CHRISTMAS 2013!!

This will surely be a CHRISTmas I will never forget.  I have always thought that I would always want to be at home on CHRISTmas....could never even imagine being gone at CHRISTmas!  My life has changed so much since losing my husband in February.  This time of year has been so hard for me since losing Jennifer in 2006.  I always had my husband to get me through those hard times.  This year I knew that I didn't want to be at home.  My sister and I through the gracious gift of our special friend, Michelle, spent this year in Destin, Florida.  It was such a wonderful trip....we enjoyed every second of everyday!  How awesome to wake up each morning to the sights and sounds of the ocean.  Jennifer and I always said how close we felt to God while on the beach,,,,,witnessing His wonders!  It is just amazing!

While there, we went to church with Stephanie Parker and her beautiful family.  They moved there two years ago and it was wonderful visiting with them.....they have four beautiful daughters...they are just precious.

We ate lots of wonderful seafood while there and visited many of the surrounding beaches in the area.  We went to a great quilt shop in Panama City....Kimberly was in awe at all the beautiful fabric...while at the quilt store, one of the ladies that works at Kimberly's favorite fabric store in Little Rock, came in with her daughter....small world, for sure.

We attended a CHRISTmas Eve service at a church in Destin.  While going to the service, we saw several homeless people.  Since we are involved in the homeless ministry here, this really tugged at our heart strings.  On CHRISTmas morning....unable to find many places open...we went to a convenience store and bought sandwiches, chips and crackers.  We made bags to give to the homeless.  We had to drive around for a bit before we found them, but we did find them.  It felt good to spread a little CHRISTmas cheer.

A family of a former ACH patient of mine, saw on fb that we were in Destin....she sent me a message and we had lunch with them in Hattiesburg on our way home....another great blessing.  They have three beautiful children and are such a sweet family!

It rained most of the way home.  We so enjoyed this wonderful week, but it was good to be back home.  I missed my fur babies terribly, but they and the house were cared for by my brother-in-law, George.  I was so grateful for him.

2013 has been a hard year for many friends and family members.  I am wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year!  God is good and He is good ALL time!

NEW TRADITIONS!

Sometimes we are forced to start new traditions.  I was just fine with my former CHRISTmas traditions....changed before seven years ago with the loss of my daughter.  Somehow, my hubby and I had adjusted our lives and made it through, without having our precious Jennifer here to celebrate the best of all days....the birth of Jesus!  The 28 CHRISTmases that I was able to celebrate with her will always live in my heart!  I cherish all those memories.  For the past 42 years, I had celebrated CHRISTmas with my husband, Pete.  I would have never dreamed that last CHRISTmas would have been our last one together. 

I know you hear it said all the time....how precious life is and how short.  I think some people take life for granted and don't really realize that none of us is promised tomorrow.  Please take the time during this busy time of year to tell and show your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you.  For the past 42 years,  Pete and I always told each other we loved each other, at least once a day....except when I was at "sleep" while in the hospital.  We knew we loved each other, as did Jennifer and my parents and my sister knows how much I love her!!

This year new traditions will be started once again....not by choice.  I will get through it, because I have faith in God, and I can do anything through Him, who gives me strength. 

Remember the Reason of the Season....Love one another and have a very Merry CHRISTmas!