Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever, and we’ll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that never can end. -Richard Bach

22 years ago today I arrived at the hospital at 0700 to be induced, as my son was two weeks overdue. During labor Reggie was in distress, and we are very lucky to have him, and very lucky that there were no medical issues related to his distress. At 5:40pm he was placed in my arms and I recall my thoughts of how absolutely beautiful, and perfect he was. Twenty-two years later, I still think he is beautiful, and perfect, and regardless of his age, he will forever be my ‘baby’. I love you, Reggie…to eternity, and back…

You all know that I have been battling against time for sometime now, and unfortunately I’ve been loosing the battle. Amazing how truly quickly life passes us. Wish I could travel back in time, and hold this guy for just a few more minutes in my arms…

This’n That:

• After battling with a toothache that began this weekend , this morning I visited the dentist, and pray that the filling holds, and I do not have to return for a root canal as he suspects could possibly happen. So frustrating. So discouraging.
• Working on creating our menu for February, and have found a few new crock pot recipes to try; Chicken and Vegetables with Pineapple, Sloppy Joes, Turkey with Stuffing.
• I finally printed out the forms necessary to request a passport, now to get this process completed. Walgreens tomorrow after work for a passport photo is the plan.

Other than the dentist, creating our menu for February and printing out the application for a passport, Oliver, and I took a two hour nap together today, which means, now I really need to put my nose in the books before it gets any later. Until next time, take care friends!

-Jenny

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas
which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
-Ada V. Hendricks

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas. 

-Jenny

What is Christmas?  It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope
for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings
rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.  -Agnes M. Pahro

Keith makes homemade cinnamon rolls Christmas morning…delicious!

Our family was on Santa’s nice list…

A few of the gifts to me, from my family…and Yes, I cried…

From my daughter, Toni, a ceramic coffee mug engraved; “Jenny, RN You’re My Inspiration”

One of the many gifts, from my son, Matthew, who understands my love of Paris, and the Eiffel Tower…

My son, Reggie, gave me a Willow Tree figurine, My Hero.

My husband, totally surprised me with the lens that I have been hoping for…and yes, I am in LOVE! This lens is amazing!!

Part II post later…Hope your Christmas has been a beautiful one, and filled with what matters the most…being surrounded by loved ones, and making new memories!

-Jenny

Christmas gift suggestions:  To your enemy, forgiveness.  To an opponent,
tolerance.  To a friend, your heart.  To a customer, service.  To all, charity. 
To every child, a good example.  To yourself, respect.  -Oren Arnold

Taking a moment to reflect on memories of the special magic of Christmas as a child with family, and loved ones, and as an adult remembering the sparkle in my childrens eyes Christmas morning.

Around the house, glimpses of Christmas…

In Old World Germany, the last decoration placed on the Christmas tree was always a pickle…carefully hidden deep in the boughs. Legend has it that the observant child who found it on Christmas Day was blessed with a year of good fortune…and a special gift!

The legend may not be real, but Keith hid our Christmas pickle on our tree tonight…

Creme Brulee for Christmas dinner tomorrow

Chinese for supper, and now we’re all watching Elf…hoping your Christmas Eve is a beautiful one. Until tomorrow…

-Jenny

 Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer
and more beautiful.  -Norman Vincent Peale

Lights up on the outside of the house-check. Livingroom tree up, and decorated-check. Diningroom tree up, and decorated-check. The house is coming together, and I am getting excited for our holiday.

Livingroom Christmas Tree…

I decided to stay with an all silver theme, again this year. Eiffel towers, butterflies, dragonflies, and tons of silver glitter!

Diningroom Christmas Tree…

A majority of the ornaments on this little tree holds homemade ornaments created by my children when they were in elementary school. A smorgasborg of memories.

The outside of the House…

It’s all coming together. Hope your weekend was a productive one. Until next time.

-Jenny

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words, but to live by them.  -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Our Thanksgiving was a small, relaxed one. I was scheduled to work at the hospital today, and was able to share Thanksgiving dinner with my patients, and home to a small meal with my husband, Matthew, and his girlfriend. My daughter volunteered to work for a coworker so he could be home with his family, and Reggie is still away at boot camp…

This morning while at work I received a phone call from Reggie, and we were able to speak for a few minutes. He sounds so good, and states that he is doing very well. He made sharp shooter on the firing range, and survived the gas chamber drill. I miss him so much….

Nothing fancy this year, and just the basics…but a table full of love, and blessings…and we are truly blessed.

I hope your Thanksgiving was equally beautiful, and blessed…

-Jenny