Christmas is coming...

So many of the things that create the hectic pace of the Christmas season are behind me now. ..the SS party, the Melton gathering, the Christmas contata, the office party, our department party, Christmas shopping.....I breathe a sigh of relief. There are actually three days in which to focus on the real reason for the season.

I am spending a great deal of time thinking about "the good ole' days" this year. I have touched base with many friends that I had lost contact with this year through the miracle of face book, and am so grateful to get caught up on the events of their lives. At various points in my life their friendships meant so much. Lori Ann - my childhood friend, Mimi - a good friend later in life, Paul - my favorite youth leader in High School, many college friends (some of my brother's college friends). It has been great to walk down memory lane with them.....

We missed Edith (J.R.'s mom) at the Melton gathering this year. J.R. and I were shopping at Aldi, and I spotted a can of cashews and broke down in tears. Each year we purchased a can of cashews for Edith (she always put them out for people to eat when they visited her). I didn't expect it, but it gave us a moment to remember and smile. I couldn't help but miss her again when Ginny announced her pregnancy, knowing it would have brought her great joy.

I know receiving presents is not the reason for the season, but I remember a few that were very special - the stuffed poodle that Dwight brought to me (wrapped in paper grocery bag) the year I didn't think he would be home for Christmas. The pencil drawing of my two older boys that J.R. gave me one Christmas. The year Daddy bought me a musical jewelry box (it was actually my birthday, but since it is in January, it is still special). The year my mom gave me and beautiful owl necklace in my stocking (and let me open it early). I also remember ALWAYS having someone in for the Holidays (Christmas and Thanksgiving). I love to have people over, and I'm sure that comes from it being such a part of my life growing up!

This year is special when I watch my guys take such joy is shopping for each other (and they didn't even ask me for money to do it)! They get it - the thing about giving!

I want to wish you all a very joyous Christmas! I'll try to blog again soon!