Cozy fire and sleeping kitties

Where does the time go? God has brought me through so many things this year, it feels like I woke up and it's almost Christmas! (Which it is...but still...) Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I just don't like all the extra work it is. These last few days I have enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace (burning real wood, I might add), and reading, sleeping, or watching football. What I'd love to do is just put up my tree, and see how much energy I have after that. What I'd enjoy is to spend time with my family making cut-out cookies and puppy chow without feeling exhausted. What I'd really like is to sit before the fire with hot...well, hot something...and read, hang out with the sleepy cats, and watch the Badgers and the Packers win.

Hey, I think it's time to do all those things I enjoy. If I have time, I'll send out Christmas cards and write that "interesting, witty, yet certainly-not-bragging" Christmas newsletter. If I have time, I'll put some lights outside. If I have time, I'll go out and shop for that special gift-you-always-wanted--but-not-really. In the meantime...

Yeah, in the meantime, I plan to spend as much time as possible my husband of 32 years. And with my 14 month-old grandduaghter, who's struggling with a rare blood disorder. I'll spend as much time as possible with her mom, who's been cooped up in the house for weeks with a sick toddler who doesn't want to sleep. I'll spend as much time as possible with son Andrew and daughter-in-love Michelle, and Seattle daughter Maribeth (when she gets home~!)  Because I've realized this year--and God help me remember--that it's not how much stuff you get done, and it's not how perfect the house looks. No, it's all about the time you take to share the Jesus-in-you with your family and friends. And, it's about realizing how blessed you are that you're a child of the King of the Universe, and there's nothing...nothing...that He can't handle.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed, not stressed, my much-loved family and friends!