First Christmas "Alone"

Today has been a mix of emotions...it's the first in 10 years without my husband and my stepson Will. So in many ways it has felt very alone. But, thanks to God, in more ways than I can count, it has also been full of blessings…

We went to church this morning and enjoyed a great service with our church family. AND both boys made it through service without any major catastrophes. Easton slept in my arms the whole time and Grayson only let out one Woo-hoo after a song, and only ran through the back of the sanctuary with aunt Shari on his heels once, and only got escorted out by grandma once. Haha…so I said no MAJOR catastrophes. Lol, but really, he did good. And I got a good giggle from the running episode!!! Poor Shari!

We spent the day surrounded by family…so blessed to have all of my immediate family still here close by and able to gather! Many families are separated by distance or by death of loved ones and I pray that we continue to enjoy every opportunity together and don't take each other for granted!

My Grayson really enjoyed his horse and car and kitchen filled day! So grateful to see his little imagination blooming! Watching him play with his horse and barn tonight just brought such joy to this mama's heart. And he made coffee and breakfast for me this morning! So sweet watching them grow up!

My Easton's first Christmas! What a joy he has brought to our family this year. God blessed us with his sweet smile and sweet, sweet presence.

My Will called to tell us Merry Christmas! It's hard sometimes with everyone being so busy to even fit in a phone call. So I was so happy when he did. And he sounded happy and said he'd had a great day. Hearing happiness in his voice warms my heart!

And last, but most importantly, I was blessed today to be reminded of the most wonderful gift I have ever received...Jesus Christ. His unconditional love and sacrifice has made all of these other blessings possible. And for how great they are, the greatest blessings are yet to come once I am reunited with Jesus in Heaven. What wonder we have to look forward to!!! Thank you God for allowing us to celebrate your Son's birth today!

So even though I have struggled some today with sadness, I choose to be grateful for all that God has done for me! And these blessings that I've listed truly do only scratch the surface. God is so good and we are so undeserving. That's what makes His gift that much more marvelous…that His love for us, for me, is that large!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!