some Christmas tears

I've been busy getting ready to head out to the States in a couple of days. My to-do list seems to grow each day, even as I cross things off new things keep popping up. Especially since people will be staying here at the house to take care of the animals. If that wasn't the case, I'd leave the house "as is" and just deal with it when I get back in January. On the other hand, their coming has motivated me more to decorate for Christmas here instead of just doing the minimum, knowing that we'll be with my folks until Christmas morning and then on to Alaska to be with Jordan, Holly and Holly's family for the next week. But what a crazy idea to fly to Alaska on Christmas day! Why would you do that, you ask? Well, our son will be married to miss Holly on December 29th, how's that for a reason? So yes, we're putting on the mukluks, the furry hats and reversible reindeer skin coats and heading up to the far north for the holidays. Should be an adventure, I'll be sure to post pics when we get back ok?

One of the things I've been wanting to do is to give each of my children a Christmas ornament, something my mom always did. I've only started the past couple of years, so they won't have a huge collection when they leave, but at least something to get them started. And I plan on continuing, so the collections will grow, Lord willing.

As I was going thru some Christmas decorations, I found the first ornament I bought for Jordan, a Mary Englebreit Christmas scene that just jumped out at me and said "This is for Jordan", when he was about 3 years old. I've always loved this ornament, it makes me smile "big". So, a couple of weeks ago, I set it aside, thinking to take it to AK and give it to him and Holly to put on their first tree. I was busy , having fun getting my Christmas things out, and didn't really think much about it. But, now, today, I'm looking at it and it's hitting me:

Mighty Warrior!!

"Am I really ready to take this ornament with me and give it to my sweet boy? It's his, he should have it."

"It's just an ornament.

He and Holly will enjoy it, maybe it will even give Holly a feeling of being linked to Jordan's past as an adorable, overactive, little boy with blond stick up hair."

But I can't. I can't give it up yet. Everytime I try to put it in the suitcase, I cry. So, I'm sorry Jordan, but this ornament is staying with Mama for a little bit longer. I give you to Holly with a heart full of joy, I could search the world over and I know I'd never find a better wife for you, or a better daughter-in-law. I'm happy and excited to see what God will do in you and thru you in the years to come, and I'm sure that some day I'll be ready to hand the ornament over.

But, just for a while yet, this ornament is mine.

Oh my gosh, am I gonna be one of those frustrating bloggers who only posts once a month, only to have everyone stop reading their blog because of their inconsistency in posting? Hmmm maybe...