It's been a week since Christmas came in it's usual way and left in its same manner, a hurry. This was a first for JW and I as we spent Christmas Eve without the company of our girls. It was very bittersweet and if I could choose a forever wish it would be to have them ALL here on that special night.
Our family gathered in the usual way at my aunt Deborah's. This year rejuvenated a long ago tradition of playing games. The fun we had was wonderful, but the memories we made were priceless. I only hope this becomes something we continue to do. This year we chose to exchange tacky ornaments. Oh what fun it was to open the gifts to find something totally out of the norm. and to know that on some other family member's tree will hang a memory of Christmas 2011.
On Christmas night Madison and Adam's cats, who were spending the holidays with us, made a great escape. Clyde was quickly recovered, but sweet Gloria was no where to be found. Our hearts were broken to think she had disappeared. After several days and lots of prayers, Gloria came home the following Friday morning. I felt like the angel who brought the news of Jesus' birth as I walked around almost singing out, "Gloria". Nothing felt quite as good as being able to call Adam to tell him that their girl was home and was safely back with her brother.
December marked the six month countdown to Madi and Adam's big day. Although many things have been taken care of, there's still plenty, plenty, plenty to be done. Now that the new year has started, the wedding dress building can also begin. My prayer is that my grandmother will be here in spirit to guide my hands and heart.
I think this should about wrap it up for tonight. My hope is to be able to update a little more often as we move toward the wedding day. We'll see how that goes.
