The Gift Of Christmas Cards

The kids and I spent a couple hours this afternoon helping a lady finish up her Christmas cards, you see she just returned home from the hospital after having a heart attack a few days ago. Our intention was to visit her at the hospital but by the time we got there she was already back at home.

I wanted to express how grateful I am for such awesome teaching experiences I can share with my children. We never planned to do service today the opportunity presented itself to us and we took it. Really when we showed up at her door Christmas cards was not my first thought when asking how we could help.

It might have only been writing Christmas cards, sealing them and putting stickers on envelopes but this lady truly loves to send out cards with a personalized message in each and I know it meant a lot to her that we took the time to help out. I know I was touched by all her beautiful messages individualized to each person and family.

Today at church we were reminded that as we get closer to celebrating the birth of our Saviour to think of the gifts we give and receive and that they can be packaged many different ways. I think my children gave a gift from the heart today that they may not fully understand but that they'll remember for a long time.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

This past week my dad Jack handed me a black garbage bag with this little white Christmas tree. It was given to my grandma about 13 years ago from myself and my sister only decorated with blue lights and blue balls, something my grandma had grown up with.

I am so excited to have this little tree but a little disappointed I couldn't find what I wanted. Blue lights and blue balls. THIS year it's decorated with white lights, red garland and red decorations. It still reminds me of my sweet grandma and that special Christmas.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Spending time with my sisters is the best. There has been a bit of shopping, some great cooking and many hours of talking!!

It was great watching and listening to the cousins play as well. Here is a picture of them all with one more to be added next month.

Christmas Tradition

Here is this years gingerbread train all decorated! With my sister still with us we had her son Aiden join in on the fun while mom and sister napped.

It was fun to watch Adrianna, Eli and Aiden work hard at making their creation. Don't you just love their snowmen driving the train?

730 days = 2 Years Cancer Free

I find it hard to believe that TODAY marks my 2nd anniversary of being cancer free WAHOO!!

For the most part life has continued on and I try hard to not take things for granted. I still have to deal with some minor health issues but as I said MINOR and definitely nothing to complain about. When I hear of others who are only give months or even days to live, especially if they are young and have young children I have a very difficult time. Mostly, I have a difficult time accepting that I get to continue living a perfectly normal life while a young child or husband has to come to terms with losing a loved one. That is very very hard. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, to know that families are forever that is what brings me peace.

Spending time with my siblings and their families always reminds how LUCKY and GRATEFUL I am to have them in my life and to be able to still have those moments. Most of all I'm so BLESSED to still be able to share my life with such an incredible husband and to two fantastic children. I am so THANKFUL.

SPOILED

Completely unexpected. My birthday present from my hubby, MSI 16" Intel Pentium Duo T4300 2.1GHz Laptop!

THANK YOU!!

The Celebrations Just Keep Coming

After spending 4 fantastic days on the Island visiting lots of family and friends we hadn't seen in a long time we still had one more celebration.....MY birthday!

This is definitely a birthday I'll NEVER forget. I'm not sure what is most memorable the house full of family or all the puzzles we sat and put together after my sweet niece Abby had dumped them all (approx. 7) into one BIG heap while the rest of the kids seemed transfixed to the TV to even notice!

THANK YOU guys

for such a GREAT day!!

Celebrating 95 Years

A few months back it was briefly discussed amongst some siblings that we should try and get to the Island and celebrate our grandpa's 95th birthday with him. After some planning around schedules, etc. all but one sibling and a brother-in-law were able to make it!

95 is a HUGE milestone, in my opinion and I'm so glad we all took the time and expense to do it. He appreciated it and we learned more about a pretty cool guy. Unfortunately we forget to get a group picture but here is what we did get........

15 1/2 of us out for dinner celebrating 95 years of a good life!

Our family with the birthday boy


HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA

Thanks for letting us CELEBRATE it with YOU!

Interesting fact. In a weeks time this 95 year old heads to Mexico for three months. Don't you hope that'll be you at the age of 95?!!