Day 30 - Wrapping It Up With FAMILY!!!

The day before Christmas Eve, and here it is - Day 30 of my project.  I have to admit, I'm a little sad to be wrapping up this month-long series of posts.  Some days, it took Divine Intervention for me to get a post in!  But, over this past month, I have discovered a distinct shift in my attitude....

When I decided to answer the gentle nudge to undertake such a blogging adventure, I really had in mind that I would get many of these posts written in advance.  Seriously, I thought I would have several posts ready to hit "publish" on those days when I was running behind or feeling no inspiration to sit down and write.  However, it simply did not work out that way! 

Instead, I found myself writing about something that had come to my attention that day.  I began "looking" for a blessing to write about each day.  What a shift in attitude occurs when you begin to "seek" and "identify" the blessing!  It's like looking through a new set of eyes each day.....the focus is more intense, the vision more clear.  Little things that might have gone unnoticed before suddenly jump out at you.  Inspiration hits in the most unexpected places!

Although much of my posting has been spontaneous, I have known all along that my post today would be about my Family.  I've been saving this one, dear Friends, just for today.....

My Family....where would I be without them?!?!?  You see photos of them in my side column; perhaps you read a bit about them here and there in posts.  In many ways, my Family defines me; they make me who I am. 

Got to admit it....we are "that family", we always manage to act a little crazy and have a good time!

Eddie Dale.....my husband, my very own Prince Charming.  I wish I had met him many years earlier, but then again, we probably wouldn't have been right for each other at a younger age.  He was, and is, just what I needed, when I needed it.  He is the other half of my whole and the most fun, loving partner I could ever ask for. 

Eddie Dale and his pardner, Jake

My parents.....such big influences in my life.  Looking back, my childhood seemed so idyllic and happy, thanks to them and the memories they created.  Although they divorced when I was 22, they were able to find a common ground for all family gatherings.  We often come together with no discomfort.....it may not be traditional, but it's our "normal".  Both are always there for me and I am so thankful for that.

Mom and Daddy, Easter, 2010

My children.....oh, my children.  My heart is full for them.  I think they are the greatest thing I have ever done, hands down!

Eddie Dale and the kids.  You may wonder why Sam is holding his arms like this?

Because his big sister had just been doing this.....

Bonnie.....mother to my grandchildren, Trayden and Ansleigh!  My daughter and my friend.  She might have tried my patience and given me a measure of heartache through those tough teen years, but she is lovely young woman and I am so proud of her.  And those grandkids....the best gift ever!  I pray for her upcoming marriage in January; she deserves so much love and happiness. 

Bonnie, Trayden and Ansleigh

Benjamin.....my oldest son.  What a fine young man he has become!  Gentle, sensitive, kind....he always seemed so mature for his years.  When he was just barely a toddler, he had such a wise, grown-up voice.  He never babbled as a baby; it seemed he just started out speaking in complete, intelligible sentences.  Maybe because he was that "middle child", he seemed so reasonable and easy.   

Benjamin Ross....."Ben" now that he is older.

Samuel.....my "baby".  Oh, what a precious child he was.  Diagnosed with a rare and debilitating form of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 4, we spent many days in doctor's offices and hospitals, and formed a very special bond.  He has been in remission coming up on 15 years now and is such a talented artist and drummer.  He has a special heart for God and plays with the praise band at his church.

Samuel Grant....."Sam" now, but I will always remember how we all called him "Baby Sam" for so long.

I so love my Family.  I cannot lay my head on the pillow each night without giving thanks for them.  I've been so blessed to have so much love in my life!!!

I thank those of you have hung with me through this last month.  Although, the project may be concluding, the journey is just beginning.  I plan to take some of the lessons I have learned forward.  Just because I have finished the blogging assignment God laid on my heart, does not mean my days of thanksgiving and gratitude are over.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I know many of us will be focused on time with Family.  When the holiday has passed, I will be back here on Janie's Porch.  I hope you will continue to stop by and visit with me from time to time.

Wishing you much Joy, Peace and Love this Christmas!