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My Christmas Wish to You

My week last week was supposed to be a staycation clean-a-thon, right? Instead it became a week-long series of trials that can really test ones strength. The weekend before my break my kids and I got a slight head cold and I complained, but I had no idea how slight that was in comparison to the events yet to come.

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you follow me on social media, you know what I’m talking about. At first, I was elated to kick off the week by cleaning our home from one end to the other, top to bottom – a winter spring cleaning. My kids were on board and were the most awesome helpers and we were knocking our project out of the park.

FUN TIMES

It was about the second day that my husband’s car died on the way home from work and I went to jump-start his car. The headache that event can be is nothing in comparison to following him home knowing it would soon die again, only to have your break line bust while driving. Yep, peddle to the floor and stressful as can be.

His car did die again, and we had to pull off and I kept thinking to myself, “What else could go wrong?” Little did I know…

My husband had to take time off to make a break line for our truck and while I am thankful we are able to do such things, I was annoyed I was without my vehicle again. However, I was feeling proud of myself the other days because I got to hang my front door decor…

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

…and get some handmade gifts done. Please tell me you know who this is!

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

MORE FUN

The next day was more cleaning and I was able to give myself a long-awaited treat. I finally hung the twin crystal chandelier to the one in our bedroom in our kitchen. I have had in the basement for two years and was going to wait until our kitchen remodel was done to hang it, but I thought, meh…let’s hang it now!

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

So I did with much frustration as it took me waaaay too long to hang because our home was wired by a two-year old. I lost most of my day fiddling with it and was at least happy to have my treasure hanging in its rightful spot. The rest of the remodel coming soon!

I was even able to get that curbside settee finished and in my shop, so I was feeling pretty good that project off my to-do list. Upholstery work in my words is like wrestling a cat. You get all scratched up and ache all over, but I will say the fruits of your labor are rewarding.

An antique settee left for the trash with a broken arm and in need of repair is a junkers "Trashure" (one man's junk is another woman's treasure). With some TLC it is made new by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

NOT SO FUN

That night, I went to bed exhausted and snuggling my toddler, only to be wakened by a onslaught of vomit. Ah yes, remember those fun days as a parent? My little one not only started the night off with a bang, but EVERY TEN MINUTES the rest of the night. No sleepy for me.

Vacation over and wore out mama begins. I had to carry her the entire next day as she was in recovery mode and needed loving. Then the second night came. It was my turn. Wickedly sick and asking God, “Why, when I’ve worked so hard to take time for my kids and myself to just be?”

I can’t move a lick the next day and my husband had to stay home from work and nurse me. Then he got nailed. Both of us deemed useless while our kids took over the lead…that is until they got the nasty bug too.

You haven’t experienced life until you have 6 kids dropping like flies while you are useless to help. I was pretty depressed, and then I realized, “Thank you, God, that I don’t have cancer or some other ill fate where this is the norm.” I truly felt awful, but not near as awful as some. I mean, I have all my family (aside from my two babes in heaven), and we’re only sick for a time. My house if filled with noise, mess, and those that I love most.

We are still not completely whole again, but are looking forward to some restful days over this holiday weekend. Time to chat and reminisce of the Christmas’s gone by.

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

GET ‘ER DONE

Though we were thrown off track, I help my little complete their handmade gifts to each other. That is until this evil fur creature did a rotten thing. Do you see that offender peeking in?

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While mustering up all my strength to help my kids work on their gifts, I heard a chewing sound. Having heard that before and knowing it was our cat, Lily, I was repulsed to find her chewing through my serger cords completely, almost through my sewing machine cords, and an extension cord. I was livid and so sick of things going wrong.

Oh, and did I mentioned one of my clients received their small piece of furniture broken? A total loss and our first ever in all our years of shipping. Bound to happen at some point, but why now?

Then I checked my email. We had a prayer request for a little girl named Emma who was 5 years old who had cancer and chemotherapy wasn’t working, so they decided to perform surgery. They didn’t think she would survive. I broke into tears because how could I be so concerned about something so pointless? I have my kids, I have my health, and I have my Savior.

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

ONE WORD

After asking my fans to sum up their year in one word, I use the word, “Exhausted”. I truly feel that I have worked myself to the bone and miss my kids, my normal life. I aim to change that in the year to come. When I asked my kids, they replied, “Fun”. That stopped me in my tracks. Here I thought was not doing enough for them. However, they saw all the good in the year…the fun events the milestones…boy, it is touching.

My point in all of this is that, yes, we get caught up in the woes of our world. Or, we can see fit to say, “It’s a blessing to have woes.” Christmas for me is the hope that soon our Lord and Savior will return and wipe out those cares the seem so important. We will have PEACE at last.

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

My heartfelt Christmas wish is that you have a fantastic time of family and friends. Relish those sweet memories you’re making, and focus on the important things in life. Where will we be when He returns, when Jesus comes to call us home? Are we ready? Or are we too caught up in the here and now?

Finding true contentment in our daily grind by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I will continue to snuggle my babes as we heal and make the most of this holiday season. However, this lady is going to work harder at making life simpler and living it to the full. I am focusing on important matters.

Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!

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Comments

  1. Cecilia says

    Larissa, your post touched my heart this morning. It is awful when everyone gets sick and you’re also trying to get over it. I feel for you, mama! It’s had to focus on the blessings…I wish I had been where you are (and I am now) when my children were little. Wasted too much time in anger and bitterness BUT God is good and can use all things for good. Praying for you all to feel better and be well and for you to get rest! My word for next year is going to either be simplify or something similar as we start preparing for our move in a year. Time to get rid of the clutter! May you have a blessed Christmas,
    Cecilia

    • Larissa says

      It can be easy to get caught up in the woes we have for sure, I do from time to time, and it sure isn’t worth it. Thank you for the love and support. Have a blessed Christmas too!

  2. Sue McElroy says

    Thank you for a remarkable testimony. Near forget how well you show others how our God is so good! Even in hard times, God is always honored and you have taken the time to share that message with others. Thank you again for your wonderful and touching testimony. Keep up the good work! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for letting me know what I do is worthwhile. Hearing comments is the best thing. Merry Christmas!

  3. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    You are so blessed to have a good head on your shoulders and always try to be positive. And the Lord sees this. Merry Christmas, and above all health to you and your family!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary. It’s easier to complain for sure, but seeing the positive makes life better. Thank you for all your support! Merry Christmas!

  4. Marie from The Interior Frugalista says

    Sorry to hear you’ve had a whirlwind couple of weeks and I’m happy to read you’ve come out on the other side with a fresh new perspective and positive outlook. “Focus on what matters” – a lesson I need to bring home too. I hope you are on the mend and have a beautiful Christmas with the ones you love.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Marie. I am always learning that lesson an patience is key. 😉 I hope you have a fantastic Christmas!

  5. Michelle Cotter says

    Larissa,
    Thanks again for helping me start my day uplifted. I am so sorry to hear that your time off went awry, best laid plans…but WOW when you have bad luck you really do it right! I’m so glad that at least you got it over with before the holiday. I also want to say thank you for reminding me that there are always, always so many things to be grateful for.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Michelle C.

    • Larissa says

      Happy to hear it, Michelle, and thank you for the support. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

  6. Ellen Braunberger says

    Ah ,the trials we are given to make us know real love and peace! Have a very blessed Christmas!

    • Larissa says

      Yes, and contentment for sure. Thank you, Ellen. Merry Christmas!

  7. Kerry Messenger says

    Merry Christmas from Australia. You’re an inspiration across the world and a blessing to all. K

    • Larissa says

      That is so sweet of you to say, Kerry. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

  8. Sherry Fram says

    Merry Christmas! Take care of each other & feel better! Love your posts & your blog. It is a bright spot in my day. Thank you & God Bless!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Sherry! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  9. Sondra McAnally says

    Your post is wonderful and I pray that you can use this medium to continue to be a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. After all, that is the most important of all that we do! My husband is the pastor of a “very” small church in West Texas with n ot a lot of help to do the things that I would like to do in the church. I always step back a few paces and remember that God can use ‘anything’ for His Glory and that is the most important…increasing His Kingdom. God Bless you and your endeavors. Thank you for your witness!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Sondra. 🙂 He is faithful and we just need to focus on Him, right?

  10. Pam Graffius says

    Thanks so much for the reminder that Jesus is the reason! So easy to get caught up in everything else! But…have never heard of a cat eating through wires…yikes!

    • Larissa says

      You are most welcome, Pam. Thank you for your support! and yes…they do, and also dish gloves, foam toys, plastic toys, leather… believe me. 😉

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