Christmas 2011 ~ the first one without our girl

The Light of the World  continues to shine through this dark time.


I must admit, Christmas was just. plain. hard.


Doing the traditions without her is almost unbearable.

Meditating on the Son leaving Heaven to come to earth and walk this sin-trodden soil to make a straight, narrow path that leads the way to the Everlasting brings refreshment to my soul.  

Reminding myself that Lydia is basking in the joy of this priceless gift lifts the weight of grief.  

Spent some time making Christmas decorations.

     Making memories with my boys.

           Remembering how much my girl loved to "make stuff" while she lived here.

"Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

~ Savoring Sweet Moments ~

Had to throw this one in because it makes me smile...

Willie snoozing while Sam decorates his leg with fuzz. :)

(typical Sam antic)

~ Great Wolf Lodge ~

~ Packing Up the Gifts ~ North Carolina Bound ~

Wrapping presents without her felt odd.  I was so thankful Luke quickly showed interest and helped.  He has found the sweetest ways to ease the pain of missing her.  Writing the from portion on the gift tags was the most difficult ~ not including her name.

By the way, Luke gave me his "Thor" helmet.
He knows I love that movie!
Sweet boy.

How strange it felt to be in a cementery at Christmas time.

Visiting her spot...

                          

The boys gathered dandelions to decorate her spot. 

~ Enjoying Friends and Family ~

~Sleepover at the Sneads ~ 

This is my dear friend, Deanna, sleeping with the kids on the floor palette.

It's tradition that Willie wears his Grinch pants
every Christmas morning.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; 
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; 
my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.


Psalm 28:7

Christmas 2010