Tag Archives: Holidays

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Our Greatest Gifts

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Shortly after our youngest son got married ten years ago, he called one day. He lives out-of-state and since he is a police officer, when he calls it makes me a little nervous.

This particular day when he called we chatted about the usual things, such as the weather and what he had been doing. At the end of the conversation he said, “Mom, I think you better sit down.” I was panicked, I thought for sure something bad had happened to him. I sat on the side of my bed with my heart in my throat. Then he said, “Jen and I are expecting a baby!” I started jumping around like a crazy person and tears were rolling down my eyes. I yelled to my husband the good news. Then my son said, “You’re not upset?” Why on earth would I be upset I asked. He said, “We’ve only been married a few months.” I said, “What difference does that make?” He said, “We don’t have a lot of money, we just got married.” I said, “If you wait until you have enough money, you may wait your whole life. It will all work out.”

It did work out of course. They have a beautiful daughter and have since added twins to the mix a year and a half ago.

We just learned several weeks ago that our oldest son and his wife are now expecting their third child. It just never gets old. Knowing that you are going to be welcoming another baby into the family is one of God’s greatest blessings.

Overall this is the fifth time we’ve been given the news of a new baby joining our family and it is as exciting this time as it was the first.

My husband and I have been so blessed. We may not be rich in fortune, but we are rich in having a loving family.

This Christmas our greatest gifts won’t be the boxes under the tree, but the family that sits around the tree. That is truly our greatest gift.

Merry Christmas!

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1

“I Love You”

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Three simple words that can melt your heart, “I love you.”

This time of year we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays that we often forget why we do all this in the first place. Of course we do it to celebrate the birth of Jesus and our love for him, but also to show our family and friends how much we love and care about them.

The other night I talked to my oldest granddaughter on the phone. We laughed and shared stories. Before we hung up she said, “Nana, I love you.” I didn’t have to buy her anything.

Last night I had dinner at my son and daughter-in-laws home. My little grandson asked me to sit beside him at the table. While sitting there he leaned his head on my shoulder and said, “I love you Nana!” Again, I didn’t have to buy him anything.

I think the greatest gift we can give anyone is our time. Especially children and our elderly parents. It means more than any gift we can buy, and the memories it creates last forever.

So, don’t wear yourself out this holiday season. Spend more time with your family and friends than you do at the mall. The gift you get back will be heartwarming.

2

Making Memories

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This coming week my Dad would have celebrated his 85th birthday. Unfortunately we lost him in 1993. However, Thanksgiving was always his favorite holiday. He always enjoyed cooking and making the holiday special for family and friends. He and my Mom hosted Thanksgiving for many years. My kids and their cousins always looked forward to going over Nani Rose’s and Pop Pop Joe’s to celebrate. I remember the laughter as we all sat around the huge table setup for the entire family. The food that came out of the kitchen seemed never-ending. I remember the jokes and the giggles.

Now that mine and my brother and sisters children are grown and have families of their own, it is harder for us to all celebrate together. We will be headed out to Ohio to celebrate with our son and his family. Our son that lives in New Jersey will be celebrating Thanksgiving with his in-laws this year. My Mom and brother and sister and their families will be getting together at my brothers house.

It reminded me that whether we are together or apart, we will be making memories. Our grandkids and kids will remember this holiday for the rest of their lives. We will remember where we were and who they celebrated with. We will remember loved ones that are no with longer us.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family. I hope that you will take a moment to remember your past Thanksgivings and who you celebrated them with. Make the most of these memories for they will always be cherished forever.