Truly Blessed!

On December 7th we are having a Family reunion. My family is large and most of them live close by, some are only about and hour away and a small amount live out of state. As our family has grown over the years it is harder and harder to get everyone together for the holidays. We decided to have an informal gathering at my parent's clubhouse where everyone brings a dish and some beverages. No presents, no fancy clothes. Just us. I can't wait. It is so good to reconnect every so often with family.

My cousin has taken on the job of creating a slide show entitled "Christmas through the years". Every family has to submit a few photos taken at Christmas time and we will be able to watch this wonderful video of our precious memories at the reunion. He has promised to make a copy for everyone to take home. I am really excited about it. So, I have spent the greater part of today pouring over photos, watching old VHS tapes and combing my computer for just the right pictures.

Looking at these pictures made me realize how truly Blessed I am. I have the most wonderful family. God gave me the best parents in the whole world. My aunts, uncles and cousins and grandparents are so special to me. God gave me the gift of a loving husband and 5 beautiful children who have brought me so much joy. I have these two Aunts that are so much fun to be around. Everyone who has the opportunity to spend time with my family always says they want to be adopted in! It also made me think about how fast time flies. It is so easy to get caught up in the mundane routines of your daily life and forget how each day is a memory. Every person in your life is precious. We should be enjoying our relationships and smiling and laughing and just enjoying everyday life.

My scanner isn't working so I am unable to share some photos from the past. I am so ignorant when it comes to all of this technology. Thank goodness God blessed me in that area too, he gave me my Mac guy, my husband, the technical wiz kid...Dennis (thanks honey for putting up with my technical shortcomings). So, here are a few pics from recent years that I have on my computer. Lauren about 3 months old, now she is 8, (sitting with Santa aka... Uncle Fred. Justin and Ashlyn with her Reindeer antlers on. They are about 9 and 6 years old here. (now they are 18 and 15). Lauren and Dylan acting silly under the tree, here they are 3 and 4. Now they are 8 and 6 1/2. Also pictured is 4 of them acting goofy under the tree as Dylan tries to ride on Justin's back! Oh the good times we have had!

As the Holiday Season approaches I am going to squeeze every bit of the magic, the fun, the good food, great family get togethers and fill my heart to overflowing with the joy my family will give me.

So thankful for Family,
Maureen