Its that time of year....

So its that time of year again. The time for family, for friends, for traditions, and making new memories. For me, its my favorite time of year. I love when the trees start changing, the cold air filters, the shopping starts and then of course Thanksgiving and my favorite of all time. Christmas. 

As a little girl, I can remember everything we did for each holiday. Its something called tradition. And the tradition seemed to never break. This is something I embraced and cherished and loved that every year I could look forward to the same thing, the same people and the same memories. Through all of the changes in my life, these were the things that didn't change. That was until a couple of years  ago. 

Instead of looking forward to these get togethers, it became more of "who is having it"and " when is it" kind of thing.. Are we so concerned now with the inconvenience and who is bringing what and who is coming to sit back and think about what this holiday truly means? 

For everyone it has a different meaning. For me, I am just thankful. If there is one thing in my life that has been constant, its the fact that my family have been close and always been supportive. We used to live close by ( literally in the same city ) but now we have become more spread apart so getting together has become more difficult. Kids grow up, get married, and then have other responsibilities. Things do change but I just wish holidays weren't one of them. Whenever I first started dating, my first words to him were "Christmas Eve, I go to my nanny's and that doesn't change." Okay so maybe I was little unforgiving on this one, but its a tradition I refused to give up. And I didn't. We worked around it but I was still there and the same people were always there. Now with the addition of kids, it has made it even better. I don't care about the presents. Its just being around family that I love. I am very lucky to have most of my family still here and I treasure every moment I can spend with them. We used to have each holiday on each side of the family. Christmas was by far the best. We would have it on my dads side, then that night we would go to my nanny's. I can remember driving home at night and watching the sky for glimpse of Santa. Its one of my favorite memories I will forever cherish.

Now that I have Drew I want to start making memories for him. This year is going to be slightly different however. His dad and I split Christmas mornings, meaning each year he wakes up with Santa at either my place or his dads. This year just happens to be his dad's turn and this year my parents will not be here. After accidentally spilling the beans to Drew, and watching him get upset, I realized I was truly upset about it as well. For the first time in 33 years, I will wake up on Christmas morning with nobody. Christmas Eve, however, will not change and I plan on still having it. Hopefully my bestie will be here and I won't be totally alone but its just the thought. ( My parents are going to my sisters this year for the first time to spend it with them ) 

I try not to be selfish and Im glad that my nieces and nephews get to spend Christmas with them. I just have to remember to be blessed that I have family. I have friends and a son who I will get later that day. It may not be this year, or next year but I will start making memories for me and Drew. Whether I am with someone or not, I want him to have those memories.

So as we come upon this time of year, stop and think. Are we grateful? Are we blessed? For those who have lost family members, think of this as a time for remembering them and treasuring the times you had with them. It should be a joyous time and a time of love and laughter. Don't let the hustle and bustle get in the way. Take time to be with those around you. You never know when it may be your last. 

God works in funny ways

Some days when you think you are at the end of everything and nothing seems to be going right, we are reminded that there are people out there that care for you , even people you may not have thought about recently. The other night, I had had a bad day. I was overwhelmed with some stuff and was just ready to call it a night when I got a Facebook message. I was surprised at first when I saw the name and the simple hi. The hi was followed with "You have been on my heart lately and I have been thinking of you." I almost dropped the phone when I read this and I just laughed. I thought to myself, wow, God really is looking out for me.
The message was from a friend of mine in high school whom I lost touch with after graduation but I had followed her on Facebook and knew she was going through a lot of health problems as well. She went on to tell me how she read my blog and how it inspired her and she often felt the same thing that I was going through. In just 2 short sentences, messages, she had my day from bad to inspiring. I knew I had some comments about how my blogs had helped people but to help someone like her really hit home.
Her health issues outweigh mine but she is still one of the most positive people I have ever met, even in high school she always had a smile on her face and was on the nicest and caring people I had ever met. Even though states divide us, its nice to know that technology can still bring us together.
I have been told my blogs are too personal at times and that I give too many details. But I have a crazy life. Its not normal, and it really has never been. But I know I am not the only one out there who experiences what I go through and I also know I have it easy probably compared to others. But I write because not only does it make me feel better but if I can encourage one person, help one person or just make someone smile, then I have done what I set out to do. I don't write just to write. I write to release. I write what is on my heart and if its too much sometimes, then I can't take those words  back. But I can't help people by hiding behind my feelings. I can't be that encouraging word if I can't type it.
So to the person who sent me the message (you know who you are)
Thank you for the encouraging words. Thank you for the thoughts and words and prayers. I don't know how you knew to message me on that night, but you helped me in more ways than you will ever know. I love that I can message you anytime and I know you will be there. Even though we haven't spoke since high school or seen each other, I still consider you a good friend. I am too praying for you and your family. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and I will always be thankful for your friendship.
To the rest of you, take the time to tell someone hi and that you are thinking of them. They may need those words and even though you may not hear back, you may have just made their day.