There has always been this sense of being out of place during the holiday's. Not that I was, it was always this lingering feeling deep down that was drown out by the activities of the season. This year was the exception. Never, in my adult life, have I gone into the holiday season feeling like I did this year.
Christmas this year was not rushed. It was not planned for weeks. It was not high stressed. It was not made up of gifts or going all out. It was wrapped up in peace, love and time. It was perfectly timed and awesomely unwrapped. It was humbling and breath-taking. It was sappy and happy. Luke and I spent a few nights shopping for our children. That time was blessed in every single way. Hand in hand, we walked into stores and each brought our own idea to the perfect gift for each child. This was a very special time for me and for us - investing time in each other and our children is something Lucas and I did and the love that came from that was amazing! Christmas morning was just as special - he greeted me with a "Good morning Beautiful and Merry Christmas" and with that the day was set to end perfectly, and it did.
I have dreamed of a time when Haley would wake up and celebrate Christmas with her dad. As normal of a day as it was, I could see and sense the wonderful thoughts running through her mind. She was thrilled to spend time with her mom and dad - and not have to share that time with anyone else. She loved the newness yet the comfort that was in that day. She had peace and contentment I had not seen before. As she grows in this new life her outlook is 100% more in tune with feeling complete.
Time around the tree was full of laughter and big thank you's. It consisted of lots of wrapping paper and tear ducts that became full of happy tears. Lights, paper and smiles filled the room. Glances between each of us proved to speak to the inner most parts of us. Happiness and joy - just like Christ brought that first Christmas in a manger.
Haley, Luke and I traveled to North Carolina to spend some time hiking in the mountains and spending time with Mama Ruth. I had not been back to North Carolina since 1999.
Mama Ruth was just as nice as I remembered. She smiled and hugged me so tight that I felt peace and at home. She was able to meet Haley for the first time and that brought tears of joy!! We shopped, laughed, made a mess unwrapping gifts, cooked and enjoyed the company of each other. We met her sister Aunt Carol and her husband Uncle Don. We met mawmaw. Hugs were exchanged multiple times with many "I love you's". We talked Mama Ruth into trying sushi - and she loved it!! There truly is no place like a home full of peace....and Christmas was just that - a place of peace.
We sat around the table and read the Christmas story. We were reminded that Jesus was a gift TO us and we live FROM that...thank you Lord for this Christmas memory!
We took a hiking trip up Catawba Falls. It was absolutely a journey but a time of exercise. Not only physical exercise but exercise of beauty, trust, adventure, memories and time. It was so very beautiful and like nothing we had done before. Part of the climb was easy, part of it wasn't. The best part of it was doing it with Haley and her dad! He guided us with his expertise and Haley lead with curiosity. Each place we stopped was to take in the beauty but also to cherish the moment. Each picture was another "first" in our memory banks of forever and the beginning of forever.
Click here for a quick video of our whole day hiking (click here).
And what is a hike without some celebrations... (Celebration #1).....(Celebration#2).....(Celebration#3). Yes, we are that "mushy and cool"!! Beauty comes in all forms, and often times lives in the words we speak and the memories we make...
On our way home we traveled to see the ying to my yang....my BFF Kim!! She, as always, makes the face smile, the heart jump and the stomach hurt from laughter. Thanks friend for a wonderful Christmas meal and for time!! Love you always!!
Christmas is about Jesus...he was given UNTO us for us to give UNTO others. Christmas was at home this year, home in the arms of this new life, new love and new promise.
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