Shopping done, house decorated, presents wrapped, cards sent and I am doing OK.
I have been busy and in a few days my daughter and her family from California will be visiting. I am extremely blessed to have all of my children and their families with me during this happy season. We will laugh, share food, (even tofu) and stories and be grateful for all we have been given. We will also be crazy (like most families) and if things go wrong, we will all find the fun in it - eventually.
I wish you all the happiness that the holidays can bring. No matter what is happening in your life at this time, I ask that you look for joy, any joy, because that is the food for the heart and soul. I have gotten through all these chapters of my life, because I have always had hope and hope is where the sun shines through all the clouds. I can tell you that my heart has been aching these past six weeks and bad news keep coming at me daily, but I hold on to those I love and know that I will be OK.
Find a reason to laugh and love and know that it is presence, not presents, that people want, that it is kindness that counts, and everybody (even those who are invisible in our society) is somebody.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Seasons Greetings to you all. See you next year.
I have been busy and in a few days my daughter and her family from California will be visiting. I am extremely blessed to have all of my children and their families with me during this happy season. We will laugh, share food, (even tofu) and stories and be grateful for all we have been given. We will also be crazy (like most families) and if things go wrong, we will all find the fun in it - eventually.
I wish you all the happiness that the holidays can bring. No matter what is happening in your life at this time, I ask that you look for joy, any joy, because that is the food for the heart and soul. I have gotten through all these chapters of my life, because I have always had hope and hope is where the sun shines through all the clouds. I can tell you that my heart has been aching these past six weeks and bad news keep coming at me daily, but I hold on to those I love and know that I will be OK.
Find a reason to laugh and love and know that it is presence, not presents, that people want, that it is kindness that counts, and everybody (even those who are invisible in our society) is somebody.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Seasons Greetings to you all. See you next year.
Sounds busy. I am sure this is the best part of the holidays.
ReplyDeleteIn a few days it will be perfect, Lilith.
DeleteTofu is NOT food.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time; I know you will!
For some tofu is food, but like you, Cro, not for me.
DeleteHave a wonderful wonderful wonderful time and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
ReplyDeleteAnd you also, Sandi. Take good care of yourself, and know that you are a blessing to many.
DeleteHave a wonderful holiday with you family sweet friend. I think all of us are looking forward to what next year will bring.
ReplyDeletexo
Jo
I hope your holidays are good also, Jo.
DeleteI hope your Christmas will be very special and that your heart is healed. Blessings x
ReplyDeleteIt will be special, and time will heal all wounds.
DeleteHaving your family about you is the greatest present a grandma can receive! Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYes it is, Susan.
DeleteHappy Christmas, Arleen - have a special time with your family x
ReplyDeleteI will Molly, and I hope you do the same.
DeleteThe merriest of merry Christmas's to you and your family and all the best in the New Year to come.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I will. I hope you get to play with your wee ones also, Delores.
DeleteYou are streets (rather a lot of them) ahead of me on the preparation front.
ReplyDeleteNow, relax - and have a magical love filled Christmas. Followed by a wonderful year.
I need company to visit a few times a year to keep me organized. Have a nice warm Christmas, EC, as we in the northern hemisphere go into the deep freeze.
DeleteHave a wonderful holiday, Arleen. How wonderful to have them all gathered together.
ReplyDeleteIt is, and I appreciate it so. I know you will also have. A good time with your family also.
DeleteIt's so nice to hear that there are some non-dysfunctional families out there!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time with your family and, as you say, see you next year!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
We have our disfunctional times, it would be in-American if we didn't. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, Bazza
DeleteA lovely post, Lynn.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled, stress-free Christmas with your loved ones and family. Relax...don't let anything stop you having a great time.
And may 2014 treat you kindly...and generously. :)
Thank you, Lee. Wow, 2014 almost. Wasn't it just the 2000?
DeleteFrightening, isn't it? There we all were waiting for the millennium to arrive...the years have gone by far too quickly for my liking!
DeleteArleen, Enjoy the time with your family. There is nothing so precious! Have a wonderful Christmas holiday. Hugs! Bonnie
ReplyDeleteYou also, Bonnie.
DeleteArleen, thank you for your words on my blog today. And, I am so grateful I came over to visit yours. I am encouraged and feel the beginnings of joy bubbling up. Gratefully sending you a warm and appreciative hug!
ReplyDeleteI know your pain is deep, and words cannot help, but have joy where you can and peace with your loved ones, dear Sandi.
DeleteBest wishes to you and yours, Arleen, in this and all seasons.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Geo. I hope it has warmed up for you in CA and you will find comfort and joy during the holidays.
DeleteI love your sweet header and your even sweeter post. You inspire me to slow down a bit, be grateful for the good the year brought, and just enjoy living. (And I think I'll find a nice holiday header too!) Have a lovely time with your family! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you like the header, Lexa. It is a 25 year old ornament I have that always makes me smile.
DeleteI hope you have a really enjoyable time with all your family and create memories that will last forever. Sorry you've had a lot of bad news recently but I wish that New Year brings you a lots of good news, successes along the way and happiness like never before. Seasonal greetings mate. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteA new year always holds promise and we must always look forward and hope for the best.
DeleteI hope your days are bright also. Have a happy holiday.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Arleen! I'm sure that seeing them will help a great deal. I'm also sorry that you've been going through such a difficult time, and hope that things get better soon.
ReplyDeleteJulie
We all have these rough patches in life, Julie. This too shall pass and celebrating the holidays with my family is a good start to more positive times. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteBeautiful, Arleen. I'm glad you're gonna be with your children and grandchildren for Christmas. Having all our chicks back in the nest again makes all seem right with the world.
ReplyDeleteA very Merry Christmas to you. See ya next year!
Thank you, Susan, and I hope you have a very, Merry Christmas also.
DeleteArleen...please accept my apology! I called you "Lynn" in my first comment herein. I'm so sorry! I hate it when people call me by the wrong name (I'm sure I'm called many at times)....so I sit here hanging my head in shame! :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem, Lee. There is an L and an e in my name and that is close enough. Lynn is a very nice name, and, believe me , I have been called worse - much worse.
DeleteHi Arleen,
ReplyDeleteSuch an upbeat, positive posting. A blessed message from your good self. To have your family around at such a time is to be most cherished.
On behalf of the wee folks, my son, Tristan, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar and myself, here's wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a positive 2014. Until next year,
Gary :)
May you and Tristan and Penny, the Jack Russell dog and modest Internet star have a wonderful holiday. You are a good man, Gary and I appreciate your kind words.
ReplyDeleteJust breathing in the smell of a grandchild can do wonders for a broken heart. Savor the best life has to offer. Warm wishes.
ReplyDeleteHappy christmas
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday season with your family! See you again in 2014!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart-- I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. It must be so hard to carry a heartache right now while everyone else is making merry.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you love and friendship and prayers. I hope the new year will bring you less heartache and that your life will be filled with blessings.
Enjoy your time with family-- I'm sure there are no dull moments at your house:)
Love
Vicki
Hope you had an awesome holiday with your family!! Happiest new year to you. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy when you stop by to visit. Wishes for a very happy and healthy new year!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you were surrounded by family for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a very Happy New Year !
All the best,
Willow
Hello and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Once Upon a Chocolate! I hope that you try the bars, they are scrumptious!
Have a great year.