Blessed

I have been thinking a lot about being blessed, in the sense that I have much more and not just in the material things but in the thought of family and the ability to give of my love and time freely.  I am beyond blessed to have parents who are working towards accepting me among all the changes I am continually going through, siblings who can make me laugh, cry and be stern in the words and wisdom I try to share with them.  I was raised by an amazing group of women- my ama (grandma), aunts and cousins.  The connection has always been strong but trying at times as I try to make Indy my home.  I am blessed that after giving up on love and creating my own family I found a wonderful man, that at times may drive me crazy, is helping me to become a more patient person, giving us opportunities I did not know I needed, and the adventure of making our own family traditions in this home that he has been working so hard to renovate.  He is constantly showing me that this new life is way better than the life plan I wrote in pen before him. 

I am blessed that this year I am less stressed about Christmas, less stressed about having too much to do, more anxious in sharing the blessings that God has given me. 

Last weekend we celebrated Christmas at my parents home; mom, sisters, Eze, Tegan, Darren and I.  It feels slightly strange to know that Christmas is 2 days away but we have already started sharing the greatness of this season.  My grandfather was opening the gifts that us kids had for him, he stated that he that day luck had followed him and my mother and I immediately let him know that it was not luck but a blessing.  A blessing that we have jobs/careers that allow us to share with one another in giving.  And since then, if not before I have been thinking about how much all of this is a blessing.  I have a car that still runs even after all these years, I have great relationships to continue to build on, I have entered into a loving family and see more clearly all my parents do.  I have entered the stage in my life where I now have a the best relationship with my mom, I have let some people walk out of my life and gained longlasting relationships, I am continually working towards giving the love that am capable of to family and friends.  I am seeking the purpose that God has for my life, the career and life that I can be a blessing and give of my myself in which others will be blessed.  For now I just want to relish in what he has given me, life.

List

So I have been thinking a whole lot about what I would like to put on my gift list. Really, am I allowed to ask for:
• clothing to be put away same day it's washed and not be in the basket for weeks at a time
• for the kitchen table to stay clean at all times
• for things to be put back in their place and not be left out
• more help in the house besides the construction (the basement is a mess)

I know there is more but these are the ones that come to mind right now.

Love Language and some

Gifts. I love the surprise behind the receiving of gifts and the sneakiness in giving, the excitement leading up to the opening.  I throughly enjoy putting a list together for the many people I love,  finding the best places and putting the items together for wrapping.  I even hide items as long as I can to keep up the excitement in giving.  It's my love language, giving gifts allows me to express my love and how I care.  I look around for great deals to allow more buying and purchase items that they want not just what they need.

The excitement has once again grown, being in the same house with Darren means I have to be careful of where I place my items to keep the fun in it.  Last year I hid his stocking for probably the whole week leading up to Christmas as it was overflowing.  I fibbed about the giant box under the tree and said it was for may niece when in reality it was a tool chest for him.

Darren asked me to put a list together, (he is not the best listener otherwise I think at this point in the year he might have a great list by now) and I am finding it hard.  I find it hard because the wants are usually just put on a back burner so when I am up for spending money/shopping or because they are pricey items.   I also hold out in hopes of finding a better deal.  Needless to say I am at a roadblock right now and we are only a couple of weeks away from celebrating.