from my heart...

Sigh. No pictures, no snow, no tree and no cards this year for Christmas.

Life just came at me way too fast and all the decorating and frills that usually happen as part of our Christmas became stressful. I just couldn't find the energy to go there this year. I did write out cards but then getting to the post office to buy stamps didn't happen and so now I have a stack of cards, all dated Christmas 2009, that are doomed to never be mailed.

Instead, my energy went to our trip to Las Vegas two weekends ago, where Glen and I shared some amazing time with my fabulous sisters and partners then these last few days. I wouldn't have traded that for anything in the world.

I also spent time with friends and family and then these last few days, I spent lots of quality time with the two most important people in my world, Glen and Miranda. Last night Miranda came over and made Glen and I pierogis and borscht all from scratch. Crazy good.

Then this morning (late morning, I might add), we exchanged a few gifts...Miranda gave the most amazing gifts to Glen and I...she made contributions to CAT, Portland Women's Crisis Line, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and Bradley-Angle House in the name of our family. I cried. She also gave us The Daily Coyote. I cried again. I am over the top in love, inspired, proud and in awe of our young woman. If I ever doubted that I fell short of being a good mother, this Christmas I received the best gift of all...realizing my child has a generous, nuturing and loving heart, full of love, compassion and empathy. 

From my heart, I wish you and your families a peaceful, joyful and meaningful Christmas. Love love love and hugs hugs hugs to you and as Miranda wrote in her card to Glen and I,

"Here's to a year of emotional prosperity, reciprocity and being an instrument of giving."

Comments

[Suz Reaney]

Michelle,
I'm crying just reading this. She truly has a hugely generous heart and is very sensitive to what is of importance to others.

What a wonderful young woman!

Hugs,
Suz

[Jen@thecottagenest]

Wow! That's some kiddo you've got there. That gives me hope. It sounds like you had a wonderful day and that your priorities are right where they needed to be this year. Love and hugs, Jen

[Economics Dissertation]

Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!

[Dede Warren]

It sounds like you had the perfect Christmas Michelle! Certainly seeing the wonderful adults our children become, is beyond what any tree, packages, bows, or even holiday cards bring... what a blessing!!!!

[Gwen]

How wonderful to see our adult children become a light in the world! MY girlie's fabulous boyfriend dropped to one knee after we had all opened our presents and proposed to her in front of all of the family! What a perfect Christmas, and it makes me love him all the more that he KNEW how much it would mean to our combined families to be a part of this.

Much continued joy to you in the NEW YEAR!!

[Caryn Duncan]

This sounds like the real meaning of Christmas. Peace and good tidings to all!

[Sharon]

Hi Michelle,
I was just looking through my Bella Holiday Fabric Fatbook again and wanted to tell you what a fabulous job you did putting these together. I absolutely love the cover with the cross-tied ribbons, little pearls and beautiful flower. It is just so pretty. Thanks again for hosting this and making our books so special.
Happy holidays,
Sharon :-)

[Kim Caldwell]

Sounds like you received the most important Christmas gift of all. Some discarded cards are well worth it. . .

Blessings for the New Year!! Hugs, Kim

[meleen dupré]

michelle,

you celebrated christmas with friends and family.....the best christmas celebration of all!!!

meleen

[ArtsyMama]

Oh, so sweet, Michelle. I cried just reading about it!!
So glad you had a holiday filled with family and loved ones.
Here's to 2010!!!!!
Kari