Sunday, 28 December 2008

• A heart full of thankfulness...

  As I was watching "White Christmas" tonight on the couch with Caleb curled up contentedly in my arms, my eyes filled with tears as my heart swelled with thanksgiving. This has by far been the best Christmas of my adult life. There have been so many things that have made it special. From being in my own home ALL Christmas day to making my first ham to giving so many special gifts that I handmade this year. It was just such a great year. It was my fourth Christmas in my married life, yet the first one that I felt I really connected as a wife and mother. My first Christmas with Jon we were at his parent's house (though absolutely wonderful, still not the same as home), the 2nd Christmas I was sleep deprived due to having a 6 week old, and my third Christmas we were at my in-laws and I was still recovering from a terrible illness of insomnia, so I still wasn't functioning at peak. This Christmas I hosted my first Christmas meal and spent the entire day in my own four walls. I wasn't sleep deprived (although I did wake up at 5:45am and got the day going...), the gifts were the best ever this year (simple, yet precious to me), I made several firsts: Ham, Mashed Turnip, homemade Mac and Cheese, and a Pecan Pie. All surprisingly turned out delicious!! Jon, Kate, Wes, and I played a mean game of Rook Christmas night. It brought back so many fond memories of my college and single days...oh how things have changed.

  So tonight as I sat watching the final moments of "White Christmas" I cried tears of sadness and joy. Sad that the season is drawing to a close. A bit of magic seems to slip under the doors with the end of the holiday, so I know I must find simple ways of keeping the spirits up in January. (shouldn't be hard with my bundle of sunshine to keep me busy). And tears of joy b/c I know that next year we'll have a little 8 month old to keep from getting into the tree and decor that we'll drag out again to decorate the house.

  God has been so good to us in 2008. There have been moments of frustration with sleep (still for those of you that know my story), lots of dental bills (!), and other mishaps along the way. But in the end Jonathan and I have a beautiful marriage. One that I wouldn't trade for a lifetime of perfect sleep. Caleb is our treasure and truly makes each day a blessing. Then as I sit here I can feel my little girl tapping impatiently on my womb, as if to say she's ready to join the Indy Fuges tonight! Wait little one...17 more weeks to go...

  Yes, Christmas 2008 has indeed been one for the books in my opinion. I'll always remember it as having a simplicity that was natural and not fabricated. My heart has been touched in so many ways and I am drawn closer to my Savior as a result. I thank the Lord for his Son and the birth of our Savior long ago in that humble stable.

  I'll probably post again before the year is over, but this is my official Happy New Year blog. I'm thankful for you as a reader and trust that you'll probably stay with me on this journey I call life. Looking to an exciting and eventful 2009! Cheers!

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