Our 23rd anniversary! Where has the time gone? As with most couples there have been plenty of good times along with bumps in the road, and this year was certainly proof of that. I can't tell you how glad I am that 2012 is almost over! Was hoping we would do something to celebrate but I guess since I didn't plan it it's just another day. Work called desperately needing help so I will be going in for at least a few hours. Figured I may as well make a few bucks instead of sitting her doing nothing, especially after the rather hefty dentist bill we had this week. Probably the way it was supposed to work out.
I am slowly feeling better since the allergic reaction. I was feeling pretty rough the day of my family Christmas here but I managed to have a good time and make it through the day. Can't wait for all the headaches and jaw pain to be gone. We hosted my family here the 22nd and even my 94 yo Grandma was able to join us. We had a big day of food, games, and ended with a movie. Think everyone had fun and as always there were plenty of laughs. The 23rd was the Deno Christmas. Fun day there as well. Lots of little ones around so that always makes it more magical. Before day's end a stocking revealed that grandbaby 21 will be joining us in July! After dinner and presents we walked across the highway to crash Uncle Jim's family Christmas. Not very often do both families celebrate Christmas on the same day so we took advantage. These two groups grew up essentially as one huge family-camping, vacations, and swapping kids was just the norm. Lots of great memories between them so of course we had to share the "Holiday Cheer." In Deno speak that is a beer and glass of wine!
Christmas Eve was pretty low key with food preparation and movies then a lovely church service. Fortunately I was feeling enough better that I was able to cancel my doctor appointment. After Mass both kids headed their separate ways to celebrate with their boyfriend and girlfriend. Christmas Day was nice and lazy just as it should be. Presents, brunch, movie time, just hanging out and later a big dinner. As always it goes way too fast! I would be perfectly fine with most of society shutting down for the 12 days of Christmas! For me it's still time for music and movies, family time and memories. Our decorations will be up for some time yet.
Yesterday Brad and Brody headed to Cabelas for a little guy bonding time. Brody had patiently waited for the trip so he could pick out a belated birthday present-a gun for hunting. Brad had Cabela's points and a gift card burning a hole in his pocket so he came home with a gun too. And mom was happy because they got awesome deals! Someone asked me what kind of guns they got. My response..."Well Brody got a Winchester that can shoot birds or deer. Other than that they are both pretty." Yep, I know my guns!
Kinsey and I made a quick run to Walmart and came home feeling some real Holiday spirit. We always do something charitable and this year was no exception-we donated to the local community service fund. Today we were at the right place at the right time when we ran into one of Kinsey's friends. Their home had burned just the day before and only the dogs and pictures were able to be saved. Fortunately all were OK! The family looked exhausted as they shared they had been in town all day slowly starting the process of replacing their entire lives several hundred dollars at a time. It wasn't a big contribution but I was able to check out right behind them and help with their rather monstrous bill. Then I asked to speak to a manager who pulled them aside and took them to the deli before they left. She explained that Walmart would be providing dinner for their whole family and they could choose whatever they wanted to eat, It never hurts to share someone's story, usually someone else will jump in and help. Thanks Walmart!!! The best part of all is that as I told Kinsey my plan she told me she had already planned to pass on her gift cards to her friend. When we got home and told Brody he had already shopped the day the of the fire with his girlfriend and they had their own plan to help out. So proud of my kiddos for thinking of others without being prompted!
So the 31st is upon us and it seems impossible that another year has flown by. As I reflect on 2012 there is no doubt it was pretty crummy. I vividly remember sharing with friends at this time last year that my gut told me something bad was going to happen. Well, my gut was right. Sometimes I'm afraid of what our future holds. I already know that financially it will be tough once again as my surgery will plunge us into yet more medical debt. If our lawmakers don't figure out a plan our taxes will take a huge hike and we won't be able to claim near as many deductions. Sometimes it just seems next to impossible to get ahead in life and I really hate that feeling. I'm really praying that we can have a good year and just try to get our lives back to normal after 5 years of adversity. Although sometimes I'm not even sure what normal is. Yes, I may need some cheese with that whine!!!
So for now I am going to do what I have done for the past 12 months and try to focus on the good and not the bad, the blessings not the trials, and the fact that things can always be worse-like losing everything you own in a fire. Christmas holds many wonders and is always one of my favorite times of the year. After all of this I would absolutely have to conclude that "Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus!" We certainly have witnessed his goodness and generosity a lot! And most importantly the birth of our Lord brings great reason to celebrate. The miracle of His human existence shows us that all things are possible even when we don't feel in control. If we rely on Him the two sets of footprints quickly become one and someway, somehow, he always carries us through!!! 2012 has been a true testament to that!
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