I Love This Time of Year

 Last year, I wanted to know if Frenchie would make it through one more night. He did, and he has worked so hard this year on getting healthy that he's lost over 100 pounds. He loves to walk, and we both eat clean. I, too, have lost some weight. 

Today, I invited the grandchildren over who could come, which ended up being Weslie and Zeek. We decorated gingerbread houses, played outside, and then played some games inside. I don't know how I got so blessed, but these little ones always teach me something. Today, Weslie and her dad worked on her gingerbread house, and little Zeek decided that it was no fun, so he headed to the toy room for some trucks and balls.

I missed having my other grandchildren here who couldn't make it. Haleigh and Scott, with little Senabun and Ellis, couldn't be here, but I really missed them. Ellis is just so cute, and little Sena reminds me of Haleigh when she was three years old. Damn, that feels like yesterday. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Haleigh is thirty years old, almost thirty-one. Will I be around when Sena is thirty-one?

Christmas is always better with children around. Eric is in Mexico. He's been there for a week, and I miss him. The Lukeville border is closed due to too many migrants entering the country. The border patrol, which is normally at Lukeville, will be dispersed to other areas. So, no going in and no coming out.

He is on his way home and called me from the San Luis border this morning. I'm looking forward to snuggling on the sofa and watching a Christmas movie. The weather is beautiful in Arizona right now, and I will enjoy it while we have it.

The holidays are my favorite time of year. The family gathers together to talk about what we are more grateful for. We enjoy the music, movies, treats, and each other during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I always miss my children who can't be here with us, but I understand it's a busy time, and they have other family to be with.

Cute little Weslie 7 years old

Weslie

Blake and Weslie

Myself, Zeek three years old and Blake

Thanksgiving 2011

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

I love this little guy with all my heart. Happy Thanksgiving Recker

Today I'm thankful for so many things, mostly family. I have been blessed with an incredible family I love so much. I woke up this morning with a Turkey smell throughout the house. We have a tradition of putting the turkey in the oven the night before because we eat around noon on Thanksgiving. I made chocolate, coconut, banana, pumpkin pies, mashed potatoes, gravy, and two Jello salads. Raylani's family came over. They are so good at pitching in and bringing food. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday; I love the fall weather and the feeling I get when I'm with family. This year Blake was here with us; I honestly never thought this day would come; I have missed him so much. Two days ago, I had to meet him in the Walmart parking lot to trade cars with him. When I pulled into the parking lot and saw him sitting in the car waiting for me, I smiled and told him how grateful I was that he was home with us. It is seriously a luxury to have all my children in town and be able to hug and love them every day. I hope I never take that for granted. Family is the most important part of my life.

Angels Among Us

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2010

Angels Among Us

Today is Thanksgiving 2010. I have so much to be thankful for; we all have so much to be grateful for. As I prepared the meal, I could not stop thinking about Ray Williams/. Dad,/ Grandad/ We all loved him so much, and Thanksgiving was a fun time with him. He loved to eat and enjoy his family. I always called him earlier in the week of Thanksgiving and would take his "PIE ORDER" he would always ask for Pecan but loved anything I made; in fact, he would take a sliver of each PIE and try them all, oh how his eyes would light up. This year we have so much food left over; I wish he was here to take some home with him like he always did. I love Ray and think of him often, always with a smile on his face, a pass-along card in his pocket, and a hug for anyone and everyone. What I would give for one of his hugs today.

I believe angels are among us. Some have passed on and frequent our lives with their spirit every once in a while.

Tamy was an angel who took me to every one of my chemo appointments and then back the next day for my "day after shot of Neulasta" I will eternally be grateful for her example of compassion and service. Eric is my eternal angel; he has saved me more than I can. The angels who brought dinner to my family for months and months will never know how much that meant to me; those angels are still helping us out. The silent angels who serve are the ones who amaze me; how is it that our lives can be blessed by those who choose to be invisible? It's that feeling of service I want my children to understand. I have angels who leave me messages of HOPE with cards, letters, and comments on my blog. I can't help but think that all of the angels that touch our lives are not random; they are placed in our path by the Lord for a reason; it's up to us to recognize it and be in tune enough to feel it. It makes me wonder how often I haven't been in tune, caught up in too many worldly "things," and not acknowledged the many other angels who have tried to embrace me.

Some angels are strangers to us, you know, the lady who smiles at you on a day when you really really needed it, some of the most influential angels in my life I have never even met, yet I know the connection is eternal. Opening my circle of comfort and allowing others to bless my life with what they know has not been as difficult as I thought it would be; my life is richly blessed. Hopefully, I can give back in my life and be an angel to someone in need.