In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Happy Memories & Sad Good-byes

 I have been looking at past Christmas pictures of the 3 little ones. And how the story of Us began.

Little man was just 6 months old when I shared my first Christmas with him.

Christmas 2005

Jordans 1st Christmas 

Eight months later, little lady came along.  Our first months of wedded bliss was spent in a crazy rollercoaster of adjusting to parenting again and being in denial that this was long term.

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Christmas 2006

 

 

 

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By the time Christmas 2007 came around, we had accepted these interruptions to our lives and embraced them. We knew we were in this for the long haul.

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Nevaeh our precious angel

Jordan our little man

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Our grandson had been born and he and his mom lived with us, so another joined our zoo crew.

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Aidyn our little honeyChristmas 2007

Thus began the many pictures these 3 have had taken as they grow up together.

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Christmas 2008

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2008

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102_1029   Gerry and I and kids cropped

And now the Christmas season of 2009

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Making new memories in 2009

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My little’s

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 I am amazed at how fast time has flown by since our story began. How far we’ve come. How much we’ve  grown in body, mind and spirit. I am thankful for these moments of having our grandson here visiting so we can continue these memories for each of them.

What a gift each of them are. What a gift they are to each other. What a gift this time together was to each one of us.

We spent our last days together, mostly playing. They literally dumped out every single toy in the house. They were loud and wild. They fought. They giggled. These simple moments were the best.  We ate pizza and popcorn. We had ice-cream and Christmas cookies for breakfast. Oh yes we did.

On Sunday morning, I bribed them with candy canes and the Christmas cookies we made, to take these pictures. For the most part we did good.

We left mid-morning to make the just over 3 hour drive to meet his other set of grandparents. We listened to much fighting and crying. And then finally this…

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She actually was the noisiest one of the bunch but put on a smile for the camera. And she never did fall asleep once. Let’s just say, we had to stop and pull over a few times and we are not looking forward to her teenage years.Boy’s really are easier then girls.

Saying good bye to my grandson yesterday ripped out my heart. Listening to my little’s cry and seeing them hug  good-bye was heart wrenching.

That was the ending to our very best, wonderful, amazing, fantastic, terrific week together.

It’s hard not to cry because it’s over. Yet it’s easy to smile when I think of all that happened this past week.

I know we have lots more memories to make. And I know I will keep on telling the story of Us.

Love & Hugs, Lori

 

22 comments:

Lori ann said...

dear Lori,
i've so enjoyed catching up with your posts, seeing you with your precious grandbabies, it's such a blessing.
You are a special soul, i can't think of any thing else to say, i am not surprised that you were gifted by a blogging Santa!
enjoy your beautiful family this Christmas, and please take good care yourself, I wish we were neighbors so I could help out with those darling doodles.
Love and Hugs,

Lori (times five)

Natalie said...

Hi Lori, they are just so absolutely gorgeous. *sigh* i am glad I have a few of my own, because I would come and steal them otherwise. :D xxx♥

Anonymous :) said...

Beautiful pictures of special moments in each year. Those are the memories they will never forget. Time well spent.

Brian Miller said...

love the pictoral trip through the memories...and the pose they struck in front of the tree this year...know you had an amazing week and wishing you many more! happy holidays!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Just seeing those smiling (and sleeping) faces brings joy to my heart. They are so sweet...and you and your husband are just angels for taking good care of them.
xoxox
Suz

I Am Woody said...

Thank you for taking us down memory lane with you!!

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Such beautiful photo's. I just love reading about your days with these little angels........My computer is messing up so I think I figured out you were my new follower yesterday. Thank you for the add and making my Christmas wish come true. Sending hugs for Christmas.

Jeannie said...

so sweet!

Kit Kat said...

I can't believe how fast those little ones grow! Love these pictures!

wolfie185 said...

Thanks for sharing your memories, they were beautiful and so are your little ones! I see mischief in your granddaughters eye's :-D

SciFi Dad said...

Thanks for sharing such great photos.

I'm sorry you'll miss one of your little ones this holiday. I'm sure it will be difficult.

Brittany said...

<3 the photos! I cant wait until he is back in my arms. Thanks for loving him up and taking such good care of him!

The memorories are the best gift you could give!

lOVE you
Me

lisa said...

beautiful photos of beautiful children having a marvelous week with you~thank you for sharing.

Mike said...

They look so happy together! You may not have a lot under the tree, but there is plenty of love to go around!

Hilary said...

What a bunch of beauties. All of you. Have a wonderful Christmas. :)

mommytoalot said...

Oh my! What adorable children. Love the trip down memory lane. How fast they grow.
sorry your will miss your little guy.
..and I totally agree, boys are way more easier than girls.
Merry Merry Christmas
xo
lisa

Buckeroo said...

It was wonderful to look through your pics of Christmases past with your little ones. I am pretty sure that they will have magical memories of this time together. They are so blessed to have you as their grandmother!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Wonderful memories and great photos. Thanks a million Lori for sharing them. It's been a pleasure getting to know you and your family. Wishing you all a GREAT Christmas and a year filled with wonderful new memories together.

xo

Bogey said...

Lori, in years to come, these photo memories will make for a marvelous Photo Album Christmas gift to your littles, who will no longer be little. With this collection of memories, nobody could ever doubt the unconditional love that you have for all of those special people in your life. Never doubt your wisdom for keeping this Chrismas Season real and free of the commercial hoopla that so many fall prey to. You have provided many people with an insight as to what Christmas really is all about.

I wish you, your husband with the great name and your entire brood, the Merriest of Christmas's filled with all of the joy and happiness that your hearts can contain. The memory of material things will pass as quickly as the seasons but the memories of a loving family will remain for generations.

May the New Year bring you Peace of mind, contentment, serenity and more room in your heart for the many more memories that are still to come.

Thank you so much for sharing so many of your special moments and giving us all a glimpse at the inner workings of your loving family.

Love and Hugs
Bogey

CiCi said...

These are wonderful pictures of Christmases past and present day pictures too. You are right, they are making memories of each other to last forever. Merry Christmas, Lori!

Swampy said...

Thanks for the memories...wonderful photos...gorgeous children.
May your and yours have a healthy, happy, and safe HollyDay.
Did you see Faith Hill's special last night, "Home for the Holidays?"

Shrinky said...

What a beautiful family you make, so much love there is in your home, it shines through every photograph.

Happy New Year, Lori.