Twas the Night Before New Year

I've been given what I suppose could be called a 'challenge' to start a blog - so here goes.  Not sure what will turn up here or how often but we'll see what happens in 2013.  This is going to be a NEW year with new goals.  One of those goals will be to get out of this house more often. I would love to say that another goal would be to get off of this stupid oxygen but I don't have any control over that one so guess that's not going to change unless the Lord wants it to change.  Another goal will be to write in this blog on a sort of regular basis.

2013 will be a year of big changes - not necessarily changes that I'm going to say I'll like too much but changes that are part of the growing process of being a parent.  My one and only child, Chris, has decided to follow his girlfriend back to Vancouver in the spring when she finishes Law School here in Windsor.  Mom has to finish cutting the proverbial apron strings.  Can't say that I much like having to do that but it does mean that I have done a good job of raising him in that he wants to have his own life.  

I know that his moving away doesn't mean that he doesn't love me and I have to love him enough to let him go....not without some tears though.  I thank the Lord for allowing me to have 25 + years with him here in the same city.  I  have enjoyed watching him grow and spread his wings. I look forward to see what he does with his future.  I hope he knows just how much he is loved and will be missed by so many different people.

2013 brings Kevin one year closer to possible retirement from the hospital.  He is aiming for 2016 and then he hopes, if it is the Lord's will, to open his own business - not quite sure which of his many skills he will focus on for his business...likely locks and security related products.  He is a certified locksmith and he is really enjoying using that skill at his job at one of the local hospitals. 

We had a good family Christmas.  It was likely the last Christmas that Cris will be with us for a couple of years so I tried to cherish each moment with him.  Crystal, his girlfriend, joined us this Christmas which I really enjoyed.  She is so good for Chris and they are truly meant to be together, I believe.  She found it hard not to go home for Christmas and was very homesick.  We tried to do our best to show her what a Pell/Oliver Christmas was like.  

My nephew, Avi (AH-vee) is 3 1/2 this year and because of Pre-school, had some understanding of Santa and gift giving for Christmas.  It was a joy to watch him give out the gifts with his santa hat on.  Then, of course, in 3 year old fashion, he wanted to help open everyone's gifts as well!  My prayer is that someday he will understand the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, two-thousand years ago in a manger in Bethlehem..  Leonie (LAY-on-ee), my neice, at age 18 months was also a joy to watch at Christmas.  She will be much more into all of the gift giving next year.  Her big eyes just watched everything go on and she didn't miss much!  Those beautiful children are a true joy to me.

Well, guess that's what I have to say for the end of 2012.  I'll see you all again in 2013! :)  Isn't it amazing how fast the years come and go?

So, for now, from my house to yours, may you have a great New Year's Eve and stay happy and safe.

hugs,
Heather