I know that at times I get a little worked up by trying to keep traditions going on behalf of you two. I guess it's because growing up with a mother in the hotel service business, I don't remember that we did very much with my own family. What I remember is spending Christmas and New Year's Eve doing something else with other folks. The only Christmas that I remember most was when my family first moved to Virginia from Montana. Even then, we spent it with my Aunt Mai's family. I remember that I was dressed in a long dress that Mommy Larsen (sponsored my family from a refugee camp in Thailand) had made and that I received a real life size doll. I guess I just want so much for you both to feel that magic, that innocence, that hope that all things are possible, that for a brief moment - life is perfect. This is why I love this time of the year - where I know that our Heavenly Father truly see us and I'm reassured that I am loved.
After hearing a comment from someone so dear to me this past week of how she "hates the holidays and how alone she felt", it made me so sad. Sad because I too understood how she felt. Behind the smiles, behind the words, behind the laughter, behind the hugs and the kisses...true happiness is only yours when you are with those who have your best interest at heart. Remember, family is not just blood but those who you don't have to explain yourself to or pretend to be someone else that you are not. Mommy responded by telling her that she is so loved and that she too will overcome. She will find her true happiness because truth is on her side. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for me to have our little family together during the holidays.
It matters not what we do, just as long as we do them together...yeap, that's my motto!
Marisa, remember your comment about how much you love having all of us at home in one room even though we are all doing something different? You, watching "Law & Order"... Ethan, dancing to "Madagascar or Baby (what Ethan named it)"... daddy sleeping on the couch & mommy knitting scarves & hats for you, your friends and daddy? This is what I want you two to have...memories of us being together.
I understand that there will be times where you guys will have your own special things to do, but for your dad and I, we hope that you guys will always know just how much you are loved & that we will always want you both to be home to create new traditions.
Happy new year my sweet babies! May life lead you both to pure love, true happiness, and great health & wealth.
