The thought that Christmas number three in this house waits
in the wings stirs some memories and nostalgia. I looked on my Facebook feed
earlier this morning and lo and behold, a message told that I had memories to
take a gander upon from years past. Of course I looked! A number of them stuck
out to me and made me smile:
Spencer’s first time really helping decorate the tree back
in 2008. His face glowed with excitement as he hooked the ornaments up on the
branches of the Christmas tree. Fast forward to last night and he still lights
up as bright as strands on our current tree when I pull out the ornaments. He
loves this time of year. He remembers a lot of the ornaments. This year he set
up the little Christmas Village for the first time all by himself.
Chandler’s 7th grade play, American Idle, made me
chuckle. It blows my mind that this feels like yesterday yet at that the same
time looks like so long ago. An incredible reminder to me to not blink too many
times. Chalin is in 8th grade now. He will be in Chandler’s shoes
soon studying for finals in college. It all goes so fast.
Christmas at the barn with my sis. She just recently moved
her horses from the old and famed Trails End in Kingwood to another barn which
has opened so many doors for her when it comes to lessons, riding, and personal
time. The memories of Christmas at the Barn though will always remain in a
special place in the heart though. My sis went all out by dressing up her
horses, hoisting up kiddos to feed carrots to them, and posing for pics with
everyone.
Three years ago, the boys and I moved into Ohana. The move
stood for something. The sojourn from Bear Branch to the new place marked a new
beginning for the three of us. Seeing some pics from 2012 of the view from the
second story window with literally brought back the emotions from when we first
got here. Filled with the hope of a new beginning, little did I know where
these moments would take me. Today, the last home in the neighborhood begins
the construction process. The cleared land awaits preparation for workers to
start plotting plumbing, cables, and then the inevitable foundation. Once that
finishes up, time starts ticking away and in just a few months this last home
in the neighborhood will stand and construction will cease in this small
location in Kingwood.
On the horizon, the sun’s rising colors invade a darkened
sky. New memories anticipated around each corner. My one year old family put up
our Christmas Tree last night – minus Chandler as he is in Corpus studying for
finals, but we saved some decorations for him – and each person put up some
decorations around the house. Terra had a splendid idea. Let the kids put all
of the decorations out wherever they wanted, so that we start making it
completely new. She’s such a blessing and wonderful bride.
I look forward to the future when I get to look on the
timeline of memories, whether it is Facebook or sitting and looking at pictures
on the Mac, and seeing these pictures of the tree and remembering the feeling
of Chalin helping with the lights. Spencer creating the village, and Terra
putting some ornaments on the tree. The banister awaits Chandler’s touch when
he arrives from Corpus. It’s his specialty. My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!
