I have been sitting here for weeks trying to decide how to start my blog. I felt that today of all days was the best day to start as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have so many things to be thankful for, my family, my health and the love of those around me. This year I told my husband all I wanted for Christmas was my family, peace, joy and love. No gifts could compare to that. Christmas Eve as we all gathered together (short my oldest son and his family, and my daughter in law), we were blessed with all the things I said I wanted. Good food, laughter, peace and fellowship filled the afternoon. With 5 children, their spouses and grandchildren we totaled 13. One of the nicest blessings was having my mothers sister come celebrate with us and meeting her for the first time. Christmas morning was filled with excitement as the youngest two waited to open their gifts. Having my rocket scientist son home from college was a special gift as well. I will cherish these moments, as I think this was one of our nicest Christmas's we have had together. The holidays are not always easy for me with my mother gone and my father not being part of my life. I focus on what I do have and how precious they all are to me.   Merry Christmas!