Christmas and surprise in the mail

Christmas was very hard this year without my mom. I did alright sometimes and cried other times.
I  made my dad a nice meal for Christmas and enjoyed my visit with him.
  My kids and grandkids were at my house on Christmas eve. and also for Christmas breakfast.
 I also received a wonderful surprise package in the mail from a former blogger, Trish ladybug.
  I will share a few pictures of Christmas and my surprise box from Trish. Trish is always encouraging me, especially when my mom was sick and her passing. Thank you Trish for your
friendship and for spoiling me with a box of goodies.

Me and my sisters at Christmas, when I was 5 years old, another picture of my mom, dad and me.

Luke and my Christmas dog Bo.

My floating Christmas candle.

My three grand children eating Christmas breakfast.

Luke and Jake

My husband Ronnie

Stephanie and Mat

Riley

Jake

Cole

Me and my dad, he was so proud of his Marine Corp hat

Surprise package from Trish

Beautiful Rock art from Arizona

Sunflowers from her garden and twig wreath from her property

Wonderful handpainted bowl full of vintage cookie cutters, greenery and snowflakes

Beautiful primitive Tray, it is gorgeous!

Handmade keychain for Ronnie

Lemons and oranges, I know the lemons were grown on Trish's property.

Cookie bake slumber party!

What an awesome weekend I had in WV at our old farmhouse. We had our cookie bake, slumber party. My daughter, granddaughter, sisters, nieces and some special friends were there. We baked a variety of different cookies, decorated the tree, watched Christmas movies, went to a little country diner for dinner and had a gift exchange. It did us all so much good, to laugh and have a wonderful time together. One of my favorite times during the Christmas season.

Wonderful Box of Christmas goodies!

I received the most wonderful box of Christmas treasures yesterday from my sweet friend
Wendy "Ravenwood Whimzies" . The box was packed with many wonderful treasures.
Wendy made me the most beautiful table mat, adorable snowman, scarf with snowmen on it, a santa candle, tart, sachet, Oh come all ye faithful block, cookie cutter, Christmas ornament, and Joy sign.
 I love everything!!! Thank you so much Wendy, Most of all I cherish our friendship.

Getting ready for Christmas

This year will be so hard at Christmas without my mom, but I had to tell myself I have to go on
for my dad, and my husband, children and grandchildren.
 I had a few days off at Thanksgiving so I was able to do some decorating. I will share some
photo's with you. I put out my santa's and will be putting out my snowmen after Christmas.
 This weekend my sisters, daughter, granddaughter, nieces and I will be having our farmhouse
cookie bake and slumber party at our farmhouse in WV. I am getting geared up for that.
 And I was so preoccupied with my mom being sick and passing that I haven't even had time
to get excited about becoming a grandma again. My daughter Stephanie is expecting a baby in March
Her name is Ruby Grace, can't wait.

Wonderful Celebration

My husband and I celebrated our 37th. year wedding anniversary. He took me to Pa. for the weekend, we stayed in Lancaster and went to some shops in that area. We watched a Christmas play and ate
wonderful Pa. Dutch cooking.
 My husband also took me to Alechia's House of Country in Williamsport, Pa.
It was such a refreshing time for both of us.
I know my husband doesn't enjoy prim crafts like I do, but he took me to these places,
so I could enjoy myself.
 It has been so hard on me since my mom's passing three weeks ago, I still cry everyday, but
I actually was able to enjoy myself and even laugh a little.
I will share some photo's of our trip, sorry I didn't get any pictures of the amish. The weekend
just went too fast.

Me at Alechia's

Hubby

My soul mate

Christmas show we went to see

My beautiful anniversary flowers

Some of my treasures from our trip

Yummy Christmas candle

Wonderful Arnett Santa

How do I say goodbye and go on!!!

My mother passed away Oct. 26, 2016 after a long illness with her family surrounded by her side.
My mom never complained through her illness, she always said, "It will be alright", I can almost handle her death, because I know she is in Heaven and in peace with no more suffering.
 But I keep thinking of the suffering, it is almost like I have post tramatic stress or something.
I do good one minute and can burst out crying the next. I guess this is all normal.
 I already miss my mom so much and can't even bear to think of the holidays.
I know I need to go on for my dad, husband, kids and grandkids, but right now I don't think
I can bear putting up a Christmas tree or decorating, and I usually love the holidays.
 My mom came from a family of 11 children, she grew up in proverty, but made sure her
children had a better life. I think of all the wonderful things that she taught me about life.
My mom enjoyed helping people in need, she was always gathering up a bag of groceries or clothing
to take to someone she knew was in need.
 She taught me never to make fun of anyone and she could always make me laugh, no matter
how bad things were. She was a big sender of cards, get well, encouragement, Birthday, Christmas, Sympathy, she loved sending cards to others.
 She loved her family so much and adored her grandchildren. If you came to visit mom,
you better expect not to leave the house without eating something.
 I know life goes on and I have to go back to work, but my life will never be the same, my heart
has a big hole in it. Please pray for my family and that I can get joy and creativity back into my life.
Mom would want me to go on, but it is so hard.