MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019

Did everyone have a nice Christmas?

We did!

We celebrated with my father-in-law and sister-in-law last Sunday.  It's unfortunate to say we aren't very close to my husband's side of the family and they aren't very friendly with me.  I didn't feel very welcomed by them.  For years I've watched their nasty stares as they are obviously silently judging me and I hear from extended family all the mean things they spread about me.  I don't know why.  We don't even see them very often and honestly, I'm glad about that.  My daughter developed a bad headache while we were there so it was a short visit.

On Christmas Eve we went to Long Island, where I am from.  My parents, who live here in PA, traveled there too.  My sister throws a fun Christmas Eve party where all the family gathers.  My sisters, brothers-in-law, brother, sister-in-law and all the nieces and nephews.  Also, some extended family and friends who have become family.  My family is loud, vulgar, and love to drink alcohol.  My kids seemed to be a little intimidated by that because it's a behavior they aren't used to but they had fun with their little cousins (my great nieces and great nephews).  We really did have a great time.  It's been 4 years since the last time we made the trip for Christmas.  The years I'm not there are hard for me.  So this was a special Christmas.  Traveling to New York is expensive and a long drive so we don't make an effort to go very often, but whenever I'm with my family it's always filled with laughter and fun.

My parents, sisters and brother and me.  With my mom's declining health it's hard to know if this will be her last Christmas, or at least the last one she will be able to travel.  These people are a blessing. 

The cousins photo.  My two kids and nieces and nephews.  One was home sick and one is celebrating in heaven.  It's amazing how much the family has grown.  

Just a couple proud aunts with our nephew, who recently joined the Air Force.  

We spent the night at a Hampton Inn and woke up Christmas morning and ate a delicious breakfast before heading home.  It was a quick trip because we needed to pick up the dog at our friends' house and we wanted to celebrate Christmas Day in our home opening gifts.  When we arrived home my son was surprised with a PlayStation 4 and some games.  It's what he wanted.  My daughter had an art set waiting for her, which is what she wanted.  And so many more gifts.  My husband surprised me with tickets to see Lauren Daigle this summer and a backstage pass to meet her.  I'm so excited.  Her music is so inspiring and inspirational.  My daughter will be going too.  Next month my daughter will be in a winter recital and will be dancing to one of her songs.  

It was truly a fun Christmas.  

This Sunday my mother-in-law will be coming over.  Again, it's much like I described in my first paragraph, but I stay quiet and deal with it all for the sake of my husband and kids.  

We also never forget the true meaning of the holiday, which is the birth of our Lord and Savior.  We had to miss Christmas Eve service but we did go last Sunday.  I'm forever thankful for the gift of Jesus and his sacrifice for me.