3 days 'til Christmas continued...

I didn't quite finish my post earlier, but my son was demanding my attention-so I had to go back to mommyland for awhile & be w/him. So, hopefully I can finish my posting this time!)

When I wrote of extended family, I also wanted to mention Dustin's family. My husband's family is a very good family. I love them very much. They are great w/Shane. I'm grateful that they have accepted us into their family w/open, loving arms! Duane & Gloria, Dustin's parent's are good parents who want the best for their children. Sara, Dustin's sister that's just younger than him, is nice & she thinks Shane's a cutie. Sara is married to Bob & she has 3 kids from her 1st marriage. And, she is expecting a baby w/Bob--which is exciting for me because that means Shane will have a cousin close to his age! Sara's older 3 kids are Kylie(12), Kelsie(11), & Kwentyn(9). They are very cute, good, & fun kids. We don't get to see them too often, but we always have a good time when we see them. Then there's Dustin's little sisters, Wendy & ShawnDee. I have to make mention of them, of course! Wendy & ShawnDee are quite a pair. They are 3yrs apart in age and sometimes they get along and other times they don't. I enjoy spending time w/them. And, Shane LOVES spending time w/his aunts! They are wonderful w/him.

My family is a wonderful blessing in my life. I learn from them every day in one way or another. I love them and I'm glad they're my family! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
--Shelly

3 days 'til Christmas

Wow, there's only 3 days left until the big day arrives! And, I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I get to spend Christmas with my wonderful family! They are amazing and I am so thankful for them!

I have a great husband who loves me and I love him. And, there's my sun, moon, & stars--my son, Shane whom I love more than I ever imagined I could love someone! He keeps me on my toes, tries my patience, tickles my funny bone, & warms my heart all at the same time!

Then there's my extended family...of course! There's my supportive and caring parents--what would I do w/out them? They have been here for me every step of the way and I love them dearly. Mom & Dad give Shane, their only grandchild, an overabundance of love & it's so fun to watch them w/him! My bro, Mike, is a good big brother. He is an even more awesome uncle to Shane! Mike spoils Shane as much an uncle can spoil his only nephew! Mike is so cute w/Shane, too. Chris, my older sis, is a good aunt & she likes to spoil Shane, also! Chris & her husband, Brian have been very helpful & supportive to me & I am grateful. Lesley, my twin sister is an awesome aunt! She loves her little Shaner so much! She was lucky enough to be the first person to hold Shane, too! And, if you haven't noticed--there's a pattern of being spoiled here...Lesley spoils Shane right along w/the rest of the family!

I am blessed. I couldn't think of a better way to say it other than that--I am blessed!

Holiday Happiness

I think the holidays always bring such a feeling of happiness w/them! This is my favorite time of year...It seems to begin w/Fall & it marches on through Winter to usher in the enjoyment, togetherness, and wonder of each celebration. During the holidays there's a warm and cozy feeling surrounding us and I wish I could bottle it up to keep all year long!

I love Fall in all its colorful glory. The world around us changes almost completely right before our eyes! Then, of course, Halloween follows suit right after the beginning of Autumn...And, I do have to say that Halloween is not a big favorite of mine. Although I do like the fun part of Halloween for the little children. Seeing little kids dress up and enjoy themselves--that's what makes it fun & full of excitement.

Next November arrives, the weather gets colder, and Thanksgiving approaches. I love the Thanksgiving holiday, too. This is a time of year we get to eat & eat & eat--even though we know we shouldn't!) I love this holiday because it's a time spent with family and that's where it's at in this life. Which reminds me that Thanksgiving '08 was the last time we all saw my cousin, Gary. He left this earth a week and a day later...and we will forever miss him and the great person he was. I know my life was definitely impacted by Gary in so many ways. Gary was a wonderful cousin, brother, son, & father. I love you Gary! And, I am very thankful we were able to see him before he passed on. He spent that Thanksgiving with all of us. I remember him holding Shane and how he said he loved holding him and loved how he smelled. Gary just looked so happy holding my baby boy. Thanksgiving's a time to be thankful, but I think being thankful is what we need do all year long.

Now, it's December 1st...And, Christmas is getting closer & closer. Our house has been decorated for Christmas since about a week & a half before Thanksgiving. I'm glad I decorated so early which really isn't early to me(because I've decorated earlier before!) The main reason I wanted & needed to decorate was to get myself out of feeling down & isolated. And, you know what?! Just by me decorating our tree and getting the house all festive elevated my mood and made me feel better--I couldn't help but smile! Adding in some Christmas music helped, too! Our home is full of holiday happiness and it's so cozy-warm that it makes me HAPPY!!!

I think I'll close for now...I need to do better w/this blog thing & be more consistent...but then I've been so busy w/so many things it's hard to keep up w/everything...if only that were possible, right? Well, take care for now! Love you lots!