Part of Where I'm Going is Knowing Where I'm Coming From

It is Sunday evening and so cold. I'm with blanket and hot chocolate and thinking about my family and what a great time we had for Thanksgiving. I discovered a great game called Catch Phrase. Anyone know it? We had so many people playing and so many laughs it felt like a game show. It was loads of fun. Little Matthew was great; it's scary when a 9-year-old stumps you. :)

How about watching old family videos and sharing the cool 80s hair and very scary clothes with your husband for the first time! I think he is still traumatized. :) The family started watching and I felt like I could watch them for hours.

For the answer to the big question: yes, I beeped all the way through airport security. However, it was all handled so graciously that it was pretty much uneventful. The hockey game was more exciting! Also, we did get an early snow and I realize how much I do miss it!

This was my first holiday with my "new look". I had many, many thoughts running through my head. Before I share, you probably need to know a bit about my family during the holidays. Laughter, groups, jokes, traditions, food, love, friendships, food, and did I say food? :)
My family is not exactly quiet or shy and we have been told that we are like the mob.

That being said, I use to be much more involved than what I felt I was this year. I want to thank Christy so very much for taking care of things when I can't and for being so good to my family and mom. Your the extra special addition to everything. As everything happens for a reason, I truly feel that God placed Nick in my life and you in Matt's so that there was support in place for what he had planned.

I took in so much from this visit and really noticed the smiles, love and real friendship that is within my circle. I have to say that it is a bit tough not being able to help with certain festivities and be that person that people used to ask for help. I felt as if I was just an observer, which is fine but just a change/adjustment. I tested a lot of drinks and had good conversation.

The thing that is to be said is this: everything that has got me to this place in my mind, heart and soul was started way over 50 years ago with Bob and Eleanor meeting, falling in love, starting a wonderful family and being the best grandparents anyone could ask for. They raised three wonderful kids, one, my wonderful mom and the other two, my close friends. I looked at the photos from this week and think how awesome how two people started a great, great thing.
I also noticed this week that patience with emotions is a very powerful tool. Allowing yourself to feel the changes and to absorb the differences brings you closer to yourself. The first step to moving past a new feeling/emotion/experience is to allow yourself the patience of the emotion.
I have so many things I want to do by next years holiday but I have to experience this first. I'm not used to being in the background. Even though everyone understands, I know that it's extra work for others now and I truly want everyone to know how much of a team this is. I love you all so much.

I read your comments all the time and can't tell you how many days this gives me strength. Christy from Dallas: please let me know what is going on with your mom. My thoughts are still with you.

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Before I sign off, I thought I would also share a laugh with you all. Click on this link for a holiday boost. It's Nick and my brothers, and oh, me too. :) (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9605131896)

I will write again soon!

Love,
Jen