The Christmas decorating is done. Just finished the little tree in the livingroom this evening.
Our company, bless her heart, is home now. Howard's daughter flew out from Colorado and stayed a few days. She is just the best house guest!
Thanksgiving was lovely..and now we are headed for Christmas. I DO SO love this time of year.
This is me at my daughter's home. Granddaughter, Rachel, is seen in the background. She is the one that is carrying my ninth great grandchild. A little girl. I am SO happy. I won't live to see these little ones grow up..but I am so proud and happy I've lived to see them at least. She is due to join our family in March.
Next Christmas the new little ones will be old enough to join in the festivities.
The main dessert buffet~
Would you believe how the men chipped in to help?
I had to smile. In the background are my daughter in law, Cheryl on the left and daughter, Erin, on the right.
...and then I got involved in the business of enjoying my family.. son Daniel is getting a snack..husband PH has his back to us...and my sweet "grunge" son Patrick who entertains us with his guitar playing and singing is to the right of PH. He makes me smile
The handsome man on the far left is my son in law, Jimmy, Erin's husband. The rest of the family had not yet arrived.
Each year when I see my daughter, Erin, with her brother Daniel..and know she gave him the gift of life by donating one of her kidneys so he could live..and I grateful.
I am grateful for the power of love that holds our family together.
PH has been the dearest step-father to my children and all the grands and greats. They all love him so much and have welcomed him into our family with open arms.
Today I finished my Christmas decorating and tomorrow I will take a few pictures...
Nothing to shout about..but I had fun this year. I want to enjoy every single year of getting ready for Christmas..every day, every hour and every minute.
It's getting more difficult and I admit it..but I won't give up. Not yet.
Not yet..
Love and peace,
Mona
*Today, nineteen years ago I lost my Patrick to cancer. He would be pleased that I have gone on and am still decorating and living my life. He is waiting for me behind the moon. :)
You have a lovely family and how great that PH's daughter was able to visit with you. I know that must have been a special time.
ReplyDeleteI am still trying to clean up enough to decorate. It isn't fun for me anymore. I am slowing down also. But I think you are right and I need to make it fun. Life is too short to not have fun.
Mona, I am so glad to read that everything is going well there. I enjoyed this post...I love to read of happy families. All your loved will meet you behind the moon one day. Blessings to you and all your family, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful post, you melted my heart when you said Patrick is waiting behind the moon, I will never forget that,
ReplyDeleteI just so enjoyed this post Mona...you are very blessed and my most favorite "Mona quote" from now on is..."He is waiting for me behind the moon.." I so love this! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLovely Family gathering Mona . . .
ReplyDeleteSuch a loving family. . . filled with giving and thankfulness.
I like your mirror/selfie/table pic . . .
Wonderful!
what a wonderful thanksgiving you had! and such beautiful pies! did your baker daughter make them?
ReplyDeleteWell hello - your blog looks all different. I like it. I just had to stop by and say hello and wish you a merry Christmas - i have really just about stopped blogging. It looks like you had a great holiday girl!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you Mona and that you are alright. Thanksgiving looks like you all had a wonderful time. How nice that Howard's daughter came for a visit.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing all your Christmas decorations. I am finished and have been for over a week now.
Came down with the flu on Monday and felt rotten for a few days, but I'm feeling so much better now. Need to get the guest room finished as my son and granddaughter will be here Saturday and I can hardly wait.
Have a wonderful holiday Mona and regards to Howard. How nice that your family likes him so much - your a lucky lady.
Hugs,
Mary
I love what you said about "waiting behind the moon". I know that broke your heart. So thankful you have found someone to love again. It doesn't mean loosing him was any easier or that you will forget him. You just have lots of love to give. Hugs and Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI always love to read your blog. How nice it is to get together with family and wow!! those men in the kitchen! thats awesome! lol! Im looking forward to seeing your christmas decor at your sweet home. and also.. Im glad that you found someone else to love and be loved by after losing your patrick. Life is precious and is meant to be shared with special people. You know how to do that well! have a great day and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ReplyDeletexoxo
vivian
What a lovely post Mona. You have a wonderful family. Looking forward to seeing your Christmas decorations. Have a blessed day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post, Mona!!! Sending you lots if love...yes, your Patrick would most certainly be proud! A lovely family celebrating life in an elegant and loving home...thank you for sharing it all with us.
ReplyDeleteMona, you and your big, beautiful family are what your Patrick would smile at most, there behind the moon. What a marvelous legacy!
ReplyDeleteMona, my mom lived to be 96, had her right mind, lived alone and drove until she was 93! You never know how long you'll have to enjoy your grands! :) Just enjoy each day with PH, your family, your home and all those memories! (I wish you'd write about some more of them one day!)
Have a Merry Christmas. Do what you feel like. Soak up all the love around you---you look so young in that mirror. They are so very lucky to have you!
A beautiful and touching post!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you have such joy!!!