Happy Christmas

December is a month full of birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas. But it is also a reminder of who has passed on. This year will mark the first time without Papa. His birthday passed, acknowledgement and tears; his and Granny's anniversary is coming up... and Christmas. The joy of the Lord's birth, of other family members birthdays and the empty space of a loved one. This year, I also lost a cousin suddenly, and an uncle is remembered fondly - and sadly as it is two members lost recently in the family. 

Christmas is also changing. I'm not only spending Christmas with my family, but also my boyfriend's family. Having to split my time between the two and wanting to spend as much as I can with my nieces and nephews, is hard. I am also disappointed that no trip to Florida to see the girls, grandparents and cousins isn't in the schedule... But it will be better to not be there with Papa not there. 

Luckily, we have the twins walking, Merritt liking presents, Mayer's funny words, and the sweetness of little Molly. So, while this was slightly a depressing post; it's also a reminder to enjoy your families and the entirety of the Advent and Christmas season. 

And to have a little more happiness, here's a picture of Christmas lights...