giving thanks

this holiday season is not quite going the way i had envisioned.  our house is still not done and won't be done until january.  all of our decorations are deep in storage, which means that many of the traditions we continue each year will have to be put on hold this year.

i had a good cry about it and now, well, now i am coming to accept it and try to mindfully be here, now.  enjoy this moment for what it is, instead of for what i hoped it would be.  

we have a beautiful tree, completely decorated with homemade ornaments (mostly made from stuff we had around the house or yard).  we are fully enjoying our advent activities.  the kids don't seem to notice the homemade advent calendar i made last year is not here with us, when they find the little slip of paper in a special jar each morning.

i am trying not to let the lack of decorations that i look forward seeing to each year stop me from getting into the holiday spirit.  i have christmas music on and christmas cards displayed, and that will have to do this year. 

i have two singing, dancing healthy children (and one on the way!) who remind me everyday what is most important.  it is not a house, or decorations, or traditions.  it is us. together. enjoying each day as it is... and maybe just a little bit of dreaming of next year.

mindfulness

I read this quote from Thich Nhat Hanh today over at uncommongrace:

"If while washing dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as if they were a nuisance, then we are not 'washing the dishes to wash the dishes.' What's more, we are not alive during the time we are washing the dishes. In fact, we are completely incapable of realizing the miracle of life while standing at the sink. If we can't wash the dishes, the chances are we won't be able to drink our tea, either. While thinking of other things, we are barely aware of the cup in our hands. Thus, we are sucked away into the future -- and we are incapable of actually living one moment of life!"

i need to remember these words, especially in this busy month full of excitement and 'stuff' to do.  this special time is fleeting and i want to be present to enjoy each moment.