Merry Christmas Eve Gift! What a fun, family filled time of year. Last night Chad, the kids and I went to Clovis to be with the Whittington (my Dad's Sister) crew. It was such a blessing to all to together. I just love her kids and their spouses and love being with them. Sadly, it isn't ever often because of everyones different schedules.
Yesterday morning I got up to start cooking some things to take and one of those things was Granny's Cranberry Salad. I just had a hard time. It just isn't the same not being able to call and ask her questions, talk to her or just hear her laugh when I am cooking things that she has made for years. I did laugh as I thought as kids it was so fun to hand crank the grinder and all the time it took to make that cranberry salad. I can tell you this much a food processor is way more fun at this stage in my life :)
As I sit here looking at my Christmas tree, sitting in my living room this Christmas Eve I have to stop and not be sad for me. Because, not a day goes by that I don't miss granny, think of the things she has taught me, or even the things she might tell me with whatever I am dealing with that day. But, today...Christmas Eve is a very special day...for many reasons. This Christmas Eve is the first Anniversary that my sweet Granny has gotten to spend with her sweet husband in many many years...and what better way to celebrate an anniversary than in Heaven singing praises at the feet of Jesus on the Even of HIS birthday!
Yes, I miss her, yes I am sad for me but only because I can't help to be selfish in those ways. But, I am also so very grateful that she is not in any more pain, that she is home with her Lord and Savior that she worked so hard while she was on this earth to make famous. And because she has been reunited with some wonderful people, family and sweet Poppie that went on to heaven many years ago!
Happy Anniversary Granny and Poppie!
Christmas is such a wonderful time to be with family, to be reminded of what really matters in this world. And this year is really no different. With all the things that have been placed on our families platters I am reminded about the simple things in life. All the festive and hurry is fun at times but it all comes back to Jesus. It is all about the gift he gave us when HE was born to this world. See, I love all the Christmas "stuff" I love the lights, I love my tree, I love thinking, planning, and finding the perfect gift for people. I love the food, the baking the cooking the running to the store and getting things, the family time...all of it I love it...but, mainly in those times in the kitchen with my kids, family or whoever is at the house I am reminded that Jesus came so that we could have friendship, family, love, time together and all of those things make my heart so very happy. Nothing makes my heart more happy that when we can all be together. No matter if is with Chad's family or mine...or even someone else's family. I love being with people.
Aj is feeling really good. Tired but not really sick and just feeling more like herself. We are so very grateful this Christmas season for you our friends, family and pray warriors. God has sure used you all to teach us how to trust in the power of prayer. Thank you for your time, energy, cards, food, money and above all of that your love. Growing up I never understood while in the world we couldn't stay in once place. Why we had to move around so much...but in the last 4 months it has all came home to me. As I look at all the people on facebook and my blog there are so many people from different places praying for our family. God knew it was going to take people from Arteisa, Lubbock, Deer Park, Lockney, Clovis and every where in between to carry us during this time. I am so thankful that God goes before us to handle the things we need at a later date. This has been a hard road for Aj to walk but it has been lightened by such wonderful people. Thank you!
Since Aj is feeling so well...Chad, the kids and I will travel to Deer Park later this week. We look forward to being with Aj, Bobby, Bailey, Mom and Dad. It will be a great time to be together. Aj has her next treatment on the 30th. Since we will be there I am going to go with Aj to her 1st treatment of 6. This starts 6 weeks in a row of Chemo. Please be in prayer that she will still feel great even going every week. God is faithful and we trust him.
The Tillery's, Lairds, and Cooks would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! Please take time and remember the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas story in Luke never gets old! Take time to share it with your family, friends and kids. Because, just like Granny did for many years one day it will be a sweet memory to sit and remember those sweet words coming from her mouth. "For unto us a Child is born...and He will be called JESUS."
Merry Christmas!!!
