My Grandma's Christmas Ornaments

Every year for Christmas, my grandmother gave each of my sisters and me an ornament.  It was a tradition, something we could count on without fail, as sure as the Christmas socks she gave us every Thanksgiving.  However, I am ashamed to admit that I didn't really appreciate the beautiful ornaments until I was decorating our tree this year, several months after she passed away.

I enjoyed admiring the ornaments and turning them over to read her perfect handwriting - being a 1st and 2nd grade teacher much of her adult life, she never wrote in cursive, only print - as I hung them on our tree.

I found I couldn't remember anything else she gave me in 2005, but I do know that she gave me this sweet ornament with angels on it.

This Christmas tree ornament was a gift in 1997...

and can you believe I still have this beautiful ornament given to me in 1986, when I was just 2 years old?







 In this way, I will remember my grandma year after year, proof that the smallest, simplest gifts can mean the most of all...

Thanks, Mom!

Well, it's a fact.  Christmas will be here in 9 days.  As I place the wrapped gifts under the tree and select the perfect stocking stuffers for my two children, ages 2 years and 5 months - who, let's face it, will have no recollection of this Christmas - I grow increasingly appreciative of my own mother.  Year after year, she spent hours making sure Christmas was wonderful for my three sisters and me.  Some years my parents did not have much money, but somehow there were always heaps of presents under our tree!  Now that I am a mom, I understand how much time, energy, and love my mom put into Christmas for us, and I love her even more... 

Having recently gone through pregnancy and childbirth for the second time, I also have a greater appreciation for Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  Can you even imagine being 9 months pregnant and riding on a donkey?!  She truly was an amazing woman.  I really like to listen to the song Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant this time of year.  It gives me chills to think about what the woman who was "Mom" to our Savior felt.  This song really describes all the fears and insecurities that all mothers feel as they strive to raise these precious children that the Lord has entrusted to our care.  He helped Mary through it, and I am confident He will help us too!

Breath of Heaven
by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant

I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I've done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

[chorus:]
-----------------------------------
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
-----------------------------------

Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me