Hi all. Merry Christmas and a Happee New Year.
At this time of the year, I reflect on Christmas's past, of times when the excitement of this season filled me. Christmas's when I was a child...we had no extra money but my Dad and Mom made Christmas's for us to remember. I believed in Santa Claus, but I was also taught that this was the time of year we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Christmas seasons came and went each bringing something different. I loved going home for Christmas. Being in the military, we didn't get home as much as would have liked but when we were able to come home I was so excited. My mom made Christmas. I loved spending this joyous season with my Mom and Dad. I will forever remember these, especially the large boxes of baked goods my mom found time to make for me and the big box of mittens that she knit for my kiddies. Dad just loved being with Mom.
Since my mom passed, the Christmas's that I knew were gone and new traditions had to be made. Dad has been so sad without Mom. My children had their own lives. It didn't matter how hard you tried, Christmas just wasn't Christmas. Each year it has gotten harder and harder to feel the joy in Christmas.
This year was no different. My heart and my head was filled with wishes. Wishes of Christmas's past. You know, the warm and cozy feeling of things that are so much part of this time of the year. I wanted to feel the the things I once felt. But this was not to be. With things that were happening to my sister, my dad not being very well & just the fact that we are not celebrating the family time until January when most can be home, my spirits were very low. I am so grateful for my children who tried their hardest to pick-up my spirits.
Thanks to Jackie for having us over for a wonderful Christmas eve and for all her work. I am grateful to have had David around this Christmas. He helped it to be happier here. I am glad that Jenn, Marc & Dustin were able to drop in for a visit. They spent the time with Marc's parents this year. I am grateful to be able to talk with Addie & Jay.
Don't get me wrong, we had some wonderful things happen during this month. One blessing being the birth of Joseph Selah MacGougan - a little brother to Sariah. What joy I feel. They were not able to be home for Christmas as the babe was born in Presque Isle, Maine. They came home late on Christmas day. I am excited to visit with them and hold my dearest new one and to feel the hugs from my dearest Sariah.
I am going to stay with my dad for a few days while Heather, my sister, is going to Florida. I love spending time with him. This year is almost over. My most heart felt prayer is that 2011 will bring peace to my heart and health to my spirit & body. There are many things, exciting things, that I want to do. I don't want to give in to this pain in my soul. I want to fight it. I want to be the kind of person and live the life that my Father in Heaven wants for me.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for being you. May this next year be the very best for all of us.
He is just the sweetest little man. I love him already. He looks so much like his daddy, Robb. I brought my scrappin stuff but forgot my photopaper sooooooo I either have to beg a drive to pick some up or wait until I get home.