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...of 2008.  Where oh where as the year gone.  I cannot believe how this year swept through so quickly.  As the Christmas season passed without too much stress and our days following were spent shoveling out of more than two feet of snow, it gave for lots of quiet times of reflection.

We were truly a blessed family this year.  God showed his mercy and grace in ways that would take all year to mention.  Our daughters wedding was the highlight of our year. But,  just the fact that we were all healthy and have lots of family and friends, give one an abundance  to praise God for. Even through days where life was difficult and tiredness met our eyelids quite frequently, we can look back and see the hand of God in everything.

(package that Grandma sent in the mail)

So back to our Christmas...it was truly wonderful.  Karisa and JJ spent four days with us because the weather was so bad they didn't want to get stuck at home.  You see, JJ's parents live right across the road from us, and so they could go back and forth from our family to the in-laws.  The boys had lots of fun with JJ out in the snow and building forts and going on his rope swing. 

Did I mention all the snow we received this Christmas.  It was absolutely heavenly.  We here on the west coast don't see that kind of snow.  It snowed for five our six days straight.  I think in total it snowed for almost two weeks on and off.  So our property saw between 26-30 inches.  So needless to say this momma didn't go anywhere.  I was quite content holding down the fort and cooking for my brood and keeping the fire going.  All our Christmas company managed to make it to our home as we were hosting it this year.  There was 23 of us altogether.  A few stressful moments, but all in all...it was a magical and blessed evening.  (if you can put magical and blessed in the same sentence).  I did however need to say a few prayers along the way so that I would not go off the deep end, or get stressed out.  It's amazing how the devil wants to come in and destroy the most hated season by him and his fallen angels.  But praise be to God it never escalated to anything other than...the turkey needed a bit more time in the oven.  That alone was weird as it has never happened before and took me quite by surprise.  Thankfully my SIL kept me calm and the dinner and entire day was a success.

I have spent the past days after Christmas, just doing laundry and putting a few decorations away.  I have had a lot of quiet time as the children are all enjoying their gifts and have lots to do.  Plus playing in the snow has been a highlight for them.  Dh  has also been home since the 21st, and doesn't go back until the January 5th.  So it's been great having him here this much. 

Here are a few of our holiday celebrations in picture form.....See you all in 2009 (Lord willing)

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 - Happy New Year!

Posted by fcusick
Have a Blessed New Year!

Flossie

Thursday, January 1, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous
Happy New Year Connie!! Thanks for sharing all those great photos, and I am glad that you had a white Christmas!!

Love,
Ellie
xoxo