A whole lotta Christmas

Its come and gone. Decorations were up and now put away. Presents were wrapped, and now opened and in use. Christmas tunes were on 24/7, and now rarely hit the radio. It really is crazy at how much work people put into Christmas all for one day. One day that is marked December 25th.

This year Christmas has been a whirlwind. I felt like it was yesterday that I was setting up my Christmas lights in my room, and preparing my roomies for the Christmas tunes that would be blasted from my speakers. My dancing in the shower while singing, "Mistletoe", and "Jingle Bell Rock" was cut short, and I didn't put a dent in my bucket of Candy Cane ice-cream.

The Christmas traditions that normally take place did not happen, but more than ever I was thankful right where I was. At home. With loved ones. My Family. Everyone. Gathered around. Together.

 

Christmas really is about the birth of Christ. It's a celebration of life. The MacDonald family too were celebrating the life that was saved on the 12th, and fact that we all could be together. It was nice to enjoy a Christmas at Kathryn's, where I was a guest and was able to help out when needed. Then on Boxing Day all my siblings and their families came to our home. 

   

All of us. Together.

Christmas is the one time of the year where I know all my family will be together at some point or another. I know this may change but for now this is the way it is. Brother Rob and his family travel home, sister Tara and her family drive in, and Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa's) home will be filled with warmth and laughter. Love and joy. During Christmas there is no agenda except to be together. The kids play, stories are shared and memories made.

 

It was even the Christmas where the photo albums and baby books made an appearance all to see how red Grant's face would turn. 

 

Although this was a Christmas where I did more work than ever in the history of this 22 year-old, where I wore an apron most of Boxing Day, and when the day was over my feet were thumping with exhaustion; I was happy. I was soaking up Christmas bliss because we were together. I sat and looked around the table at the people that I love the most. Of whom I am so grateful for, and who complete me. My family. This Christmas flew by, but everyone was 'Home for Christmas' and that's what meant the most.

 

I know its a little late now, but Merry Christmas! 

I pray your day was filled with much peace, hope, joy and love!

Christmas Letter 2011

Greetings friends and family,

As I begin to write this Christmas letter, my page is blank full of possibility of what to say. How can I begin to put this year into 1 page worth of words? What to share? How to convey my year to you? I think I’ll pull a Mary Poppins and just say ‘My year was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!’

I finished up my 3^rd year at Brock University in April, and currently in my 4^th studying Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Sociology. Since I switched programs so many times during 1^st and 2^nd year, I have to come back for an extra term (September-December 2012) however will only have 3 courses so planning on commuting from home. I still love Brock and so thankful I decided to make this my home-away-from-home. I am continuing to work at Career Services on campus, volunteering, and swimming during the week. My friends are fabulous, community is awesome, and I’m trying to enjoy the University life as much as possible.

This past summer I worked for The GO Project, which is affiliated with The United Church. Little did I know this job would change my life. The GO Project is a youth mission program organized for the wider church by Islington United Church based in Toronto. It gives youth and their leaders an opportunity to experience local mission in a variety of ways; through assisting at community gardens, organizing food drives, running a children’s program, working with individuals on the street etc. Mission that doesn't involve building homes and fixing wells (although that is just as important), rather mission that involves building a relationship with others, yourself and God, and creating positive change within communities. The GO Project has sites in Toronto, Vancouver, as well as in Halifax and St. John’s where I was working.  This job opened my eyes to the world around us, and had me connecting with individuals whose stories are far different than my own.

This summer, July 11, 2011 to be exact, was also when I experienced my call to ministry. There are no words to really describe my call, however it was powerful, vibrant and real. I wrestled with my call for the remaining of the summer, and in early fall engaged in deep and rich conversations with my mentors. I am now in the process of discernment, where with a committee of 5, along with myself, over the next year I will explore my faith, and see where my gifts are best suited to serve the church. I am excited for this journey to unfold, and keeping close the words of Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

On top of school and church, there has been lots of other stuff going on. In February I bought a cherished and very loved new SRL Nikon D90 camera, which has increased my enjoyment of photography, and love for the hobby. In April I attended the Juno Awards in Toronto where Drake was the host, and September found myself back for a Keith Urban concert! During my week off in the summer I enjoyed some time at the cottage, which I am extremely grateful, as after many years on the market it finally sold this November. I’ve also celebrated with many friends as they’ve welcomed new life into this world, and rejoiced with brother Grant as he graduated University. I’m still wearing my Toronto Maple Leaf’s jersey with pride and continue to believe that sometime during my lifetime we will win the cup!

Although in hockey, it’s all about winning, life is not. Life is about celebrating the beauty that surrounds us, the joys of today and wonders for tomorrow. Life is about appreciating the small things, cherishing each new day and spending time with those you love. During this holiday season, I encourage you to take a step back, pause on the moment, and enjoy the miracle that is Christmas. Sending so much love to you and your family this Christmas season, and many well wishes for a Happy New Year!

Peace, Love and Hugs!

Hillary

The true meaning of Christmas

Christmas means something different for each and every individual. Memories are individually created, traditions depend upon the family, and the way in which one goes about this season varies among the crowd.

It seems that society gets all caught up on the idea of Christmas and not the true meaning. The excitement in children's eyes as they prepare for Santa's arrival, the array of presents wrapped under the Christmas tree, or this new notion of an 'Elf on the Shelf' (which I think is rather creepy and a little over the top). People are rushing to finish their list thats a mile long, hiring cleaning staff to make sure their home is perfectly clean, and feeling exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed.

When my car was hit in a parking lot while going to visit a friend, it was then, that I wanted to protest this consumerism Christmas. I took a deep breath, turned off my car, and walked around to see the damage. It was just a scratch. A scratch on a car. The car still works, I'm not hurt, there was no need to fight or scream.  Instead I turned to the aggressive driver who hit my car (and whose own car was more damaged then my own), and said "I'm alive and its just a car. I don't want your name or number, and I'm not going to call insurance. But what I do want is for you to slow down. Stop and remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about". I wished him a Merry Christmas, hopped back in my car and found a parking spot at the very back of the lot where no one else would hit me.

Lets not take the Christ out of Christmas. I will continue and will always say 'Merry Christmas', I will respect the fact that there are others whom do not celebrate, however this is a season of Advent. This is the season of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This is the season of waiting in anticipation of His arrival. It is a time to Celebrate the joy. Relish the love. Pray for peace. Hope for tomorrow.

Christmas isn't about rushing and shopping. Its not about materialistic presents and Santa. Christmas is about everlasting love, and the present of Jesus Christ. More than ever this Christmas season I am stepping back to look at what's important. Exactly 10 days ago Mom's life was at risk, and our family was turned upside down. Thankfully God was with us every step of the way, guiding and healing, protecting and loving. Through the power of the Holy Spirit- Mom is now home. She is home this Christmas season.

So as my family of 4 gathers around the table for Christmas Eve, as we gather with family on the 25th, and I have all my siblings and family here on the 26th, it wont be the gifts and food that I will enjoy the most, it will be the love that is shared, the life that is living. The gift of Christmas doesn't come wrapped in a box, or tied with ribbon. The gift of Christmas is found right in the hearts of those near and dear. It is found in you and me. It is found in family and friends. It is found in neighbours and strangers. The true meaning of Christmas, the gift, the life, the love, is found in Christ.

Saved Life. What a Blessing.

you saved your own life

Theses are the words that Mom will remember for the rest of her life. Theses are the words I'll remember for the rest of my life. 

saved life. your own. life.

12:01pm. Monday December 12. My phone rang. The words that came out of my Dad's mouth hit me hard. Mom had a heart attack...long pause...too long...my mind went racing 150 km/hr... tears starting streaming exploding down my face...brother chips in...but she's okay. 

OKAY?! WHAT?! A heart attack isn't something that is okay. All I kept thinking is thats my Mom. My Mom. Yes mine. My Mom. Mom. The one that I call my own. Yes her. She had a heart attack. What. What the f. This isn't happening. This can't be real. She's my Mom. But. But she is alive. Alive. Breathing. Living. Still here. My Mom is alive!

I have no idea what they told me that moment onwards. I just remember my housemates running into my room and the looks on their faces like 'wtf is going on?' Jaclyn starting rubbing my back. My whole body starting heating up. Tears were uncontrollable. I was a hot sticky snotty mess and I needed to get home. I needed to be there. Beside her, holding her hand. Knowing and seeing that she was here. Alive. Breathing. Living. Thank goodness they told me my sister was on her way. I hung up the phone and hugged Jaclyn like there was no letting go. I screamed something along the lines of 'Mom had a heart attack but she is alive'. The girls started packing my bags, making phone calls, sending e-mails, ensuring that if I needed anything they would drive it to me, making me lunch etc. I somehow showered, was dressed and every piece of my belonging was at the front door waiting...oh and during that long wait for my sister to arrive...my housemates distracted me by playing gold fish, crazy 8's, and I spy with my little eye. When sister arrived, they loaded me up and sent us on our way. 

That 2 hour drive was the longest 2 hours of my life. It felt like I was crawling along the highway and I remember every so often leaning over to ensure my sister was actually going at least 110 km/hr and not 40, like it felt. We arrived in London and went straight to the hospital. Got to the 5th floor and saw my beautiful Mom. She was there. Waiting for me. She was talking. She was breathing. She was (and still is) very much ALIVE! I held her tight trying to fight back my tears and kept thanking God for the miracle of this day. 

You see I received the call at 12:01pm, but it all happened much earlier in the day. Mom was out for her morning walk at 6:30 am with her friend, wasn't feeling great so instead came home. She mentioned to Dad she wasn't feeling good and crawled back in bed. A couple minutes later, after running through the signs and symptoms in her head, said to Dad "Im having a heart attack, call the ambulance". She was rushed to UH and taken for an angioplasty and to have a stent put in her artery that was blocked 100%. During this procedure she went into cardiac arrest so doctors revived her and kept her stable. She has since stayed in hospital and on Wednesday had another stent put in the other artery that was blocked 85%. 

She saved her own life. By telling Dad to call 911, her life was saved.

If Mom had just crawled back in bed. If Mom didn't persist to have an ambulance. If Mom waited. We don't know what the outcome would have been, but most likely it would be much worse. Although we can play the 'what if' game a thousand times over, there is no need, it didn't happen. And Mom is now home, resting, recovering and taking time for herself.

Yesterday she turned to me and asked me how I was doing? It took everything in me not to burst into tears. I really have no words. Was I scared, nervous, fearful, anxious? Yes, all of the above. But now that Mom is home and doctors have confirmed that healing has begun, I am so overwhelmed with thanksgiving and praise. My heart is filled with so much love for our God who was walking with us during this crazy event, and will continue to walk as Mom heals and recovers. I feel so blessed for the friends, family and neighbours who have prayed, called, emailed or stopped by. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer and fully believe that it was because of the prayers from near and far that Mom is now home.

Mom is alive. She saved her own life.

And my heart rejoices. This Christmas season I am stopping to pause and reflect on this past week. I will take an extra moment to look around and offer thanks for what I have. I will say an extra prayer of thanksgiving that Mom is will us this holiday season, and that together we can rejoice in the blessings among us. I'll be stopping to count my blessings this day, season and every day forward. I hope you do the same.

Sprinkles of Christmas

Be prepared. The Christmas fairy is in full force. She is sprinkling Christmas cheer in every corner of my world and this exam stressed student is loving it.

 

Yesterday after spending the day in our pyjama's, watching more than enough episodes of Friends, creating a list of 'Things we must do before we graduate' and with no plans for the evening; the four of us decided to hop in the car and drive to Niagara Falls.

 

We often forget we are only a 10 minute drive to one of the Worlds Most Forgotten Natural Wonders, but each time we are there, are amazed at the beauty it brings. Last night it was more than the water that was beautiful, but rather that Christmas fairy sprinkled some magical beauty dust all throughout the area.

  

The festival of lights is Christmas on steroids. Seriously everything about it is over the top and magical, and we soaked it all in. The lights were everywhere, snow sprinkled on the ground, and all we needed were Christmas tunes in the background and cup of hot coco--and we made that happen. Nothing says Christmas like some good ole Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, or Mariah Carey coming from the speakers of an iPhone, and Tim Horton's hot coco to warm our chilled bodies.

 

We joined the line of cars as we drove by the festival of lights, slowly stopping to admire the different pictures and rolling down windows so we could get a better shot. After driving by we scored ourselves a $2.00 parking spot and walked along the water to look at the Disney Christmas lights. 

 

I'm pretty sure we were the most excited people there as we broke out into Disney classics such as 'Tale as Old as Time' and started to dance pretending we were 'Under the Sea'. After Disney Christmas we continued to walk with Bill Crosby, and Justin Bieber busting out on the iPhone. 

 

Not only was the Christmas dust sparkling in the lights that were all throughout the area, the dust was sprinkled and sparkling on my dearest roomies and friends who complete me and make me whole. Christmas is a time where I admire all my blessings, and the people that bring the most joy and love in my life. Jaclyn, Steph and Amanda are definitely some of those people. There is constant laughter in the house, hearts filled with love, and a deep understanding for one another. As we walked, sang and admired the Christmas festivities, I too admired my friends who I am so blessed to call my own.

 

Hope the Christmas fairy is sprinkling some cheer you way too.

Sweet dreams.

Friday Nuggets: Phone Dump Style

There's a reason why I haven't blogged in over a week and really there's only one way to really show you why: Friday Nuggets: Phone Dump Style (the pictures that have been captured on my iphone in the past week)

:: Who invented theses things? Seriously?!! They are the devil. Pantyhose. Nylons. Tights. Whatever you wanted to call theses things. WHY? I think it took me over 10 minutes to put on a pair, and in that time I went through 2 pairs as they got runs down the one leg. Some would say 'beauty is pain' or 'it takes energy to look beautiful'. I say 'screw that! God gave me natural beauty' Moral of the story- I didn't end up wearing them.

:: The 2nd Annual Kids Christmas was December 2 and what a success! Pretty much the idea of Kids Christmas, or as the school calls it 'Joy Day', is providing kids from lower-socioeconomic homes a Christmas celebration to remember. All of the students that attend the school come from families with little income, and who otherwise would not have a Christmas. On this day Brock students were paired with an elementary student; activities, crafts, games, gift giving and songs happen all day, and jolly old St. Nicholas made a grand appearance in the afternoon. Its a day that puts a smile on everyone's face- kids, volunteers and teachers! It even made the paper which can be viewed: HERE

 

:: Family dinners are in full swing! Jaclyn made this yummy Italian dinner the night of Kids Christmas- yummy!

:: Quality time has also been happening as we get ready for Christmas. I could lie and say we made and cooked the house from scratch- but I won't - we didn't. We bought it from the grocery store, but that doesn't disqualify how much fun it was to build (and later eat) our Gingerbread house!

 

:: I was having a night that I needed some Christmas cheer in my life, so Christmas lights and Michael Buble Christmas special was what the evening called for. It was lovely and exactly what this student needed

:: Christmas cards are done. mailed. and on their way. Check your mailboxes. They should be arriving shortly.

 

:: I've been camping out in the library lately as its EXAM time! You should see the garbage bins as they overflow with Tim Hortons coffee cups, students look like crap as they don't sleep, and all the study cubbies are taken. The life of a student.

 

*warning the upcoming picture may be disturbing. viewer discretion advised*

:: If one was to look at the top of my hand they may see nothing, however when flipped over and zoomed up....

 

gross eh?! I was cutting a carrot for a salad and pretty much sliced my thumb off. lets just say- lots of blood. not pretty. should probably get stitches but see above *exam time people* I don't have time. a band-aid will do for now.

:: That essay I was working on- well 14 resources and 10 pages later- that sucker is done, handed in and now its time to work on #2.

 

I am just counting down the days till this term is over. Although it seems like it flew by, the next couple days will linger along. Only 2 papers and 1 exam before Christmas holidays. 16 days till Christmas. 22 days till New Years Eve. 24 days till Cuba!

Happy Friday Friends!

Goodbye Cottage

This morning I woke up with a tear in my eye. A tear that I knew I would shed I just wasn't sure when. A tear of sadness, but also excitement. A tear of memories from the past, and memories for the future. A tear for myself, my family, our friends.

Today, December 1, 2011, our beloved cottage of 60+ years becomes someone else's to love. A cottage that created so many memories, strengthened so many friendships, and was loved and cherished by our family and friends, will now be that for another family.

 

The cottage has been on and off the market for a number of years, however wasn't until early November that someone put an offer. Its one of those things we knew would eventually happen just wasn't sure when. I've described the selling of the cottage as to someone who is suffering a severe disease and about to pass away. You know its going to happen, you prepare as much as possible, however when the time comes, you're really not sure what to do.

I am excited for Mom and Dad. To be able to travel, spend Summer months in their own backyard, not worry about cottage payments, or the feeling of guilt for owning a cottage and not being there 24/7. I am excited to know we will gather as a family in new locations and memories will be created elsewhere.

But I will always remember the Cottage- the place where Summer was spent. Where bike rides to the ice-cream store was a daily occurrence, and skinny dipping in the dark happened on warm evenings. I will always remember the Cousins Days, Youth Group Trips, and Pine River Boat Club Hotdog and Corn Roast. I will always remember the hats in the garage, the awesome neighbours, and beautiful sunsets. The bunkie that was painted bright turquoise, or garage turned into 'Lakeside Lounge'. I'll never forget the conversations Grant and I had on the bunkbeds, or bugging Tara and Mom as they played scrabble. Memories of campfires, castle building and 5 o'clock happy hour, along with badminton, boating and golf carts will forever live on. I'll never forget my memories of climbing the lighthouse, temporary tattoos and Saturday night at the bagpipe parade...and the list goes on.

 

The cottage was a gathering place of friends and family near and far. If you asked our close friends many would be able to recite at least one cottage memory. A memory where there were friends, laughter, love, food, booze, and tons of fun! I am hopeful that this new family will love and cherish the cottage as much as we did. I am hopeful their memories are as happy and rich as ours, and that it too can be a gathering place for those near and dear to their hearts. For now I will say my goodbyes to our sweet cottage. I will hold onto the memories and look forward to the future.

So Goodbye Sweet Cottage, you are loved and will be missed- xo