Traditions, blended families and in-laws.....that about covers it...

I love them! It's so important to me that I create traditions for my son, just like my parents did for me. Our tradition was always a little different on Christmas Eve because it was my dad, Popsie's, birthday. My mom would require us to "dress up" for dinner because she always had a spread for Christmas Eve.....then, if I remember correctly, we would be able to open one present......the rest - well, we would have to "dream" about them until the next morning. Our Santa gifts were always just "placed" around the room - unwrapped because Santa, of course, doesn't have time to wrap - he has too many other kids to deliver too.......it was always perfect!

I carry the same traditions at my house. Jake has gifts that are wrapped and then he gets "Santa" gifts on Christmas morning.

As we get older, some of the traditions have to change. Families change, people come and go - but for the most part - we can carry traditions on. My husband's family has always gotten together on Christmas Eve........so, now that I'm married - I've had to be considerate of other traditions (ok - whoever thought that I would be considerate of others feelings....my, my how I've changed! ROFL)......it's hard - I'll give you that - but that is what I've learned about growing up - (are you sitting down?) it's not all about me!!!! ROFL!!!

This year - our blended family is getting together for Popsie's birthday. This is a first!!! I am so excited...it's a come and go type party, for those of us who have other plans with our in-laws, but it's great because we can all get together for a short time and just be together - celebrating the life of a great man - a man who has learned to share his life with others - be a popsie to many - 15 now I think! For years after my mom passed away, our family (the Patrick's) were always together for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.......once my father married Shirley, the Patrick's had Christmas Eve and the Thomas' had Christmas Day.....I'm not sure we ever thought about combining - not for any particular reason - maybe back then - there were some issues (ok - with me - there were some issues - not with the Thomas bunch - just issues of bitterness because my mom was gone and I wasn't sharing!) How I've changed!!! Thank God he took all that bitterness away because I've learned how to blend - how to accept change, how to extend my heart to other members of the family - how to include, how to acknowledge that I have 6 sisters and two brothers, lots of nieces and nephews.....it's not just our side, their side - it's everyone.

Granted - we all can't always be together because we all have in-laws and they need time spent with them too - but I think as we are all getting older, we realize that we have a great blended family, we have lots of people to love and share with. On my end - this is mostly due to Shirley - a lady with a heart big enough to include everyone and to always make sure that no one felt excluded - we are always welcome in her home, in her heart......I don't think my mom could have found a better person to care for her children......a better person to love her man......a better lady to love her grand kids.....I know she is looking down - smiling with joy that the life she didn't get to have with her kids - - is being lived out with Shirley and the relationship she has formed with us. I love you Grammy.

I also love Tracie, Vicki, Kristi and Scott. You have put up with me and all my weirdness, bad attitudes, wild days, and now, you guys have a sister who has finally grown up - who has a family of her own and who loves being a part of your family.......

To my blood family.......Deniese, Carla, Paulette and Kelly - I love you guys too! You have definitely seen the good, the bad and the ugly - but, you've stayed with me - prayed a many times in your "prayer closets" to keep me safe and out of jail...HEHE - but God, through his mercy - created a "new" me......(thank goodness!!! LOL). I know that death effects people differently and I spiraled out of control for a while - but you guys pulled me through it......for that - I will always be grateful....

Ok - I think the spirit of Christmas is making me sappy!!!!! I hope that everyone has a great Christmas week - enjoy your family times together.

Be blessed!