Some things I have learned

What a great week. We had such a wonderful Christmas. Family and friends gathering together. Since last we talked I have been taking care of my little family, enjoying the holidays and making memories. Christmas Eve was spent here during the day baking in the morning with the kids and watching Christmas movies during nap time. That night we had dinner at Mom's with my sister and brother in law and brother....it was nice. A house full. We opened alot of gifts.....Madison got a digital camera and alot of clothes. Miller got all kinds of great toys. That night the kids went to bed and Scott and I got everything out...Miller's new bike, his fish, his art easel, and other great toys, Madison got her I Pod touch and hasn't put it down yet.
Christmas morning was at our home with Scott's parents and grandmother. I cooked a huge breakfast...bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits, french toast casserole, and fresh pineapple (from Hawaii) A friend brought it to me for the holidays! The kids once again unwrapped gifts..Madison getting her IPod station alarm clock and Miller getting clothes...alot of them.
Scott and I got money this year along with some clothes and new shoes. We asked for cash mainly.
Christmas afternoon was spent with my mom's family and we had the most wonderful news that day. My aunt Glenda's (the one who past away) daughter Ashley got engaged. It was music to our ears. We ALL cried. We cried alot that day....missing Glenda, Christmas's past. But it was a good cry. You know moving on from something like this is very hard. Getting over something is very hard. Something that was once very strong.
I learned something very valuable this holiday season. It wont always be easy...this road we are on. You will have detours and bumps. I'm not used to these. But this month I had to learn to deal with it. I pray alot more. I pray for God to help me get through them as I cannot do it alone. I talk with God daily. It helps. It helps my soul, my mind and most of all.....my heart. I realize now people come and go in our lives. We should just be happy and blessed we knew them.
This Christmas was hard for me. And our family. But I truly believe God got us through it. And for this I send him praise.

Comments

So glad you guys had a wonderful Christmas Jen! I know it was hard, missing your aunt, but there will always be things like this in life, I've learned. You're so right to find the joy in other things and just be thankful for what we have. :)

Here's to a wonderful 2009!
Melissa said…
What a wonderful and touching post...I long to be able to talk to God but just don't have the connection or the faith to do that. I've had some really bad experiences in the past. Hopefully that will change...
Trailboss said…
I so know what you mean. Life lessons sometimes take us by surprise. I am happy that you and your family had a good Christmas.
Karen said…
Such a beautiful post. It's the good times and the strong relationships that we have that give us strength for the hard times. I'm so glad that you found some peace this Christmas. It sounds like a very special time.
Tina Leigh said…
And my friend....I think because of your loss this Christmas it gave you greater meaning....I can see into your soul this post & I have no doubt that God has you just where he wants you. You gave HIM praise! It is a hard thing to do sometimes but you did it in the hardest of times! I can only hope that I will be that way when I face loss! You are an encourager Jen!
Christy said…
I am so glad that you were able to enjoy this Christmas. The ache gets easier-I still miss my grandmother every Christmas. You are so right about finding joy-I love your attitude.
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas Jen! And good news to boot!
Special times can be hard when you're missing a loved one; and that's a good thing to give Him praise about that He got all through it!
Sandy said…
oh, very lovely post! i love the ending the most ...
Shawna said…
Jen, I am glad you made it through this milestone of the first Christmas without your aunt being stronger for it. I know it is hard. Thankfully, you the One who gives peace.

I am glad you all had a good Christmas! We had a very good one, too, just being together and relaxing, looking at lights and enjoying the meaning of Christmas. Now, I'm ready for the new year!
Christina said…
Glad to hear you all had such a nice Christmas. Sounds like the kids got some great gifts. It is hard with the first Christmas after someone is gone, but I am happy you were surrounded by family so that you could all help each other get through it.