I can't wait to explore new Provincial Parks, browse local museums and spend lazy afternoons reading in the shade of the backyard trees.

I have to share a funny summer story. My youngest, who feels the lack of structure the most, was following me EVERYWHERE today. I tripped over him countless times, backed into him once or twice and the entire time he kept up a steady stream of chatter. While changing kitty litter in the basement, I was reaching the end of my fairly extensive supply of patience. He was nattering on and on about something so bizarre and I had just stepped on a piece of Lego that he had dropped while he was chatting; I came very close to loosing it. But, I turned around and there he was in his white undies, buzz cut, little round glasses and a bow on his head that he had plucked from the Christmas wrapping. He grins up at me and declares, "Look Mommy, I'm a gift!" Truer words have not been spoken. He is my gift, even when he breaks a window pane, interrupts continuously and sleepwalks nightly. We're going to have a great summer, my kids and I. Stay tuned for the details.

A Garage Sale.....Oh Joy!

Finally, we had a day without rain and thankfully it coincided with the date for our garage sale. I used to thoroughly enjoy garage sales and I can thank my Grandpa for that. He loved the thrill of finding a deal, shining it up and selling it for profit. He loved to barter and gab. Over the years he began to add his own wares to the sale: doll houses, deacon's benches, lawn furniture and spoon racks. Several Saturdays were spent setting up for a sale and then tucking it all away for the next time. I have great memories of those days.

So why did our own sale fall short? We were well prepared, we had food, fresh coffee, prominent signage, the contents from three households, a pricing system beyond compare and yet the day did not come close to my expectations. I guess I am not a true 'garage saler' at heart. I can recognize now that it was the spending time with my Grandpa that has made his garage sales such a great memory for me. It wasn't what I was doing, it was WHO I was doing it with, that has a special place in my heart.

Did we make much money at our sale, nope. But we did make great memories. My own father enjoyed a lengthy cuddle with his snoozing grandson. Cousins played ball and follow the leader around the backyard. My daughter tried her hand at her first, and probably her last, lemonade stand. More items were donated to Goodwill than were sold, but we're clear of some clutter in our homes. I am 'cured' of my own garage sale dreams and am content to relive the glory days of my Grandpa's sales. I doubt very much there are garage sales in heaven, but you can be sure he is gabbing away with a fellow angel every chance he gets.

Four Generations

Yesterday was my Grandma's 87th birthday. Wow, what a milestone. My youngest, who is only in Grade One, made a curious observation when he learned of his GG's age on the weekend. He realized that this is also the year I turn 37 and he turns 7. No, in case you are wondering, my own mom is not something-seven this year. That would be too coincidental!

While he figured this all out, I was struck by how blessed we are to be able to compare the ages of four generations. Family is a constant for me. One thing that is always there, the firm foundation on which everything else it built. We gathered together this past Sunday to visit, laugh, and of course, eat. Everyone is comfortable. There are no awkward silences, just love. What a great thing to treasure.

Timing Is Everything

Could someone explain to me why it is that whenever I am 'knee deep' into something around the house one of my offspring chooses that moment to holler, "MOOOOOOMMMMMMM?!"

You would think there was a robber, axe murderer and a creepy crawly all attacking en masse. But no, it's just a misplaced dinky car or a lost button. Talk about frustrating!

Yesterday, while battling with my twenty four year old oven (picture my nether region protruding from the depths of the oven as I kneel at a precarious angle and attempt to remove an element) I hear that call from the wild. What could possibly be the trouble now? Guess what? Child #1 is looking at Child #2. Can you believe the audacity? Looking at another human being, let the lynching begin! I think I turned every shade of purple known to man. But, you'd be proud, I said nothing. I simply stared at my offspring and they withered under my gaze. Lesson learned? Somehow I think not, but I remain hopeful. I'll keep you posted.

What Type of Relationship Do You Have?

I have crafted this post, in my mind, several times. Until this point, I was unable to write it the way it has sounded in my thoughts. I'm still not sure I am ready, but I'll try.

At this point my parents are winging their way across the country. They are on their way to celebrate the life of my mom's dearest friend, a special person who was called Home far too soon. She would definitely argue with my description of her as one of God's greatest accomplishments, but that's fine, no one is ever comfortable hearing oneself spoke of with such high regard. Whether it was her conscious decision to live as God would ask us to live or whether this was just her nature, matters not. She showed kindness and love to all she knew on a daily basis; as there was an endless amount of goodness packed into her petite frame. It is hard to accept she has gone on. I can take comfort in knowing that God has plans for her, plans I don't even think He shared with her, until He was ready.

We all come to know God at different stages. Some are born into the church and follow the path because that is what is expected. Some stumble upon Him, waiting, when they least expect Him. Others still, have an on again, off again relationship. Then, there are ones whose eyes are opened to God's glory just as their lives on earth are drawing to a close. There are as many types of relationships with our Lord as there are people on His earth. It is not up to me to compare my relationship with Him to your relationship with Him. So when we think someone doesn't 'know' the Lord as we wish they did, or think they should; when we wonder if we'll see a friend in Heaven, we need to trust. A parent, especially a Heavenly Father, watches over His children. Just like our own children, His children are all unique and they all need varying amounts of guidance. Some, like my mom's friend, exude God's love without even realizing it. I believe God recognizes that innate goodness and rewards them in Heaven.

My Grandpa didn't believe in saying 'good-bye', he preferred 'see you soon.'

See you soon Aunt Rosemary.