What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Monday, December 29, 2008

Slim pickings

Though we traveled here, there and everywhere for the holidays and enjoyed every moment in each place we visited, and despite the fact that I lugged my camera to each location, *still* my camera was actually only put to good use at one particular celebration.

Thankfully, it seems to me that it was this particular time that was most important to document anyway. It was Christmas Day, at Gram's house. Gram is Matt's grandmother, newly begun her 9th decade.

It was a wee bit emotional, especially when she handed each of the granddaughters by blood (and marriage!) a handmade crocheted afghan. She had worked her fingers to the bone this past year-and it touched me very deeply to receive such a heartfelt gift.

It is easy to take for granted the health of loved ones, the years they have been given to us, and the time we have been given to share in their lives. Seeing another one of my children held by a great-grandmother, and another great-grandmother smiling with joy in the holding made me especially thankful this year.

Four generations of Newman...


Gram did the best in Andrew's eyes this year, gifting him a bells n whistles Hess truck and loader. He plays with that thing for HOURS at a time! And at the opening (his first gift) he was no longer interested in opening presents.

One more of Gram, because she has such a nice smile...

And then~one of her and I. I love her like my own.

And one of our whole family...because these times, they are precious. (Don't you just love that Matt is holding her hand?! I love that man.)


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7 comments:

Tracy said...

I DO love that Matt is holding her hand. I love watching my husband with his grandmother. The tenderness gets me every time.

Full of Grace said...

Oh, this is what memories are made of- I love all the shots, but especially the first and last! :)

Charree said...

It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. Your pictures are fabulous and will be such keepsakes in years to come. I am curious to find out more about the 12 days of Christmas gift exchange. It sounds like a neat idea. Have a happy New Year!

The dB family said...

What sweet special moments you have shared with us. Your photos are wonderful!

Abigail said...

That top picture is SO beautiful. I'm glad you spent time enjoying each other.

Grandma Bibby said...

These are great pictures. You need to get some with Opa & Oma. You never know when it will be too late. Look at Jean with her grandma. Don't have regrets.

Rebecca said...

Mrs. B~ believe it or not, I have FAR more of Oma and Opa than I do of Gram. Think of all the times I have posted about Oma and Opa this past year alone...and not ONCE about Gram.

Believe you me, I make good use of every opportunity on BOTH sides of the family.