With Sadness and Joy

I had planned to write much sooner than this but our plans are not God's plans. My dear grandma passed away on Friday, December 12. I flew back to Nebraska for her funeral and a few moments with family. I was literally gone only about 48 hours from the time my plane took off! While it was a beautiful tribute to her life, it was also bittersweet knowing that the grandma I love and cherish will not be around to make memories with my children. She was, as my brother wrote, "the perfect grandma; the kind every kid hopes for and dreams of." She really did make the holidays wonderful and special. In memory of her, I thought I would make a list of all that has been special to us so far this Christmas season.

1) Knowing that none of the following is possible or as meaningful without the God who sacrificed so much for us.

2) Family and friends, near and far.

3) Watching Elijah teach his baby sisters how to clap.

4) Christmas Tea with the ladies of Grace E-Free.

5) Setting up the Christmas tree - and then again two more times when an eager 2 year old pulls it down.

6) Having snow and watching the kids play in it.

7) Christmas music.

8) Singing Christmas songs with Camden at naptime.

9) Kaiya and Reyna getting their first teeth 2 days apart.

10) Grayson convincing us to have hot chocolate every day.