Christmas Memories Made Today

The morning started with hash browns and coffee cake filling the air inside our home. After sharing our gifts we dug into the warm food. Then...the kids were off...son to LA to be with his girlfriend and daughter to Los Banos to be with her boyfriend. Husband and I went to see Marly and Me and couldn't wait to get home to love on Dakota - our own Marley! What a great movie - one that makes you realize that it's all about family and appreciating who and what we have in the love that we share. Our wish is that everyone's Christmas was full of memories and love for all.

Christmas Eve 2008

So the day is almost done and the annual Christmas Eve get together at the in-laws is over. Our tummies are full and our spirits high. Grandma fixed another amazing lasagna - as she has the last 29 years - that filled our tummies. Grandpa got the camera out and started the flashes going. Most importantly, we just enjoyed each others company.

Christmas Wishes

May the spirit of Christmas be with you and your families and loved ones as we celebrate together. Remember the loved ones that are no longer with us and the ones that are yet to come into our lives! Love you all.

Mommy

I remember the day vividly, December 19th. Derek and Linzie were very young, just 19th months and 34 months old. Daddy called and said that Mommy was in the hospital. We three sisters climbed in the car and headed out of the foggy valley and were off to the sunshine in Monterey. That is where Mommy and Daddy were because Mommy had to get out of the yucky fog that had enveloped the valley for so long. When we got to the hospital it was all decorated for Christmas. Outside Mommy's room was a large tree with Paddington Bear at the very top. That was so perfect because Mommy loved Paddington! We spent the next few days talking, shopping and most importantly - making more memories with Mommy. We stood around her bed, holding hands and singing Kum-bi-ya. It was so very peaceful. I remember sitting on the bed next to Mommy and her holding my hand. Little did I know that she would soon die. She gave so much of herself to us. I remember coming home from school and seeing her sitting on the couch reading Better Homes and Garden. I remember thinking to myself - is that all that she does?? Ha, ha, I know better now. She used to fix me french toast each morning - even on the day of my wedding. As she was sewing my wedding dress sitting in the exact same spot I am writing this she would say to me, "You're not married yet." I know that husband and I getting married so quickly after meeting scared her, but I know that she is looking down and sees that we have a wonderful life and two fantastic children. I miss her every day. That Christmas all five of us kids were together with Daddy as well as Auntie Marge. It was such a special Christmas.

All three daughters went to church with Daddy and Ruby this morning - we sang Christmas songs - loved that. Mom came home and put on her sweats and am enjoying kicking back on this cold day. Daughter cooked shrimp and rice in garlic - it smells so good in the house! Mom and daughter went shopping yesterday amongst all the crowds, but it really wasn't so bad! So....four more days until Christmas. What is more important than anything else if spending time with the family. Tomorrow we're doing lunch at the middle-sisters house and will play a few competitive games of Mexican Dominoes. Someone will end up the loser! (ha, ha, ha!!) Mom and Dad are on vacation this week so looking forward to some down time and relaxing. On Christmas Day we'll go see "Marly and Me" since we have our own "Marley" at home! Son and Daughter will be spending the morning with us and then off to their signifcant others homes. Oh...they are growing up and it is so fun to see! Well...off to go wrap a few presents! Love to all! :)

Changes going on....

So...dad bought a fishing pole for new adventures in his life....daughter's boyfriend is in the process of buying a home....son was accepted into the highway patrol academy....mom moved to a new job 2 weeks ago.....with all of this going on we are so blessed to be able to come home each and night and celebrate being a family. How lucky we are! Today mom shopped for a family less fortunate financially, but definitely not in the love they have for each other. Wish we could be there on Christmas morning when they open the gifts that "Santa" brings them wearing their new pajamas they will have opened the night before. During this time of year we need to remember the loved ones watching us from up above. I miss Mommy each and every day. I know she is there with the Grandmas and Grandpas, niece and nephew, and grandchild. They are all holding on to each other tightly celebrating being a family. The weekly dinners with Daddy are so special - we celebrate each one. Last week Daddy said to the sisters - "I love these evenings." It's about the time we spend together - that is what makes each day special and the memories that we are building. Love to everyone.

Cheating at Dominoes!

So tonight was the night for the sisters, dad, step-mom and other significant family members to get together for a fun night of dinner and dominoes. Well....daddy choose to cheat a few weeks ago and since then it's a free for all! My daughter was the worst tonight! We all laughed so much. Joann said we were all "cut throat" and it was a "free for all"! She was so right! Daddy never would have let us get away with what we did tonight when we were little. We love getting together on a weekly basis and sharing memories and making new ones. Last week we shared so much with Daddy and Ruby about how strong our family is in a time of crisis. Boy....after my crazy week so far I really needed lots of laughs tonight. So life is short, grab it and hold on tight! You never know what tomorrow will bring.

Precious Life

We open our eyes each morning and assume that all is right with the world. But, some mornings we open our eyes and not all is right with the world. This morning was such a morning. A precious life is not with us this morning. My heart hurts so bad.