Saturday, December 11, 2010

HANGING THE SCISSORS UP FOR ANOTHER YEAR

If you had told me in mid October, weeks after Jack’s stroke,  that I could make it through tree season…well I would have told you there was no way.   I DID!  I finished the last house late last night.  I did not miss a day of work, did not have a major break down, though there were days I was close.  I (and I use that word lightly since I have great elves) did four new houses, I did one of the biggest jobs ever, I had light problems, I had sore muscles, I had bleeding cuts all over my hands, I had all the normal tree decorating problems at one time or another,  I had days that I no longer felt up for the job…But we FINISHED..and there has never been a season I have been so happy to be finished.  I have a lot of favorites, but my most favorite tree this year just may be the one we finished with yesterday.  Pictures are coming on the holiday blog soon.  It was everything I do not like to do.  I like fake trees, this was a real tree.  I like white lights, this was colored lights (bulbs),  I like perfectly shaped loaded trees.  This was anything but perfectly shaped and we did not put a ribbon on it. I hate to see light cords and you could see everyone on this tree.  But as I walked out of this gorgeous house after spending the day with a family I love, I looked back in the foyer and saw the most gorgeous tree with all its imperfections.  I could get very deep and tell you how much this parallels   my life recently, but I am too tired to get that deep. 
My house is decorated, most of my gifts are bought and wrapped. That is only because I buy all through the year and the rest I ordered online.
I am going to sleep a few days, get some color on my hair, write my Christmas letter and then have some fun with the little's.  We are going to take a short trip next week with the little's and their parents to see ICE at the Gaylord Texan.  Priceline was extra good to me and gave me one of my favorite five star hotels for 50 a night.  Their website list the rooms at 199 a night…and the best part is that you can see the lights all over Dallas from this hotel.  Ten weeks out from a stroke that almost took his life, Jack is ready to travel.  A miracle.  A Christmas Miracle.
Christmas lights are magical to me…this year they are more beautiful than ever. 
Tonight Jack is spending the night while his Mom and Dad have a date.  He and I will lay on the floor and name all the ornaments on all the trees, we will make hot chocolate, we will laugh at funny snowmen, we will read a few Christmas books, we will rearrange his nativity and we will celebrate. Celebrate the magic of Christmas.  Look for  some cute pictures of my little man.   
The winner of the card box is NEZZY at Cow Patty Surprise…she has the greatest blog…stop by and say hello.  Thanks for all the blog names you sent me.  I am looking forward to visiting each one.
Parker 4

27 comments:

Terry said...

Howdy
Praise God for happy !
I am so glad you have made it through and I must tell you Nezzy
is one of the most awesome amazing women ever put on earth .
I am so thrilled to hear she was chosen.
Blessings of rest ,healing ,and peace as you relax and unwind .
Yummy plans books to read and sweet little ears to listen :)
A very merry weekend to you .
Looking forward to all the fabulous images you'll be sharing .
Until next time
Happy Trails

T said...

I simply think your amazing. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that. You have been put through the ringer and came out on the otherside.

I want to take the kids to the Gaylord, it's not near the distant for us but we just haven't been able to do it yet! I hope you have an awesome time and wave towards my direction when you drive through! And Praise GOD that your husband is going with you!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

So glad you have made it Theresa. God's love sustains us when we feel all done in, like we cannot go one more step. To Him be the glory forever and ever for taking care of Jack and you at this time in your lives.

I look forward to seeing this last tree that you did.

Love and hugs to you and yours this Christmas season.

FlowerLady

Theresa said...

All together now...WHEW! I know you are tired, I know you are thankful to be finished and I am thankful that YOU FINISHED! I am thankful that you have a sweet little overnight guests:) It will be wonderful and would you look at how many times I have said thankful in this comment, I guess I am really thankful for so much! HUGS!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

This post has me sitting here with tears in my eyes. I am so in awe of all that you did through this storm. You should be very proud of yourself. I'm just putting things off each day, don't have much spirit inside of me and that's just wrong. You are the one who should have been curled up on the sofa in depression. You are an inspiration to all of us. I do have all my shopping done, did it during the year also and online. Never went into a mall. Packages are almost wrapped. Decorating is not done but I am going very simple this year except for my tree. It will get done, that is the plan! Have a wonderful time with Jack tonight. Have a great trip too! God Bless you sweet Teresa. ((HUGS))

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I forgot to congratulate Nezzy.
CONGRATULATIONS!

Sally said...

I do truly believe your Jack is a miracle, and I rejoice that he is able to travel with you and the rest of the family!

Speaking of imperfect trees, my 4 y/o great-granddaughter decorated mine and in her eyes AND mine, it is simply gorgeous. :)

Your little Jack is so precious. Have a fun time with him tonight. :)

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Congratulations to your other winner. :o)

And I pray that you have a very relaxing, blessed time with your lovely family. Definitely get some of that much needed sleep in there :o)

Blessings & Aloha!

Terra said...

How good is God that you had your Christmas miracle, and maybe more than one. You will travel, have a great adventure, and your trees were all completed in style. Well done, girl friend and congrats to Nezzy, one of my favorite bloggers.

Mandy from Burkett Blessings said...

Teresa,
I'm so glad it's all over and you made it through! GOD IS SO GOOD, isn't He?!?! You will LOVE the Gaylord this year, as always. We went the day after Thanksgiving and stayed for 2 nights. ICE is incredible!!! I'm sure you know the theme is A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's just awesome! Make sure you stand towards the back when you first get in the "big room" to watch the video of how ICE came to be. There's a fun surprise at the end of it! We were in the back and got the best view of it! Make sure you look up! :-)
Have a great time! And, have a very, Merry Christmas!!!!
love,
Mandy

Debby said...

I think your last few weeks have been a miracle.
All that you and your Hubby accomplished is incredible. Pat yourself on the back and go read to your little one, that is very handsome by the way.

Carol said...

Teresa, you have inspired me more than you will ever know. First, with your story...then your talent then with your determination to get through this storm. It takes a strong woman. I think I've met one here. I just wanted to let you know, I don't always take time to comment. But, I have read everything you have posted and trust me I have given it a lot of thought. I don't know why bad things happen to good people but I guess it is how we deal with it that matters most. You never know who you will touch in a lifetime. You have never met me, yet, you have touched me.

Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.

Carol-the gardener

Love Being A Nonny said...

You did it Teresa! Somehow I knew you would! Whew! I don't think you are going to know how tired you are this year until you collapse!!!

Merry Christmas! Enjoy Jack and your littles!

ShanaM said...

This will be a very special Christmas for you.

Joan Davis (Jo) said...

I'm so glad that your husband is healing! Our God is a God of miracles! May your Christmas be full of joy!

Blessings to you, Joan

Sue said...

So wonderful to read of the progress of your husband and that you successfully finished the season amid such stress.
You will have a great time at ICE, check my blog a few posts back to get a preview of Charlie and friends. {and we are off to visit the mouse in Jan and have enjoyed your old posts for some helpful hints - thanks}
Have a very Merry Christmas.

Lizzie said...

it is a season to celebrate now isn't it :) May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

Bacardi Mama said...

I am so proud of you. You are just like the energizer bunny. No matter what life throws you, you just keep on plugging along. I think you have had more than one Christmas miracle this year. Have a wonderful and restful trip. Now it's time to take a deep breath and relax.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Rejoicing with you and your CHRISTMAS MIRACLE.

fondly,
Glenda

Michelle said...

You have a wonderful Christmas Miracle.
Merry Christmas!

Doris said...

Amazing...you, your tree year and your hubby! God is so good.

I think the tree you discribed is like mine. We have not had a real tree in many years. But I made a daughter happy! It's way bigger than our fake one, I don't have enough to put on it....I don't know how to make a fake tree look good....this one is even harder.....the tree is NOT straight....we have colored lights (we happen to like them)....I see cords everywhere (man I feel so much better now that I know you did too!)....I'm not in love with the tree yet but hope it grows on me. I think it will.

Rest well. Enjoy your little ones!

Doris

elizabeth said...

What a fun trip it sounds like you'll be taking! The Gaylord is so beautiful at Christmas and you two have so much to celebrate after the stroke.

LOVE the photo at the end - Jack?

Justabeachkat said...

Hi sweet friend! We're back home and tonight is the first time I've had some time to visit. I don't think I'll every catch up with my emails, blogging, facebooking, etc. but I'm giving it a go. I've had fun reading all your posts I've missed.

So excited about your trip and that Jack is feeling good enough to travel. Wow, isn't our God awesome?! I'm so happy your tree trimming season is over. I pray you will have time now to relax and enjoy time with your family.

Hugs,
Kat

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are going to give yourself exactly what you more than need. Some rest and then a vacation. Enjoy yourself and that wonderful family. God's blessings for you and your family during the holiday season and throughout the new year. So happy to see so many prayers answered for you.

Linda said...

Bravo Teresa! I am so proud of you! You are amazing.

You have been through so much. But when things get tough...the tough get going! (:>) You may not feel strong, but I think you are. And the Lord gave you the strength to carry on for everyone's sake. I praise Him for answered prayers.

Now do sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip...and then Christmas with your Hubby and family and friends. You deserve it! (:>)

And everyday when you look into your husbands eyes just thank God for your Christmas Miracle! And enjoy everyday sweetie.

I am so happy for you and your family to have survived this storm.

Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Woohoo, stand back ya'll 'cause I'm doin' my happy dance here!!! Thank you so much sweetie, I can't believe ya have giveaways on top of everything else ya have on that heaped over plate of yours.

I've been lax and behind. My dear MIL (who I keep a close eye on) has been demanding much of my time and attention lately. I actually lost her for a short time the other day. Can ya imagine that conversation..."Hubby, I've lost your mother...!!!" We're right in the throws of dementia and the onset of Alzheimer...it sucks!

You take care and have a great trip to Dallas. Wow, Dallas at Christmastime is just amazing. Take time to rest sweetie!

God bless and enjoy your day!!!

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Teresa, I'm so glad you are done with houses! I know you have to be soooo relieved! Now you can enjoy the rest of the season. The house you posted on your other blog was really beautiful! When did everybody start doing white lights anyways? I really love the colored ones...they are so much fun! I used to love them as a kid. I was laughing about the "perfect" tree. I am the same way about the ones I do...fake, ribbon, perfect shape.lol...We went to see ICE last weekend and it was really neat! I don't know how they do all of that...amazing. It was very cold...I think they said 9 degrees, so I was ready to get out of there pretty quickly. You couldn't stand it if they didn't provide the big blue coats! We had 4:00 tickets and the line was crazy...Sherry's little grandbabies were not happy. After ICE we went to the Galleria and ate at a mexican restaurant down by the skating rink. It's beautiful there! I bought 3 cute sweaters at Macy's on sale. I wish we had a Macy's here! I hope you have fun this weekend!! I am so glad Jack is doing well and is able to go with you!! Thank the Lord! Kristen