Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Memories

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family. I had a wonderful and blessed day with my husband and kids. We laughed, ate too much, opened presents and enjoyed each other so much. I also was able to take a nap, that was much needed.

I love Christmas for many reasons, Jesus birthday, family, food, fun, and...memories

Remember when I said I would share a story about this little rocking horse? He always brings back wonderful memories for me.
 
In December 1994 I went to a women's dinner and this was the centerpiece. After we ate I know we heard a wonderful speaker, I know the food was good, but the only thing I remember about that evening is who I went with and that I won this centerpiece at the end of the night.

I would like you to meet someone, this is my sister Emily. This picture was taken Christmas 1994,
The little girl is my daughter, she was 3 years old


If I could had seen what the future was going to be for her, I would had memorized every precious moment I had with her. You see, Emily is the person I went with to that dinner, and every year when I pull that rocking horse out I think about her and that night we shared, and I think about Christmas 1994.

 Emily passed away March 1995, suddenly from a brain aneurysm, it was such a shock for the whole family. She died 2 weeks before her 1st wedding anniversary, it was very hard on her husband. I also think about her on my birthday, because they were married the day after my birthday.

She was 26 years old, a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and a special education teacher. She had just started her teaching career, and when her students came to her funeral they told us they knew she was a Christian, even though she never told them she was, they said they just knew. She taught in public school and wasn't allowed to speak about religion. Sometimes I think about those kids and wonder what they are doing now.

I can't believe it's been almost 17 years since she passed, it seems like yesterday we were talking, I do miss her a lot, especially this time of year. We never know when it's going to be the last time we see or talk to someone, one thing I'll always have are my memories, that's something that can never be taken away.

I don't know why she had to die, I do know that she is with Jesus and not in anymore pain, and I will see her again.

I just want to encourage anyone of you that if you have lost someone recently or it's been many years, hold on to your memories, and know that the Lord gave you those special moments so when you are missing them you have a memory to reflect on.

Love,
Jeanine

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

First of all I would like to apologize to my 2 followers for not posting anything for the last 8 weeks. A few months ago I had an hysterectomy and the doctor had to do the surgery like it was done about 30 years ago. So between going back to work and getting my energy back and in the last month I've been sick and on antibiotics twice, and trying to get ready for Christmas. I just haven't been up to anything extra to do. I do hope I'm finally over everything and can continue with my blog. Well enough about me.

I know I've missed being apart of all the blog parties that has been going on, but I do want to share with you some pictures of my Christmas decorations.

                                                   I got this guy from pottery barn this year,
                                                   he looks so vintage.
                                                    This guy is from pottery barn 2010,
                                                    and this one from pottery barn 2009
This one above and the next four pictures all came from
Cracker Barrel. 






I couldn't resist getting this hat.



And here is the topper of my tree 
                                                 
Have you gotten the clue that I love snowmen?
That's not all that is on my tree




I love mercury glass


The next 3 ornaments were my grandmothers and
she also crocheted them.


This red bird was also my grandmothers



This is my tree skirt I got from K-mart a few years ago,
I think this guy is so cute!

Here are some other decorations I have in my
home.
I have a story about this piece I'll be sharing in another post
soon...
I added some greenery from my yard to a vignette I have on top
of my entertainment center.



This is the centerpiece I put together on my dining room table,
the candle is the one craft I did this season. I'll share soon...


Here's another small vignette 




Putting all snowmen and other ornaments, lights, greenery and
other decor aside. This is what Christmas is really all about,
God sending His Son to this world to save us.





From my family to yours we hope you have a very
Merry Christmas,
Jeanine