A Place for My Mom!

Christmas was going to be difficult this year. No way around it. All things were different. I don't think there was one thing that we did that was the same as last year or the year before. Without my mom here with us, it changed everything.

I told you all earlier that we were changing our Christmas Traditions this year. Hosting Christmas at my house was something I have never done before. I was up for the challenge. It was going to be different. Different than any other Christmas in many ways.

I wanted to honor my mom. I wanted it to look like something she would do. Pretty table, pretty dishes, pretty everything. I set the table to look like hers. She had given me her beautiful table cloth last year because it did not fit her table anymore. I used it, along with the napkins that matched. I used a Christmas tree that my Grandfather gave me, it had belonged to my Grandmother. He also gave me the napkin rings that she made her self, but I was unable to use them. I could not figure out how to make them look as pretty as my mom had in the past. Here is a picture of my table:
Pretty huh? Do you notice something in the first picture that looks strange? A picture frame at the end of the table? Well, I wanted to show that my mom was here in my heart. I wanted the family to see that I missed her. I wanted to feel like she was here. So, a sweet man from CBC sent me a letter with a poem. The letter was about how some people really hurt during the holidays without their loved ones here. It spoke to me. Then there was a sweet poem that he sent as well. Here it is:
I attached the picture of my mom and dad at the bottom. It is really a great poem. It is hard to read in the picture so........

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus This Year

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular-please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs the people hold so dear.
But the sound of music can't compare with the Christmas choir I hear.
I have no other words to tell the joy of their voices bring.
For it's beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me-I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away-we really aren't apart.
Be happy for me, loved ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, "love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and help each other, as our Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings of the love He has for you.
Please have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember- I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of all the splendor or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas with our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to lift your spirit as I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful, and let your spirits sing.
I'm spending Christmas in heaven; I'm spending it with the King.

Terri Kernicki

Wow! I love this poem! So, I used it to set a place for my mom at our table! It seemed as it was her Christmas card to us this year. She was dancing and singing with the heaven choir of angels on the most important day in history!!!! Can you imagine?? How could anyone be sad to hear that wonderful news!?? I know one day I will celebrate Christmas with her again but until then...I will continue to set a place for my mom!!!

THIS JUST IN......

"To the Parents of Rudy,

I caught Rudy always being respectful. He listens very well and has very creative answers. I am amazed at his level of thinking and I really enjoy having him in class!

Mrs. Stuart"

That is word for word!! I was stunned, shocked, happy and thrilled! WAY TO GO RUDY!! I guess I am doing something right! Praise the Lord!!

Christmas Traditions

Well, things are going to be different this year. No running from house to house, making sure that we see all the family that we can. Nope, not this year...or any other year for that matter. I asked my mother-in-law if we could do something different this year. My kids were feeling the change several weeks ago. There was a lot of asking...what are we going to do for Christmas this year? They started to feel the loss of "Nana" all over again. They were stressing. Anxiety was being felt. I couldn't stand it. I had to do something. For them and for me. So, my mother-in-law agreed to allow us to have Christmas at our house this year!!! We will be having both sides of the family bless our home this year...and I am hoping that this will become a new family tradition. When my kids found out, I believe that it relieved some of the heart ache that they were having. Knowing that they did not have to go anywhere seemed to be what they needed. Me, too! I needed something to focus on, other than the saddness that was filling our home and hearts. So, I am going to throw a Christmas lunch that will honor my mother. She loved this time of year. Our lunches were always on nice plates, with good silverware, and real napkins. I say that because at the other Christmas lunch we went to, we used all plastic and paper tableware. Not that is was wrong or bad, it just was different than what I was use to. So, I will have a "pretty" table set for the adults and a cute table set for the kids...just like mom did!! I am planning now, you know, since it is next week. Wow, is it possible that Christmas is already here??

So, share with me what your family traditions are...I am curious to know what all my friends are doing to honor our Lord's birthday!! Merry Christmas everyone. May the Lord bless you and your families!!

SNOW!!

Just thought I would share some more pictures of our "Snow Day"!! It sure was fun...hope to see some more white stuff this year :)

What do you do with a snowball anyway????

This was Hannah's first snow experience!! It was so sweet. She loved it. We played in it a lot...we got really cold, came in, had hot chocolate and she was very upset when she was not able to back outside like the big kids!! So her sister made her a snowball and brought it to her. I thought it would be cute to see what she did, so I grabbed the camera...can you guess???

SHE ATE IT!!

TO CUTE FOR WORDS!! I remember eating snow as a kid...when we got it!! She started an eating frenzy of snow. The older 2 decided they wanted to know what it tasted like. YUM!! What a fun day we had. I will try to post more pictures...it takes a long time for me to upload pics.

My favorite Picture!!

For those of you who do not have facebook...

A good friend of mine took some family pictures at Wolf Pen Creek! She did an amazing job!! Thanks Friend :)

This is just one of...I think...about 200 pictures that she took!!! But by far my favorite!! Hannah is a kissy girl. She loves to give "sugars", especially to her daddy!!!!

Don't you agree...the cutest ever!!???