It’s actually a week before Christmas as I sit at the computer, choosing photos to share with my family and friends on Christmas…as this won’t post until Christmas day. This year we all are feeling heavy hearts and a need to be closer to family and hug them all a bit tighter and as I go through my photos of our children and grandchildren…tears come to my eyes as I think about how grateful I am to have them all…healthy and all doing well…how blessed we truly are and I’m SO very thankful to be able to spend the holidays with them this year…all of us together…just hanging out together, enjoying one another and appreciating our time with one another! No presents can top this…quality time with family is what IS the most important thing. I’m SO proud of our children…I can’t tell you how much I love them and LOVE seeing them in their lives with their families!! It is the best thing, so see children grow up and become parents…not only to give us grandchildren (who we ADORE!!!!!!!!), but to be great people, citizens and parents…my heart is just bursting right now with pride….I can’t even tell you how much I love them!!

Josh…our oldest, has a beautiful daughter who is seven years old and I’m always in awe of how fabulous she is! Josh hasn’t had the perfect life, but he’s made the best of what he’s been through and is an AWESOME dad and loves his daughter to the end of the earth! Seeing the two of them together is incredible…they are loving, but playful and have a lot of fun…and he’s been great and teaching her responsibility and respect, which I truly admire! He’s in school now and working hard to make a better life for himself and Jayden…and we are so proud of him…and want the VERY best for them!!! Jayden…his daughter, oh, I’m sure you have seen MANY photos of  her on this blog…needless to say, she’s had TONS of photos taken of her by me and I love photographing her….her smile, the sparkle in her eyes and seeing her grow into a lovely girl with a kind and loving heart is the best thing I could ever witness! Jayden, our first granddaughter, has a very special place  in our hearts, is am amazing girl and now seeing her with her new cousin…she is remarkable with her…so sweet, loving and gentle…sometimes when I see them together, I think my heart could burst with pride!

Jessalyn, our daughter, is married to an incredible man, Sean, who we’ve known for many years…ahhhh, they are remarkable together…and as individuals! Jess (as we call her) is a teacher…and now a mother…and WOW…she was meant to work with children and those who are blessed with her as a teacher, are so fortunate…she’s is caring, understanding, patient and thoughtful…and seeing her blossom in this role, it’s amazing and heartwarming!!! And, her recent new role this past year, as a mother…oh my…I can’t even put into words how much I love seeing this…tears come to my eyes as I think about it…she’s the BEST mom and her beautiful daughter, Emma, is so fortunate to have her as a mom!! Emma entered this world a bit early, not quite as Jess (a planner) had planned, so that was a bit unnerving for all of us, but from the beginning, she was there, doing what needed to be done for Emma and making sure that everything was right and ready for each step along the way (and still worrying about her kids at school while on maternity leave)…I was so impressed and in awe…she’s truly remarkable! Today, Emma is about 8 1/2 months old and it’s so hard to believe she was so tiny and spent her first month of life in the hospital…she’s healthy, happy, adorable, spunky and beginning to tell us all about her life…I cherish each and every day with her!! Sean, husband and dad…we met him when he was in the 5th or 6th grade…he went to school with Josh…and as the years went on, I always felt like “something” might happen….someday between he and Jess…and low and behold…the stars aligned and it did…and now, they’ve celebrated their 5 year anniversary this past summer and have a beautiful daughter…he’s a great provider, loving, thoughtful, appreciative and I must also add…quite the prankster…we are always being caught in his jokes…oh, how fortunate we are to have him in our family!!

I can’t NOT talk about my husband…Rick…wow…it’s been over 30 years since we met and honestly, it was pretty close to love at first sight! We were in college and it wasn’t long after we started dating that we both knew we’d be together forever…and low and behold…this past summer we celebrated our 30th anniversary! Every day I am so thankful for him…for our lives together, for our children and for our love…I am SO blessed!!! He’s a great father, amazing husband, faithful friend and ADORING grandfather…and I am SO lucky to call him MINE and shout to the world how much I love him and share just how thankful I am to have him as MINE!!!

So…without further ado…here is my family…I love them all so very much and am so proud of all of them…they are the best and I wouldn’t be the person I am without them…they are part of me and my life wouldn’t be the same without them!! (P.S. there might be an overload of photos, but I figure I’m allowed to do that…to brag about how great my family is and how great they all look!!!

My wish for each and every one of you is a holiday filled with love and joy, family, friends and great memories…treasure what you have and appreciate each and every day to the fullest!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Here’s a little slideshow…if you are interested…in the family photos with music!