Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Blessings

Allow me to introduce to you.............(drumroll please)..........Kara Elizabeth!Kara is my youngest granddaughter. Isn't she beautiful? Being the grandmother of Miss Maddy Moose (age 8) who is the cutest, most gorgeous and most incredibly adorable little girl in the whole wide world, I happen to know a little something about beautiful granddaughters. Oh sure, you can't really tell for yourselves just what a perfect child Miss Kara is (these black and white photos can be so unsatisfactory sometimes, don'tcha know) but trust me when I say that she is a breathtaking sight to behold. And she's due to make her grand arrival sometime in the first half of May (unless something changes). The doctor says she's a little big for her "age" so either she'll be born sooner than we think or she's going to be born chubby (and there ain't nothin' wrong with that, or so says her chunky granny!).

This next bit can't compare to the beauty of our baby Kara, but I want to share it with you anyway. As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, Randey got tickets for us to attend the Home for the Holidays show at the Ft. Worth Symphony Sunday evening. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it was. They performed some of my all time favorites, like Carol of the Bells, White Christmas, Ave Maria, O Holy Night and Sleigh Ride. There was even a perfectly charming duet of Baby, It's Cold Outside sung by the Conductor (Ron Spigelman) and the Soprano (Julie McCoy). I simply don't know when I've had a better auditory treat (excluding all my children's band recitals, of course. Those were a joy and a pleasure to attend all their own and nothing but nothing can compare to them!). When Ms. McCoy sang Ave Maria, I was transfixed by the sheer clarity of her voice. Each individual note seemed to stir my senses in a way that actually surprised me. And when the orchestra played White Christmas, I simply shut my eyes and was magically transported to a place of pure beauty and bliss. I've wanted to do that for so long....sit in a concert hall and shut my eyes while the music swells all around me. The experience Sunday night was everything I'd ever hoped it would be. Pure magic. Ahhhhhhh............ The only thing that could have made it any better would have been if my boys had been there. All three of them love music (in all forms) and I think they would have felt this musical event just as I did, with their eyes, their ears, their hearts and their minds. (And no, I'm not forgetting that I have a daughter. I'm just pretty sure she wouldn't have loved it. To Des, if it isn't country, it's not worth listening to. Sometimes that kid just baffles me.) We're going to look into taking Kaleb and Jacob to a performance soon. As for me, I could go every week and never grow tired of listening. Magic, I tell 'ya. Pure magic.

I was reflecting this morning on all the many wonderful things that have occurred in my life lately. I'm happy to say I suffer from an embarrassment of blessings! My boys and my husband, who showed me that Christmas means more to them than just the presents. My beautiful baby granddaughter, who is healthy and happily growing in her mommy's belly. A chance to hear a real, live symphony. Life doesn't always feel this great. My cousin's unexpected passing was a big blow to so many of us. The anniversary of my grandson's birth and passing always brings a feeling of bittersweet longing. But these sad and terrible events do help me to appreciate the blessings all that much more. And for that, I am thankful.

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34 comments:

  1. How beautiful. I agree that the hard things in life only make the good things all that much "gooder". I agree little Kara Elizabeth is gonna be a heartbreaker! Daddy Nick will have two girls to watch out for! I'm so glad you loved the symphony. There's nothing in the world like "real" music, lol.
    Love ya
    Aunt Sandi

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  2. Kara is lovely! Bet you just can't wait to meet her.

    I've been to the Atlanta Symphony a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I don't know whether or not I'd like to hear classical music - when we went it was to see John McDermott sing with them. I'm in awe of musicians.

    I think you're right about the sad times making you appreciate the good things that much more. I think we sometimes just take the good things for granted.

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  3. When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.

    I'm so glad that you enjoyed the concert and that soon you'll have a new edition to your family. Congratulations!!

    Love,
    Julie

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  4. What a lovely post and a great pic of Kara Elizabeth ( great name by the way) both me and my 2 girls are Elizabeth for second names Oh I'm in the mood for Christmas now going to watch Its a Wonderful life when I have cleaned house a little!!!

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  5. Congratulations on the new baby, what a blessing! And, your house looks fantastic...all the outdoor lights are so pretty!

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  6. Congratulations!!! Kara is going to be beautiful!! I love seeing scan photos-so exciting to get a glimpse before they join us in the real world!xx

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  7. Congratulations! Good name choice too, if I do say so myself. Something tells me that you are a phenominal grandmother... even if you are so young and beautiful! :)

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  8. Life really is a roller coaster isn't it? And we can be certain that if we're at the top or the mountain, or the bottom of the barrel, we aren't staying in one place for too long!!!

    I'm so glad the days are joyful for you right now. And congratulations on your new granddaughter!!!

    Have a top of the mountain day!!

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  9. Oh -- one more thing--I think from looking at the picture of Sydney in the window by the tree,from yesterday's post, that he wants to be on a Christmas Card!!!

    He could send it to all his canine cousins! Wouldn't that be toooooo cute???? hee hee hee

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  10. I've longed to attend a Christmas Symphony. I'm sure it could happen, since I'm just an hour away from Houston. And Ms. Kara looks to be a most beautiful little sweetie pie!!

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  11. Congrats, Kari, on that granddaughter!

    I almost missed your big bright Christmas decor! It looks great...love that shot of the tree from outside, that's just so pretty.

    Have a big time this year!

    Rhoda

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  12. Well just look at Miss Kara Elizabeth...what a beauty she already is:-) I think she has your eyes! hehe I'm always so amazed with these ultra sounds. I'm so glad to hear that the concert was everything you wanted it to be...I've never been to a symphony before but I can imagine how beautiful it would be close your eyes and just listen with your heart. xox

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  13. I am glad you loved the symphany, but I never really doubted you would. Wish I could have went too. It sounds amazing. The part about Kara was too sweet! We will be trying the 3D scan in a month or two I can't wait!!

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  14. Kari, isn't it amazing to see that sweet baby girl! My blessings to you, my friend.

    I'm so happy you enjoyed the symphony. I would have loved it too. I walked down the aisle week before last, to Ave Maria, played by the guitarist. At the moment it's the chime on our big clock. It was J's mother's favorite.

    Our precious Noah was born Monday afternoon. What a sweet baby he is. He's 100% healthy..our prayers are answered.

    Pat

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  15. I am so glad you enjoyed the symphony. I would have loved that too.

    Oh how precious she is already!! I so loved this post sweetie...I am so happy for you all I so agree. It is when something horrible occurs, and we live through it, that we gather our strength and learn to appreciate all we DO have. There is always a blessing and a smile to be found, even if you have to wait for it a bit. This will be a glorious Christmas for you all.

    Your little package should arrive in a day or two...here is a hint...Bells of St. Paul's.
    Chills...every time.

    I hope you like it. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and all you have been through of late. But you have the best heart and spirit and can rise up and show others the true light of the human spirit. You are a blessing to all who know you.

    Love and Hugs,
    Sue

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  16. Congrats Grandma! She's very lovely and I do love the name Kara. She'll be here two weeks or so after my little guy. Maybe we can fix them up someday. LOL You are so lucky to go to the symphony, what a sweet hubby you have. Oh yea, I love the new picture of your house on your banner. I got to get decorating now.

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  17. Can't wait to see her when she is born. Just is pretty and does look healthy =) is Elizabeth a name pasted down? My sweety is Kaytlynn Elizabeth..from a great granny.

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  18. Congratulations on becoming a grandma to be!!! How lucky to be able to go to the symphany too :o) What a sweet hubby you have....think any of that will wear off on mine? He could use a little charm right about now!!! LOL
    ~Des

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  19. forgot to tell you, I love the "new cartoon you". Very chic!

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  20. This post is so beautiful. I am glad for all the good things that are happening in your life. Mary

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  21. Hi Kari - I haven't been by for a while (my loss!) and boy did I enjoy the read I just had! 43 boxes - my mind is boggled by what that means in terms of storage capacity (just for starters!!) You are such a one-woman show, I just love you and your style!! Sending you mobs of Christmassey wishes (PS I am not making handmade cards this year but I would love to make you one if you care to send me your address) Cheers, Debbi

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  22. she is cute and it is so fun to anticipate esp if your not the one carrying it:>

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  23. What a wonderful little one! Love the name! And May babies RAWK! LOL I outta know! I am a May baby! I don't know how many people think I RAWK though! ROFL! Hey! As long as I believe it, that is all that matters! Right???

    I am SO glad you enjoyed the symphony! I would love to go to one. Maybe, one of these days I will make it.

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  24. Congratulations...love "hearing" the joy in your post!

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  25. Congratulations on Miss Kara Elizabeth...and what a great name...is that because Granny Skywalker...Kari...is so loved...they decided to name her Kara? What a sweet tribute...and a great name...plus you can NEVER go wrong with Elizabeth.

    Ok...I'm saying that Miss KE is gorgeous because well...I know she is...after all she is YOUR granddaughter...but I'll be honest with you...I can't tell squat from that ultrasound...I've never been good at that sort of thing...now I have seen a couple of 3D sono's..those were certainly easier...but these types are hard for me...but I do see her beautiful head...and I think I saw her hands and spine...but then again...it could have just been a gas bubble...isn't technology the best though...you get to see her before she sees you...kind of a cool little secret...eh?

    Hey...I know you probably already have this...being the star wars queen and all...but I was at Garden Ridge (trying to get into the holiday spirit...not necessarily the best place for that by the way) and I saw Star War tree ornaments...so if you haven't got enough...you should check it out...you can thank me later...lol!

    Things are looking very Merry around your house...I need you to send some Merry my way...even if it's in the liquid form.

    blessings...
    Teresa

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  26. Congrats on that cutie Kara!!! (I also love Elizabeth;it's Delaney's middle name too!)

    I reallycan't believe you're a grandmother!! Are you like they youngest one alive?

    And the symphony sounds FABULOUS!!! I love going to live shows, although we don't do it as much as I'd like. Sounds like a great evening!!!

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  27. Dear Kari,
    Let me just tell you that you are the sweetest girl! Your comment on my blog helped me more than you will ever know! Thank you, thank you! You are such a blessing!
    Much love,
    Angie xoxo

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  28. You are a lucky woman Kari & have lots of blessings in your life including the beautiful fairy that is Kara Elizabeth (my daughter's middle name too!)

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  29. oh congrats on your granddaughter - how exciting! Joe's bday is in May so that's a good month to have a birthday :)

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  30. awwww she is precious...
    I bet you are just so excited...
    I am going into to have our ultrasound on the 21st and we are having the gal write on a paper what the sex is and wont open the envelope until christmas :) We are excited...

    sorry about not writing on my blog. I just dont seem to have many visitors :( SO I sorta lost interest, maybe I will try and pick it back up.
    It was good hearing from you:)

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