Reflections...

The past couple days for me have been busy, yet somehow I've had lots of time to think about how my life has changed. When I was young, I had not a care in the world. I never had to worry about things...Mom and Dad took care of me, raised me well and taught me some pretty valuable lessons. They instilled in me some pretty wonderful Christian values that I too am teaching to my own children.

Now that I'm a little much older, I can appreciate my parents for the incredible example they were to me, and how much they invested in my life. Oh to be able to see them just one more time to let them know...

Word of advice: If your parents are still around...please take the time to let them know you love them. Tell them how much they mean to you, and tell them how thankful you are to them for all the time & money they've spent on you, and for all the sacrifices they've made for you!

Anyhow, as I've spent time with Rob and the kids getting ready for Christmas (decorating, baking, and shopping), I've reminisced about the traditions my own family had. I miss having family around. When I was growing up, I had a very large family that used to get together every holiday. We had wonderful times, and many memories were made that still make me smile today! Most of my family are now gone...so I don't see anyone on my side during the Christmas holidays. It's very hard for me and it hurts that my children have no cousins or other kids their age around to make memories with, even from Rob's side. It's been something I've struggled with for a few years now, and I think this year it's really hit home. Yup...I've got too much time to 'think' these days! That's what happens when you take a month off from homeschooling! =)

I try not to talk about it much with my own family so they don't realize the pain, but I'm sure it shows. (Not to mention the fact they they read my blog, so they'll see it here!) Fortunately though I have a wonderful family and we're making our own memories. I pray daily for my children...that they will grow up with fond memories in their hearts as I have in mine, despite the differences in the way we've grown up. Despite that they don't have much family to celebrate with as I did. God puts people in our lives at just the right time. He will never let us down like people do. He always provides what we need when we need it, so I'm trusting that He will always protect my children and give them family and friends when they need it most.

Pray that my kids have the best Christmas ever this year. It's not about the gifts, it's not about the food or the decorations (although those are all so much fun!!)...it's about Christ, being together and enjoying the gifts that we have been blessed with.

I have so many wonderful friends who live far away....you know who you are...my very dear close friends from COTW, friends from RSA , from college and those of you who are faithful readers here. I wish you all a wonderful, safe, happy and healthy Christmas. I pray that God will bless you in years to come, and that you always follow your heart as He leads you.


P.S. The candle photo above is a Woodwick candle...the company is based out of Virginia. The scent is called 'Frasier Fir' and it smells incredible. I love these candles more than Yankee Candle (Shhh! Don't tell) because they not only smell better, but they are prettier and they make a wonderful crackling noise as the wood wick burns down. They last forever too! Just my .02 cents.