Christmas and Children... Reminisce

My " Keepsakes Christmas Tree "  filled with Christmas memories of my children coming home from school,excited about school parties,Christmas cookies,and so proud of some little handmade ornament to hang on our tree. Other ornaments bought over the years,to commemorate a year a child was born,etc. Even others given by family members or friends...just because. These are the ones that hang on my tree this year!  Toys under the tree..loved and worn over the years,cherished by a little one...left behind for me to reminisce of when those little ones were at my feet, tugging on my skirt ..little voices calling mama.....mama!

Thomas...you still have your mama's heart....always..no matter how old you grow....all my heart!
You were my little strong one, my little man....always there when mama needed you. You grew up strong and capable.....in so many ways.

 Oh,if that "Little Foot" stuffed dinosaur could only talk...he would tell you some stories of a little boy named J.W. who loved him better than any little boy could ever love a toy. Oh, how I miss that rowdy, wild little boy....he sure kept me on my toes. To think you are now a U.S. Marine.  He reminds me often when I still try and warn him of the danger that a gun can be :)  Mama..I have been trained as a U.S. Marine!

Regina, my eldest...who stuck to her mama like glue. Still close by...my neighbor daughter. What memories I cherish of you. You taught a young girl what it was to be a mother.

Then there is my baby girl ,Kathryne Rose...you nursed your teddies and dollies back to health....who knew you would grow up and nurse people. You did it...all by yourself. I pray you know just how very proud this mama is of you. You fulfilled the dream I once carried for myself.

 Oh, what treasures memories are. I hold then near and dear in my heart...always. I shall always be grateful to God for the blessing of my children! Those I birthed,and one born of my heart.

Then.....

And now.......

Always in my heart!