Traditions of Purpose

 

 There are just some things that we have to do.

 

Yes, I know the old line " death and taxes".

 

But for me, I feel the need for more...

                                              like family traditions.

Do you have any?

You should- at least that is this writer's humble opinion.

What do "traditions" really mean to your family?

I don't really care what they are but I think that they give a sense of belonging, security and love. You see, your traditions are unique to your family and the things that you do include those that you're close to.

It may be certain foods you cook for a particular occasion, the way you celebrate special days, the way you decorate, games you play, people you visit...the list can go on and on. Whatever they are, they serve a very special purpose.

For my family, we have ALOT of traditions...

I decorate the house for EVERY season. There are certain decorations that have their special place each year. My girls could put everything out with their eyes closed- they've watched me do it for so long. If I tried to do it any different, the house would be in an uproar! ;)

When it comes time for a birthday, we don't really do parties but celebrate with going out for a breakfast date with mom and dad. That evening, we celebrate as a family with a favorite meal- a special request.

 

 

At Thanksgiving, dinner is always very special. The table is decorated beautifully. We get out the silver, cloth napkins and special dishes. Each child finds a festively wrapped ornament at their place.

These special ornaments will be placed on the tree the next day when all of the Fall decorations are put away and the loads of Christmas decorations are brought out.

 

 

When my children are ready to marry and start families of their own, they will have special ornaments from their childhood as a start for their family collection

A few years ago, when our oldest was in college, we went to visit her for Thanksgiving and packed the china, silver and fall decorations. We cooked the entire meal in the hotel room with crockpots and a microwave.

 

We spread out the tablecloth, decorated the table, lit the candles, placed the ornaments on each child's plate and enjoyed our family Thanksgiving in the hotel room.

 

 

  My kids loved it!

  

 

 

 

These are the kind of things that they will probably repeat with their own families and the traditions will live on.

This is all part of living purposefully.

We should not just stumble through life, trying to make it from day to day living, being subject to whatever comes our way.

 

Living a life of purpose is much more than that! I don't do all of these things just for me- I do them for my children. I believe it's important. I want my children to feel loved, to be secure and confident in their place in this world...and traditions are tools to accomplish just that. :)

 

A Little Drive and Memory or Two

We took a bit of some time away and enjoyed family time in Williamsburg.

My little soldiers trying on military uniforms.

Elaina and Her Daddy stopping for a quick shot in one of the houses as we toured the Jamestown Settlement.

The Mountain Top by Abigail Miller

True Treasure

Some women find happiness in their work, some in their social status, some find their happiness in the things they own. But for me, I could not ask for anything more than what God has given me. Above all else in this life of mine, I adore my family. They are my greatest blessing and my most valued treasure. If you knew them the way I know them, you would know why! As I think about each of them, a few things come to mind.

There are so many reasons why I love them but here are a few.

My husband…

The way his eyes still sparkle sometimes when he looks at me

The way that he keeps me grounded- things are black and white to him and me, well not so much

His playful spirit

The way he takes care of me- there are so many ways, but one that especially warms my heart is the way that he wakes me up every morning. He comes into the bedroom, with a cup of hot coffee and my medicine, gently helping me sit up in the bed with a warm hug and a kiss. Then he gives me my medicine. I can’t think of many better ways to be woken up!

Brittany, my 20 year old…

Her smile and playful spirit.

She has such a friendly personality, a “people person”.

Her creativity- I LOVE reading her blog. She has a wonderful way of writing and makes even the most boring things interesting.

She’s so good with children and they love her. She’s going to make a good mommy, she already understands the principles and ways of training. It warms my heart to see her working with them and guiding them in right.

McKenna, my 16 year old…

Her smile and crazy sense of humor.

Her servant’s heart- she’s a worker.

The sound of her piano playing in the background as I work around the house.

She is very good with children and I notice the way she sets her plans aside so she can read a book, jump on the trampoline or play with them.

Elaina, my 14 year old

Her smile and quick wit.

She has the most gentle spirit & tender heart.

She is such a worker- and if I want it done “right” she can handle it without a problem.

She has a submissive attitude and will do whatever I ask without complaint.

Abigail, my 11 year old…

Her compassionate heart & warm spirit

Her love language is definitely touch & needs lots of hugs and encouragement

She is one who will be sure to make an elderly person in the church feel loved & special

She loves animals and babies. I’m sure she will make a good mommy one day!

Samuel, my 8 year old…

His tender heart, he tells me twenty times a day, “Mommy, I love you.” He always has and I hope he always will

The way he loves his little beagle, Copper.

The way he is so sweet to his little brother & takes care of him.

His sense of humor- he is always trying to come up with something funny to do.

He loves to “organize” things either to make his mommy happy or “just because”

Joshua, my 7 year old

His sunshine personality and dimpled smile. Nothing melts mine and his sister’s hearts more than that little smile

His tenderness, he loves any kind of animal. He loves to bring his little treasures to me. There have been many times he has come in from outside with a handful of something, be it lizards, frogs, grasshoppers, you name it. It’s always interesting, I promise you!

He doesn’t mind being the baby of the family. Only sometimes, he will get on his sisters for calling him, “Baby” other times, he quite enjoys it.

I could go on forever but I won’t. Overall, I love my family, I love being with them, I am overwhelmed at times that God has given me such wonders. There is no one on this rich green earth that I would rather be with. I cannot understand the woman that wants to be anywhere but home. My home is my haven. It is the place where I find peace, joy, love, laughter, acceptance, encouragement and comfort. And for this I am most grateful.