Over the Backyard Fence

The hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas is over. The presents that were so thoughtfully wrapped are tucked back under the tree and the wrapping paper, well, torn to shreds and in the trash barrel.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Despite living "in the "minute" rather than "in the moment" the two weeks leading up to December 25th!   Both of my parents had over a week stint in the hospital (Dad the week before Thanksgiving, Mom the 2 weeks before Christmas), so 2 weeks of preparation were lost.  Hosptial stays are exhausting if I do say so myself. I was over-tired doing nothing but sitting. I am glad to say they are both recovering wonderfully and I am not as exhausted as before. It's amazing how just sitting idle, adding in stress and worry will utterly exhaust a person.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day certainly came and went in a flurry. (no pun intended as we did have snow on Christmas) And even though the retail market is promoting "After Christmas" sales, Christmas is still alive and intact at the Schwark homestead! The trees are still twinkling, the music still rings of the season... I am letting it last through Epiphany. Well, most of the decorations will last. This weekend I will start to take down the Family Room tree as we are going to be working on the back hall off the kitchen. The rest of the house - Living Room etc will continue to sparkle for Christmas!

 Jim and I are blessed beyond measure by our family. Christmas night, as we sat in front of a crackling fire in the fireplace I got a bit emotional as I thought about how blessed we truly are... One reason I really wanted a family, when we were trying to have children, was to create a magical, picture perfect holiday for a child... one with both parents living under the same roof as husband and wife, as mom and dad. (coming from a broken home that was something I truly desired). God had His reasons for not allowing us to have children of our own, however, He did provide us with the Christmas family I so desired. Jim's family, my family... it might not be what I had envisioned, but it truly is a prayer answered!  It wasn't up to me to "create" a perfect family holiday... it was up to me to respond to Christmas and enjoy what God provided for the world on Christmas Day...

Here are a few photos from this Christmas - we had so much fun!

Niece: Stephanie Ann, Me, niece: Chrissy; Great Nephew: Chase

Nieces & Nephews
Kimberly, Isaac, Matthias & Sarah

It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't get a kitchen gadget or two...

If you knew my sister... you would understand how true this statement is!!!!



Sister Melissa got a FoodSaver... Kimberly didn't quite understand why
someone would want to save food!  LOL

Soon I will tenderly tuck away my cherished ornaments and decorations... soaking in the memories of this Christmas as well as from Christmases past.  It's bittersweet... but until next season, I will hold Christmas in my heart everyday!

I pray you continue to enjoy what Christmas is all about.  That your celebration, no matter if things went as planned or not, was lovely!  I am looking forward to the year ahead!  I cannot believe 2011 is just around the corner!