Looking back

I am soooooo looking forward to Christmas with our family, as I always do. We are very fortunate to be able to spend time with so many people that we love, and because of that I definitely feel God's blessings in abundance at this time of the year.

And I can't help but look back at past Christmases, reliving sweet memories of time spent with family. Tonight I looked back at pictures on my blog from last year. (I love, love, LOVE my blog for how easy it is to organize and access pictures and stories from the past.) Last Christmas was one of my absolute favorites. We spent Christmas Eve at the lake (click here to see!) with all of Dave's extended family, and then Christmas Day some of my family gathered at our house (click here to see!). My Aunt Shirley, who was very sick, felt well enough to join us too. As it turned out, it was her last Christmas on earth, and I am comforted by the fact that she spent it with some of the many people that loved her.
It was full of good food, happy children, skating on our back pond, a funny dog who provided good entertainment with her love of snow, rest by the Christmas tree, and memories shared.
I miss my dear aunt, especially this Christmas, but am so thankful that we were able to have the blessing of spending so many Christmases together. I treasure those memories.

And I bet that her first Christmas in heaven is absolutely amazing! :)