A Christmas to Remember

"When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Luke 2:15-19

I absolutely love the part about Mary treasuring those things and pondering them in her heart. To ponder means to consider deeply and thoroughly; to meditate; to weigh carefully in the mind; reflect; and even estimate the worth of. Mary took the time. She was still and quiet. She treasured those first moments and pondered the destiny of this baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. She hid them in heart. Reflected and rejoiced.

I felt a bit like Mary this holiday season. I pondered so many moments, wanting not one to be taken for granted.

I pondered reading the story of baby Jesus to Max.

I pondered baking Christmas cookies with Sam. Twice.

I pondered decorating the house, inside and out, for the holiday season.

I pondered Max taking every ornament he could reach off the tree until the bottom half was bare.

I pondered the packages that arrived on our doorstep with Maximus' name on the front, just a reminder of how many people truly love and adore the little man.

I pondered our Christmas Eve in, Max tucked in bed, and Sam and I putting together the toys.

I pondered our Christmas morning and Max excited to open his gifts. And the breakfast Sam made that will hopefully be a family tradition.

I pondered our relaxed Christmas get-togethers with all the grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles and cousins.

I pondered how different Christmas was only a few short years ago.

I pondered how a gift like Max, a beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy could change our world. Forever.

I think I got a small glimpse this Christmas into what it meant for Mary to "treasure all those things and ponder them in her heart." She was overwhelmed. Thankful. Grateful. Filled-up. Satisfied. And deeply moved by the goodness of God.

And so am I.

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Some of my favorite Christmas moments

Max models some of the clothes he received from our friends in NY.

Lookin' good my man!

Sam sportin' his "Cousin Eddie" [from Christmas Vacation] outfit.

Christmas morning Max played with his toolbench forever. and ever. and ever.

[and was completely oblivious to the BIG WHITE SHEET behind him that had his new Jeep Power Wheels underneath!]

Another favorite gift, his dog he calls "Abby"

[after my parents dog that is named Abby].

Finally...

Checking out his new ride.

Standing on his new ride.

One of the gifts from Grandma Tonya and birthdaddy, Colton.

I love wooden toys and so does Max!

Max, so proud of his new [and noisy!] fire truck.

Thanks Uncle Josh, we owe you.