This article contains notes from about four years ago. I still have this tree; and I love using it again and again:
Well there we were; right in the heart of February and almost Valentine's Day and I had yet to put up The IN SEASON Lifestyle's Family Tree for February. Why all of this running behind this year? I was waiting on someone very special to come and help me decorate. My grand-daughter always helps me to put up the February tree and I did not get as many visits as usual this year due to the fact that she was traveling with her Mom to visit one of her other grand-mothers. I don't hold that against her or them; but I missed my little helper this year!
As things had timed out I was so happy that we had discussed how the tree should be back in January when we were taking down the January IN SEASON Lifestyle Family Tree with the decorations for Epiphany.
The conversation went a lot like this:
ME: "Well, soon we will be putting up the February Tree. Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Remember all the fun we had putting up the tiny little hearts on the tree with the tiny little pink clothes pins last year?"
GRAND-DAUGHTER: (Smiling) "Yes! That was so much fun! And we had little mail boxes to hold our cards and we wrote on big pink and red hearts and you and Pop gave me Minnie Mouse for a surprise!"
ME: (Astounded at a three-year-old's memory) "Ah-ha; it WAS so much fun! Do you want to do that same thing again this year? Do I need to look for the little hearts and clothes-pins?"
GRAND-DAUGHTER: "No.........let's do something different this time. We can't always do every time the same....."
ME: (Once again amazed at how much of myself is hiding inside this child's brain and heart) "Oh, that is true! Let's do something different. What would you like to do this year?"
GRAND-DAUGHTER: "I know just what I want to do. You love red birds so much; and I do too. Remember how we put ONE red bird and ONE white one on the tree last year? Let's put the WHOLE tree full of red birds!"
ME: "Well! I DO love that idea a lot. I'll have to shop around for those red birds so we can get this project done in time."
Time went on and we both got busy. She had to travel and see some other people that she loves very much too. I got preoccupied with husband and the other two out-of-town grand's Valentines treats. I knew even if we celebrated late; she would be here eventually and we would have a blast when we did. So I didn't fret; but I bought those red birds and put them on the tree for when she DOES show up.
They look just lovely; don't you think?
I have always shared with her that I think whenever God shows me a red bird, He has just answered a prayer. She was intrigued with that thought and now she points these pretty red birds out to me whenever we are walking outside and says "God must have just answered another prayer! He is so good to us!
I smile every time I think of how God can use something as simple as a pretty Cardinal to put cheer and hope into the heart of a little child; and even into the heart of an old Grandma like me!
So yes! God is so good to us! I know we will be thanking Him for these lovely Cardinals all through February and beyond. It appears that the February tree has turned out to be a type of "Count-your-blessings-And-Remember-Your-Answered Prayers" tree this year.
All from the heart of a child. Sometimes God gives you back the blessings from the sermons you preach in unexpected ways and it just takes your breath away.
So as we wait for the big day to arrive; I have my tree ready and I know at least TWO people who are going to appreciate having it flocked with these lovely red birds. Of course when she shows up - I have a treat for her; and I also have cards and surprises in the mail for my two wonderful South Carolina boys that I hope to see in person later this spring.
No matter what Valentine's Day holds; I'm feeling very blessed and happy with the simple things this year.
I also know that some pretty red and white roses would look stunning if I put them in crystal vases underneath each side of this tree! Will the old grandpa living in this house remember this year?
Maybe.
If he does; the decor of this room will be even lovelier; and it will be living right up to the sign over the tree that says "love."
Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
May all of God's love surround you and keep you!
P.S. If you want to make your own The IN SEASON Family Tree for February just order the supplies listed below. I've included a few extras; because we all love Cardinals.
All of this thinking of "love" has me in the middle of writing a short story; but it isn't finished yet so off I go to get it done in time - maybe!
Whether all things get done or not isn't important; just go spend some extra time with those you love this season. Make some sweet memories and enjoy!
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