Christmas Eve

Wow! I keep reminding myself God didn't promise that life was going to be easy. We went to Shayne's mom's tonight, which was a great change from "tradition" however, since arriving back at home, it's like I'm haunted with Christi memories from past Christmas Eves. Despite trying to put on a brave front, this is pretty hard.

Shayla's all set and tucked in bed now. Shayne had to read her the annual Christmas stories because just looking at the books made me weepy remembering how we'd read them to BOTH of the girls and we can no longer do that. Would Christi, as an 11 year old, allow us to do that if she were here? Would she have written her own books for us to delight in instead. It's been nice this Christmas season to be able to do some "giving back". We will forever be grateful for all who helped us through our most difficult times!

Shayla crocheted this necklace for Blitzen. She thinks he is the most overlooked reindeer so she wrote her annual letter to Santa and asked him to get this to that overlooked reindeer.


Tonight, Grandma Nee Nee gave her some sewing things that were her Great Grandma Gear's. She was so happy. She's really into sewing - she's the one who sews all of our family's buttons back on and repairs simple things like seams and hems. This was such a special gift!
In nearly every picture taken this evening, an orb appears. I wonder if it's Christi's spirit or Grandma's. I know in reality it's most likely a spot on my camera lens which keeps changing, but I tell myself our "angels" are with us on this most special night - soon to be Jesus's Birthday!