Monday Morning and Three Days Until Christmas

In my life for as long as I can remember, Winter has always been the season that I wind down, go into my cozy cave and hibernate. It starts when we turn the clocks back, Ugh, and it gets dark so early and goes into full swing the middle of December. I have always been this way. Then Christmas is upon us and I have to really pull myself up and get things done. We are so fortunate to have all of the family live within 20 minutes of our home. We see eachother at least two to three times a week. So when the holidays come, the urgency isn't measured in travel time, safe travel, or distance. It is just that I am not motivated until the last minute. I did get my baking done over the weekend and shopped for Christmas dinner. My house is not spit shined and I don't think it will be by Thursday ~sigh~ I will shop for the grandkiddos tomorrow because I have them today and Wednesday, yay!! So for us, it is a time of getting us all together and just enjoying eachother.

My mind and heart have been wandering to some very special people in my life who I have prayed for and gotten to know over this past year and a half here. Praying for their Christmas to be blessed as they miss someone they have loved and lost, and are trying to get through this season. First are the mothers and families of these special babies in heaven this year: Caden, Copeland, Poppy Joy, Madeline, Mary Grace, Maddox, Isaac and Asher, Miller Grace, Tristan, Eva Janette, Jacob Ryan, Christian Dale, Brenham, Nathan Taylor, Maxson, Larson, Audrey Caroline, Luke, Joshua Sams, Elijah, Elilot, Johathan Edwards, and Hannah the dancing queen Monkey. So many changed lives, so much heartache and yet joy, my heart goes out to each one of you.

Friends who have lost their husbands: Stephanie's Jason, Nita's John, Laura's Leonard, Betsy's Jim, Donna's Lou. Praying you all through this holiday season.

Families of my special and tough little warriors, Annabel, Mallorie, Alex, Cohen, Magdalina and especially little Zoe Batiansila, a miracle little girl who just went through major heart surgery and beat all odds once again, and is now home with her family for Christmas. They have been through so much and God has been so amazingly good and loving and redeeming and restoring.
And I know He has not forgotten my dear Kelli who desperately is waiting for a kidney transplant and I believe will get one soon.

I have watched God do so many amazing things in all of these lives this past year and a half and I know He has so much more in store for all of you. His biggest and greatest gift is His Son, Jesus and I am forever grateful for this gift. I really have all that I need and more this season and I am content. I am blessed to have so many special people in my life here and of course, here at home with family. And to my new friends that have not been mentioned above, I am blessed to have you along for the journey too.

So, with that said, and in case I am not back here before Christmas (because maybe motivation will kick in) have a most wonderful Christmas with those you love and may God Bless you abundantly this Season.

Much Grace, Hope and Love to you!!

Love and Hugs, Laurie