I'm So Blessed

Another Christmas has come and gone. The Little Turquoise House was busting at the seams as it welcomed and sheltered seven people and six dogs in it's 750 square feet of living space. As I look back over the last few days spent with family, I realize how truly blessed I am. I couldn't help but think of my mother and how she would love being with and enjoying her grandchildren this Christmas and how very proud she would be of each of them. We had our fun, preparing food, eating, playing games and watching movies and we had our frustrations as well but all in all it was a wonderful weekend and I am now left to ponder it all in what is how a very quiet house. 

I told you in my last post about my grandparents on my mother's side and how it was their 100th wedding anniversary on Christmas day. My cousin had the idea to toast them on that anniversary and I wanted to join her though she is in CO springs and we are here. I made it a very special occasion and had my family join me in the toast right before our dinner. Besides, it was a good excuse to get pictures from family members who often shy away from the camera. The only down side was that Hubby was holding the photo of gran and granddad and didn't get in the picture. One of my many projects this winter is finishing my heritage scrapbook and family story. 

Daughter number one and her Hubby left early because she came down with a flu bug and felt it was a waste of her Hubby's sacrifice of time for her to be laying around and not enjoying her time with family. Son and his wife left first thing this morning. 

One disappointment this weekend was finding out that one of my daughters borrowed a ring of mine...out of my jewelry box without asking. A ring that, right or wrong, I made an emotional attachment with. I usually let her borrow things because she always asks and is usually careful...except this time. I'm disappointed that she didn't ask in the first place, I'm disappointed that she was careless enough to lose it, but most of all I'm disappointed in myself for placing so much importance on a "thing". I am reminded of a story I once read of a young girl who accidentally broke her mother's treasured china and feared her wrath but was shown only love and compassion. Her mother told her that the china was just things and although she treasured them, she believed that those objects were taken from her instead of the life of a family member whom she treasured much more. Yes, I will miss my ring and what it meant to me, but more importantly I still have my daughter and all my beautiful family and I would never trade any one of them for that ring. My daughter is checking her apartment again and I will be careful to look for it as I clean this week but if it doesn't turn up I need to be at peace with that. What I know in my head my heart is still working on accepting but accept it I will. 

Tomorrow there is much to do; I want to get as much of the Turquoise House back in order as possible. I'll be taking another week off from teaching and hopefully laying out a detailed plan for the remainder of the winter. 

To a new beginning...