A Haven for Vee

Friday, January 6, 2012

Epiphany

This is it for this Christmas Season. I will happily be celebrating Advent and the First Day of Christmas before year's end. I love that the years begin and end with Christmas. What a wonderful Savior to love us so that He willingly left Heaven behind for us. How we need Him! How can we not keep Christmas all year through?

Since I'm still on Christmas, albeit for the final day (yesterday was actually the 12th Day of Christmas), I want to share a couple of ideas with you. First, Cheryl at A Nest On Feather Lane had a sweet interpretation of the window idea. Actually, she's changed it all up. That's the joy of Blogdom, one idea sparks another. Cheryl says that it's too much to put up a tree, yet she still enjoys seeing her ornaments so this was the result.

I also wanted to tell you of an idea my daughter found on Pinterest about saving Christmas memories from one year to the next in a canning jar. On Christmas Day, she passed us a slip of paper and we all started writing. (That's not quite the truth, but close enough.) Then my daughter gathered them all up, popped them into the jar, climbed up on the back of the easy chair, and set it up high on the ledge in the living room.

Where it just sat way up there calling my name. I grew more and more nosy curious until I also climbed up on the back of the easy chair and retrieved it.


Every single one shared wonderful memories. Some of us are more eloquent than others. I noted my gifts, the laughter of the boys, and the difficulty of this first Christmas without my mother. John wrote that he was happy to have finished the siding as a gift to me and that the day was "most enjoyable." Even the grands signed their names. My daughter wrote about how special her picture book was...her favorite gift of Christmas. My daughter-in-law wrote a humorous story about making Santa's sandwiches with the boys and what Santa left on his plate—the crusts.  My son wrote:

The assignment is to write down the fondest memory of 2011. Mom tells John it should be easy to come up with a fond memory of today. Laurel says it's for the whole year, but if you want to write one about today (Christmas), that's fine. As though I wouldn't have a hard enough time with this already, and to make matters worse they gave me a pen. I already want to erase what I've written so far. I'll do both. Today is easy; Sam's playing Clocks by Coldplay on Laurel's I Phone (hit the lighted button) and he can't stop. He says this song is like a rock song. That album was the soundtrack of my first year with Michelle. Glad to know we can agree on what's beautiful, at least sometimes. 2011 is another matter. There are some fond memories; Jake's face when Santa put him on his lap. I'll write what I least want to forget though: Grandma. Taking Sam out sledding (Jake was in school), planning to go to the boys' birthday party, even lying peaceful in my bed. Saying yes, Adam, I know you're here. As though there was no need to sound so worried.
The man is an accountant. I'm very proud of all of his accomplishments and his hard work of returning to school and earning his degrees. I had no idea that he could write. At all. Not even a little bit. I hope that he'll continue. He might get a journal for his birthday. Just sayin'...

Disclaimer: Now as for Clocks ...love the music and find the lyrics de-pressing. I found Sam's exuberant playing of Handel's Messiah wonderful.

A blessed Epiphany to you...

36 comments:

  1. What a beautiful, sweet post. It's a memory in itself. I think it's one you'll treasure year-after-year.

    Love what you wrote about your son. As much as we all love the young years with our children, I've always said that the greatest time is when they're grown and you're proud of and love the adults they've become. It's another thing we can than our Saviour for - His help through all the years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Precious post!

    Oh NO! The "12 Days Of Christmas" are over!!!!!!

    Like "Uncle A." just said; "Now the decorations are supposed to come down."

    Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! I'm not totally in the mood-to-put-'em-all-away. And I need to be. Well, I need to be in that mood, a wee bit, anyway. -pout-

    OK! All is not lost. I nearly bumped into a *fake-greenery-around-a-door* again this morning. I CAN START THERE! :-)

    I know it is Jan. 6. But I am so able to forget-the-obvious. ,-) Thank you for pushing me, into ... Total Recall!!!! -grin-

    "Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.
    We cannot cure the world of sorrows,
    but we can choose to live in joy."

    ~Joseph Campbell

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, we must have just bounced back and forth, to each other's new posts, in Real Time. ,-)

    So Re: your comment in mine... And fess up. Had you been *guilty* of some not-necessarily-smart on-road behavior, when you had this dream??? Huuu, hu, hu? ,-)

    If you were a wee bit anxious about doing such, it could have manifested itself in your dream (as someone else)... And fit right in with my view of bad dreams, too. :-)

    Coooooooooooool!!!

    "Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.
    We cannot cure the world of sorrows,
    but we can choose to live in joy."

    ~Joseph Campbell

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sweet sweet post, dear Vee.
    Brought tears to my eyes.
    I have a son and daughter ... I adore the adults they've become and thank the sweet Lord for guiding them along so well. Knowing they both love HIM, my soul is at peace.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a neat post filled with wonderful thoughts. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful idea to write memories down and keep them in a jar. I hope I remember that one...
    Happy Epiphany to you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a wonderful idea! Would it not be fun to do that at every family gathering throughout the year? What a treasure you would have to scrapbook at the end of the year. I think I am stealing this idea!

    Happy weekend dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is a great idea of keeping a memory jar. I may start one and read it next year at Christmas to see just how far I've come (hopefully!). Yes, your son can write well, but I am not surprised. Look at Mom :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree what a great idea for family holiday memories! There could be a jar of memories for each holiday, to pass along to the younger generations. A journal of sorts. Thanks for all of your visits to my blog Vee. I truly look forward to them each time I have something to post. Not to put any pressure on you of course to actually leave a comment. But they are appreciated! You said you had no idea what I was talking about in my post today. I'm assuming you are relating to Vera....that would be the line of Vera Bradley bags, purses and such. Now that I have gone technical....I thought why not. Of course I had a gentle nudge from my dear husband. Hope your day is positively delightful! Our weather guy said this morning here in Michigan we were warmer then Havana, Cuba. Odd for us in January!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the holiday memory jar idea! Love your son's entry :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is such a beautiful idea. I have tears in my eyes as I sit and read. :)

    ((Hugs))
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sweet words from your son. I look at my own son, a computer engineer, and wonder what goes on inside his head. Most of his talk is about stuff I don't understand. But every once in awhile he surprises me with eloquent words reflecting his feelings. I treasure those.

    Blessed epiphany to you and John, Vee. May 2012 hold much joy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love the idea of the memory jar. Will have to use that idea next year if I remember. I won't hold my breath on that one. Tell your husband that the eye surgery is a breeze. I have had both eyes done and don't need glasses except to read. Everything is much brighter and clearer. I love, love it. I'll soon be posting about my classy reading glasses. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well, my watch stopped last night, so I will have to go by "it feels like" time. Oh I think it is a piece of pear pie and coffee time. Maybe soon it will be finish taking down the decorations time.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Is today not the 12th day of Christmas? I'm unplugging the house lights...tonite.

    What a great idea...keeping the Christmas memories in a jar from year to year. I like your son's writing style!

    ReplyDelete
  16. The memory jar is a wonderful idea, Vee. I loved reading your son's thoughts, he's very good with a pen! I will take my Christmas things down tomorrow, it makes me sad to do it for I love how the house looks with all the lights and decorations. I've noticed several folks still have their trees lit in the windows, so I guess there are a few of us left that still enjoy the 12 days of Christmas!
    Loved this sweet post. Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a wonderful idea that memory jar is.
    Your son should start a blog!! : )

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love what you wrote about your son. Isn't wonderful to discover something new about someone you know so well. The memory jar is a lovely idea.

    I love how Cheryl made that idea her own. I think her fireplace looks great.

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a sweet wonderful post. I love the idea of makin' a Christmas Memory Jar. 'Just precious!!!

    God bless ya my friend and have a wonderful weekend!!! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  20. It seems so many bloggers I read had their decorations down by New Year's, if not before. I'm glad to encounter others who wait until Epiphany! I had not quite thought it through that we begin and end the year with Christmas, but so it is. I think I will create my own Christmas memory jar. Thanks for sharing your family.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the idea of a memory jar!

    ReplyDelete
  22. wow..lump in my throat and tear in my eye..and admiration for such a gifted writer that thinks he cannot write?! Thanks for brightening my day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. A most enjoyable post filled with wonderful thoughts and great ideas.
    It would seem as though your son has a "way with words" just like his mom. How interesting that you are just now discovering this. That memory jar is the neatest idea. Curiosity would have gotten the better of me too.

    ReplyDelete
  24. You need to print this post and add it to the jar. Su...weeeeeet.

    I helped in a homeschool coop writing class one year and remember being totally impressed and surprised at some of the content that came from boys who would not have considered themselves writers. It was really good.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh, I almost forgot, the homemade laundry soap is wonderful, it cleans much better than detergent you buy and I love the smell. I enjoy making it! I will give you the recipe if you want to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Vee!

    What a beautiful post! I think it would be wonderful if we could all go back and start counting on Christmas day! Epiphany . . . finding Christ. I think it would be wonderful if we could all find Christ, and keep Him in our hearts and lives all year long - that would be the best gift.

    I love the Christmas jar - what a great idea for keeping and remembering family memories from year to year. Your son's memories are precious... :0) A journal sounds like a great idea!

    Thanks for reminding me about "Epiphany" today.

    Hugs,
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love the memory jar. What better time to do it than Christmas when the family is gathered. I love that you're just as nosy as I am, lol. I'll keep it in mind for next year (note to Vee to repost this reminder around the 2nd week of December 2012 :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Such a delightful post and idea!! Christmas Memories!! Once my daughter, Summer, took the family for dinner and a carriage ride during the Christmas season and ahd us all write our favorite Christmas memory on one of the napkins at the restaurant. I have it still.

    Thank you for sharing this. I believe we will have a new tradition for next year! I mean THIS year!! It is 2012!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, I would have been curious too! And I can imagine you climbing up, up to reach that jar of treasured memories.* And I can also imagine your joy at the wonderful gift that your son gave you as he expressed his heartfelt thoughts through his words. Yes, what a wonderful gift.

    *Do you know the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. I was reminded of Toad (or was it Frog?) climbing up to the top of the cabinet to reach the box of cookies that they had "hidden" from themselves. That always makes me smile!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a fun tradition - I must remember this for next year! You've also reminded me that I forgot to take the Christmas decorations down in the office before I left today. Sneaking out early threw me off my game!

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a beautiful post! It's like a story within a story! I love your new Christmas tradition.

    ReplyDelete
  32. A very Happy New Year to you, Vee,
    Your son indeed has your gift of writing, Vee! I think a journal is perfect!,what a wonderful idea of sharing. I think it might be tried here at the farm next Christmas.

    I just have to comment on your Joy post... Those rosy cheeks on your grandson is priceless!

    I've been off-line for a week, and have enjoyed catching up this morning.
    Hugs,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  33. It looks like I am off to a great start this new Year, the above comment is from the real me. ~grin~ i must get rid of that account.

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a neat idea! LOL, we do a little "recording", as such, on the bottom of our plastic and aluminum wrap boxes. Don't ask me WHY we started do it, but we've been at it for a decade. Whenever we start a new box of wrap, we record some snippets about the day. And months later, we turn it over and are completely surprised by the date and what was going on at the time in the household. It's like a little time capsule that we surprise ourselves with!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Vee, Nice to meet you! I love this idea of the memory jar! I'm going to "borrow" it. thanks for sharing, and wishing you a happy New Year!

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  36. How moving; that all your sweet family would contribute a memory to tuck away. What a superb idea your daughter had and I chuckled, imagining you climbing the easy chair (not very easy to do...glad you didn't take a tumble!) and then picturing you midst the joy of reading each one, shedding a tear or two no doubt. Your son has inherited his writing skills from you! Memories of Grandma too. Very special and touching!

    ReplyDelete

🕊
If comments disappear, please don't fret. A simple "hi" will do. The platform surely needs some maintenance.