Christmas At My Daughters

Well, Christmas this year was a bit different for us. This year is the first time in my adult life that I have been away from home. And I have to say, it was nice. No running and trying to get so much done, no worrying about cooking, baking, cleaning the kitchen and stuff.. It was different, but fun.

This year we spent it at my oldest daughters home. And we had a wonderful time. We spent the evening eating pizza, watching movies, spent some time with my 3 step grand daughters before they had to go home. I made them blue jean purses.... and they loved them haha.. of course I have grand daughters and jess (my 13 yr old) who love what they now call.. retro haha.. wasn't retro when I used it haha.. but I fixed them up some funky purses filled with goodies.

Then Christmas day we got together with my SIL's dad and step mom.. love those people and so much fun to be around. We opened gifts, and a nice Christmas breakfast that Melissa fixed.. then we just hung out until time to visit more family.

Well, the more family was my oldest daughters dad and new step mom.. Yes, it was a bit different, but I got to meet Melissa's new step mom Leigh Ann and she's a wonderful person. She cares for Melissa very much and treats her with love. His second wife didn't do that... so I am very grateful to Leigh Ann for loving Melissa like she does. Yes, at first it was a bit strange spending Christmas with your ex-husband and new wife haha.. but I did get to see other family members and I had such a great time visiting with Pam. (my ex-SIL) whom I just love and miss so much! And I got to spend time with Melissa's other sisters and brother.. I am close to them as well and love seeing them when I can. Marty and Leigh Ann made us feel very welcomed in their home.. and Marty and I get along pretty good and so does Walter and Marty. We have learned to put old things aside and do what needs to be done for our children.. even with them grown into adults now, we still work together.

Things and time have a way of bringing changes in your life and we all learn and grow from them. So yes, our Christmas was a bit different this year, but one I wouldn't change.

Jessica Opening Gifts

meilssa's Chrsitmas Tree

Everyone enjoying breakfast after opening presents

What would they think?

Well,
some days I have more on my mind than just business. I think of many things throughout my day... what I have to do next, about my kids, hubby, what God says about me.. just all sorts of things.

So, I figure I will write about it here.

like today, I was out shopping with my daughter, trying to finish up a few Christmas things.. and I look at all the people around me shopping. Buggy's full of toys, gifts, food.. and I wonder, Lord.. is anyone thinking of you? Is anyone thinking.. ya know, we should just spend this day without all the gifts, toys and such and just celebrate Jesus. Now, I'm sure there are some, but how many? Guess that's something I will never know.

Do I love Santa, YES.. very much so.. but I look at him as the spirit of giving.. And I have found that over they years I look at the holiday different. The kids are grown or teens and I wonder, what would they do if I said.. this year, let's not do gifts, but just a dinner and celebrate Jesus? I'm sure most of them would say.....no way!! We want the stuff... and how sad is that... it takes getting things to celebrate the day of Christs birth.

One thing I know, they will get older and they will come to the place and time in life that I'm at and say..... you know, we should just celebrate what they day is truly about and that's about the one who was born to die. The one who came to give me life.

Do I think everyone will agree with me, no, certainly not.. but I do know at one point and time we all ask.. why do we stress so much? why do we put ourselves through all this? And they will want to spend this time celebrating LIFE and the simple Joy the day can bring.

What is my prayer for everyone today?
For them to see the joy of the day and how just being together can bring so much to our hearts.


"Oh Holy Night"
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining'
Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees,
oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine,
Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine, Oh night
Oh night devine