The "Blur" That was Christmas Eve ..... 2010

Since I was born Christmas Eve has been spent with my mom's family .. first
at my great grandma's house until I was 18 .. Now at the kids
great grandma's .... (Yes, at 91 gram hosted another fabulous christmas Eve..
complete with dinner, homemade cookies, Christmas carols (my favorite) .. and lots of presents and family fun...)

All Grams Great Grandchildren ..

The "Whole" family ...

Papa and Grandma ... you're the best

Then off to Mark's family (Yes, since he was little Christmas Eve was when then celebrated also)
We make it work and enjoy the fun ...
Grandma Bliss with her grandkids ....
Another great evening with the Bliss' at Steve and Julie's house
Lots of snacks, cookies and coffee .. lots of coffee .. it get's late!!!

The "girl " cousins

Mom and her boys !!!



The "Bond of Friendship"

Some people are lucky enough to have a great family

and a few are extremely lucky to have great friends...

I am blessed to have both ...

My "wonderful friends"

Our "Big" kids ... these three have grown into such amazing people.. can't wait to see what
comes next for them

"The Boys"

and my "Bond Family" celebrated another wonderful Christmas together....

Hope .....

HOPE ... a word that became very important to me

over the last few months. Hope is all incompassing...

Hope for the future, hope for your children, hope for the excitement of life,

hope for some many things. 

I received a gift this season... appreciation and hope for the future.

A small test a few months back has turned my life a little on its side, but to my

surprise, i'm still ok. I have learned so much about myself, learned to

reach out for comfort, be grateful for the hands that came back to hold mine,

realized how much I love my husband who has been such a rock,

sit in awe of the blessings i have been given in the form of friends,

hold a little tighter to my children, praise God a little louder, and so many

other things...

With a new look at my box, that is not quite as prestine and beautiful now,

i'm learning that it's ok. Life is not always as we plan, but it is how it's suppose to be.

(in the words of by BFF ... through love, support and grace .. our box

may be old, falling apart and held together with tape...

But that's OK, we still have love and hope!!!

It's beginning

Time, Patience, Time and the Holidays

Today I realized that Christmas is only 2 1/2 weeks away ....

I'm not sure how that is possible.

I have been saying how much I'm going to enjoy

this holiday season. How much I'm going to be organized this December.

How with all the craziness going on in my life right now, I was going

to spend my time wisely....

Wow ... that just went out the window.

However, I have not taken my eyes off what is truely important...

Decorations - No

Gifts - No

Partys- No

Christmas tree - No - well maybe yes

Friends - Yes

Family - Yes

making the most out of what I have left of this amazing season - Yes

The lessons I am learning right now have made me stop and realize

only stress over what is important ... and just let the rest go.

I love Christmas, I love spending time with my kids and my husband,

I love my family and friends and that is what

this December is all about ... the rest may just wait until next year !!!

What a gift ....

My Journey continues ....

There are no answers yet, it seems with each new test just comes more

questions.  My appointment last week brought a new set of questions along

with a few concerns. But with my family (blood and bond)

my journey will continue until we have concured this ..?????

I can say that since my blood transfusion that I am feeling much better,

My hemoglobin count is up 10.6 ... wow ....

I think i actually forgot how it felt to have a bit of energy, some color in my hands

and not feel tired all the time

I am thankful for that...