Friday, December 3, 2010

Grins and Glitter....

GOTCHA!



My two absent men. Grabbed this shot over Thanksgiving break. Even got my usually solemn-faced Marine (in front of a camera) to smile with a "PLEAAAASE".

Missing these two. This shall be my compy background for a little while. Love the GRINS given to me.

I have not stepped one foot in the attic or my walk-in to get any Christmas decor out...yet. Waiting for the moment to come when I am ready. Mama would want me to very very much. I know it would make her sad if she knew I wasn't. She loved to decorate for Christmas...every room in her house. When I went over to my Daddy's yesterday, he had gotten their beautiful tree down and was fiddling with the little electric twirlers on it that make certain ornaments (the angels) spin around. I almost lost it. I told him I was proud of him. I knew mama would be so happy he was doing it. He is doing well, and I thank my bloggy sisters for your prayers. You are all special.

I do have one new item sitting out, simply because I just got it at my favorite little Thrift Store. A lovely Saint Nick. Loved his face, and the white and gold.
So for now,...here is one Christmas pretty embellishing the Living Room. Saint Nicholas is NOT a myth. He was a real person, and lived to help the poor and needy.
He does not fit the image of our Santa Claus today.... he truly was a saint of a man, adored by the ones who benefited from his charity and loving, giving nature.







Thank you, all who visit, and I hope you feel the true joy and comfort of Christmas and all that it means for us, knowing the truth that our Savior has come. The prophecy has been fulfilled, and we have eternal life because of the Precious One of Heaven who was born here on earth with one purpose. To die and take the punishment for us, that we deserve, that we would be able to have eternity with Him. The best and truest sacrifical Gift ever presented in this world. Thankful today for it.

Hugs and Christmas Blessings to all. May you have much happiness and memories that are treasures this December month.

10 comments:

Marmee's Pantry said...

I'm not a 'Santa person', but you're right, that face is very inviting. :-)

I'm sure your mom would be happy that your dad is putting up the CHRISTmas goodies. I know how you feel, I lost my dear Daddy very suddenly in '99 ~ the 1st year is always the hardest after a loss...all those 'firsts'...the 1st holildays, the 1st b-days, etc. My most heart-felt prayers go out to you & your family.

By the way, great pic of your men. :-)

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Theresa said...

Love the picture of your handsome fellas! I know you were so happy to have them with you! I am glad that your Dad is doing what your Mama would want him to do! I know he is so sad but I know her Spirit lives in all of your hearts!

Sweet St. Nick! I have some gold ones too, a big one and a little one! Have a blessed and restful weekend! HUGS!

Sandy said...

Bless your sweet Daddy's heart, and all of
you. I remember when Mom died the day after
Thanksgiving that first Christmas was so
hard. With the love of God it does get
easier though. Get your decorations out
and pretty up your nest because you're
celebrating our Lord's birthday--and--
your precious Mama would want you to.
Love the picture of your good-lookin'
men!
Love,
Sandy

billypandnikkysmom said...

I love the picture of Kurt & Justin....silly grins and all :) I know that you miss them, I am hoping and praying that they are home with your for the Holidays!

Take your time with your decorations, your mom will be right there with you in your heart always! Your St. Nick is just beautiful, my heart was so full for your dad, I could just see him there with the tree. He is strong and loves the Lord and that will get him through.

Don't be sad Julie, your mom is never far away and will live on in your smiling eyes and your big grin and in your heart forever.

Love & Hugs to you & many prayers...

Cindy Lou said...

I love the special picture of your guys and I know that those Marines are difficult to get to smile for a picture!! UGH...it drives me crazy!! I am glad they were both able to be with you for Thanksgiving!!

Honey...You just take your time with everything and just know that your mama is always with you! I know that things are difficult with out her and I will never forget the first holidays with out my mama!! She LOVED Christmas and everthing about it!! I like to do things that I know that she would do during this time of the year! I sometimes bake something and I feel like she had her hand in on it cause it is so much like hers use to be! I love you and I am here for you!! This time will get easier but the memories will be forever!!

Enjoy your evening!! Hugs and love to you!!

Privet and Holly said...

Julie, once again you
inspire me with your
positive outlook and
strong, strong faith.
Loved being reminded
about St. Nicholas. My
kids STILL put their
shoes out for St. Nick
treats and I believe that
tomorrow night is THE
night : ) Hope St. Nick
is ready!! Sounds like
your dad is holding up okay.
I'm sure that your love
for one another will help
to steer you both through
these choppy waters. I'll
be keeping you close to
my heart. Hope you are staying
cozy, this weekend!
xx Suzanne

Joyce said...

Ah... your picture made me smile but your post made me sad. When dad died I put up Christmas before Thanksgiving because it brightened my house! What also helped was someone telling me this will be my dad's first Christmas in Heaven! How wonderful!!! I love you. When you're ready the decorations will come out. ;D

Dianna said...

Julie, I cannot believe that I have overlooked this post. I think that I have it set correctly in my bookmarks now that it will show up. When I bookmarked it before it was only bringing up November's posts. And somehow I missed it in my reader, too.

My heart goes out to you, sweet friend, as you go through this holiday season. I, too, am proud of your dad for going ahead with his decorating. Perhaps for him the decorations draw him closer to your mama...helps him feel her presence more. We each have our own ways of dealing with the departure of our loved ones from us.

I remember about 6 months after Carroll's mom passed away, we were sitting at the supper table one evening and Carroll asked for the apple butter. I got up and got it out of the fridge and handed it to him and then I started crying. He asked what was wrong and I told him that I didn't know if we should eat that apple butter or not because when it was gone there would never be anymore like it. Apple butter was something that Mom LOVED to make and she made the best! For me, eating that apple butter up would be one more "finality" in accepting her death. Some days are like that...HARD. God gives us the measure of grace we need just when we need it most. Praying for you.

Loved the picture of Kurt and Justin! When will Kurt get to come in for Christmas? Praying for you. I can only begin to imagine how you miss them.

Your St. Nick is beautiful! Enjoy him to the fullest...even if you never get out any other Christmas decorations, he could be enough.

Hugs coming to you, dear Julie.
Dianna

Julie Harward said...

Sending my love Julie...I hope you can really have a good Christmas month..it only comes once a year, enjoy it :D

CACHANILLA73 said...

Dear Julie, I know is hard, as Marmees said, those first aren't easy, but I know Our Lord will give you the strenght you need. Don't forget I pray for you. I really admire you Dad, wow! what a great way to show his love for you dear Mom.
Hugs to you my sis.
Cotty