Grandma Lois

Today is a special day. My wonderful Grandma Lois was born on this day...several years ago. This time of year is always bitter sweet. I love the joy that comes with getting together with family and friends, the happiness of the Christmas season, celebrating the birth of Jesus, shopping, decorating, etc. There is also a certain sadness that comes with the season and I guess forever will. This is the exact day three years ago that I saw my Grandma for the last time. I miss her so much!!!

Yet, with the sadness comes hope. I remember the fears I had when my Grandma died: my family would never be the same, my mom would crumble from losing her stepmom, dad & mom in a time frame of four months, and the holiday season that we always loved would be a time of great sorrow forever. The truth is, we're not the same family - I believe we're stronger. My mom did not crumble - she persevered with grace. The holiday season has its times of sadness, but also its times of great joy. We've learned to cherish time spent with loved ones more, to never take for granted that we'll see someone again, to laugh more, cry more, be "real" more. We rejoice in knowing that Grandma lives on in our family through our crazy antics, Mom's cooking, our laughter, and our cherished memories. And if God allows Grandma Lois to look down on her family from time to time, I know she's proud. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Ego Maniac

I live with a man who has a slightly large ego at the moment. :)  When you google his name, a link to his blog on his company website comes up first.  Yes, he thinks he's the most popular Jared Turner in the world.  What can I say, I live with the greatest! :)