Paper, Stars, Angels and Thoughts of the Season

Christmas time is here.

Happiness and cheer.

Fun for all the children call

their favorite time of year.

Snowflakes in the air...

Beauty everywhere....

Oh that we could always see such spirit

through the year. 

*************

Those words belong to a song that I
learned for the Christmas season.
And yes. 
There is so much beauty everywhere.

What have you been doing?

My days have been filled with

the work, wonder and 

excitement of the season.

There's always an abundance of it all.

But in spite of all that...

Time has been waltzing so slowly

through these past couple of weeks. 

It has been the most peaceful of Christmas'

that I can remember.

There's a quiet acceptance of the things that

I can't get to and a deep contentment that has washed over 

our home. We're still "doing" and "going" but

not quite as much and with a different heart.

This Christmas seems to have brought an introspection

and attentiveness to pray for others.

I'm sure this has been one of the very things

that keeps me counting my blessings.
Which are many.

Here's a sampling of moments from

our Christmas memories so far...

*a surprise visit from distant travelers...

*a gathering of daughters to practice our song of hope..

*making cut out cookies to frost and share...

*waiting for the cranberry pecan bread to come out of the oven..

*watching Christmas movies..

*taking in the excitement of bright-eyed children

*tending the ever-hungry fire in our wood stove...

AND

so many more.

 And I always have such good
intentions to share about them.

Such as The Christmas in My Heart books.

If you are a read aloud family or just

like to read stories that will warm your heart

and build your faith or just make you laugh,

you will love these books. 

Some of the stories are true. 

Some very, very old.

 Many of our books are falling apart
  and have the bindings burned off.

It was almost Christmas, 9

years ago that our house burned.

But we don't want to replace them

because every time we read a story,

we record something memorable

about that day or week!

One thing that I have not done much of is blogging.
I have just been at such a loss for words
and have been so touched by so many blogger
friends as they share their hearts
and wonder.

I can't seem to get passed
the thoughts of reverence and awe for
this season of hope that has settled
in my heart.
Why is it that anything seems possible during  
 the Christmas season?
Faith abounds and hope just seems
to rise up!

 But I decided to go ahead 
and share a handful of photos of some of my work and
just a few other things that have held some special 
meaning for me.

I'm hoping that all of you are enjoying your days.  
Peace and joy to you.
Thank you so much for coming by.

~Warmest of wishes~
Tamara xo