The ponderings of a mom after Christmas!

I don't think I will ever forget this Christmas, though there was one big thing that would definately hinder that...we couldn't find the battery charger for our camera. I think we took 4 pictures and then the big empty battery sign flashed on the camera. "Everyone smile real quick." Sitting there a little miffed at the whole camera thing, I was reminded of the story of the birth of Jesus in Luke. Verse 19 says, "Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself." There were no video cameras or digital cameras or polaroids in that old barn, she just relished the moment.

So I decided to relish our moment.

I thought of Wyatt, the first Adams kid to believe in Santa...his choosing. He even asked to go see him. Of course his motives were purely selfish...he wanted the Batcave and he was told that Santa was the man who could deliver. I won't forget that moment at the mall when he crawled up on his lap and asked, or the moment he opened the Batcave and squealed with delight. Wyatt loved the countdown to Christmas advents in our home and couldn't get enough of them. So we bought four more for him to use next Christmas.

I watched Levi as he opened two guns and a compound bow. What were we thinking? But Levi needs focus in his life and those were perfect for him. Levi memorized scripture for our Christmas Eve service and sang in the chorus. I was so proud of him. And I loved that on Christmas day, he didn't want to play with the neighbors, even though he had permission. He wanted to be with his family, he loves his family.


I watched Kelsey as she opened her gifts of choice. Gone are the days of Littlest Petshop and Cabbage Patch Kids. She was so practical this year, but she got all she asked for...socks, hair dryer, flat iron, Bible, make-up, hair gizmos, shoes. But the little girl in her still peaked through in one gift...Puffles. Now I had never heard of them until 2 weeks ago and found out they are no where to be found before Christmas except on Ebay, but Daddy made sure his girl had her simple request. She giggled with delight when she opened her three Puffles.

Then there was Tahd. Oh that boy! It saddened me when his one Christmas request didn't match out budget...a new mandolin. Tahd took up the mandolin after his health took a turn in September. Now he awaits a major surgery on New Years Eve with a catheter coming out of his abdomen. These are the things that kids shouldn't go through, but Tahd is. So back to the mandolin. Did I mention he is incredible at playing it? No lessons...two months...incredible! We told him that the one he wanted just wouldn't fit our budget this time. So we fretted over what to get a boy who you just want to give the world to, but can't. We picked up things here and there and figured we would just give him $ to put towards a new mandolin later. Then Chad and I went out shopping for the last time on Monday night, the 22nd, and stopped by the music store to just see IF by a miracle they had gotten anything in like what Tahd wanted that matched our budget. And wouldn't you know it, there was one there! PERFECT! What a miracle! My eyes teared up as I watched Tahd take his first strum on that gift he wanted so desperately and had given up on! He played all day and did his mama's heart good to hear those sweet melodies.

The past few months have been hard on our family and the next couple are going to be a little tough as we deal with Tahd's health, but as a family we will get through it.

So I sat that morning taking captive in my mind and heart that Christmas together that no camera would capture. And we ended the night as a family just talking with two teenagers who wanted to hang out with their mom and dad, as Wyatt fell asleep in my arms and Levi got cozy next to me. Chad and I both smiled as our day ended, thanking God that we are together and whole when so many are broken.

"Jodi kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself." There's my picture!