Here at home, Christmas brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. It always has and maybe it always will...and that's okay.
This year, my uncle Leroy passed away less than a week before Christmas. I felt so sad for my dear Grammy who lost yet another son, way too early. I did have many signs that our loved ones live on beyond this Earth, including finding an old Christmas card from my Dad on the very morning of my Uncle's funeral. Yep, that happened, two days before Christmas. Also, I received a gift that felt like in some way was from my Dad. It really made me feel his presence on Christmas Day ( thank you Aunt Gail:). And if you pay attention to signs and are really open to them, you will find them everywhere. Like this one:
Porter was OBSESSED with these ornaments this year. They are so very precious to me and apparently, him as well. I believe my Aunt Lynda made these ornaments in the early 80's for everyone in my mom's family. They were always on our Christmas tree growing up and when Mom passed away I asked Lisa if she minded if I took Mom's bell. They always make me happy/sad when I put them on the tree. But this year, Porter took a real liking to them. He was forever walking around with both of them, banging them together as if he was making them chime. He even cuddled with them on his favorite chair. Mom is always here, I know she is.
Seriously look at that face, pure joy! Hard not to find some Christmas spirit looking at that sweet smile!
But honestly, Porter could care less about Christmas. In fact, give him a popsicle and those bells and Santa could come everyday! It makes me happy/sad. ( I guess I'm making that a word, maybe I should put a hyphen instead, happy-sad...hmmm) Ok, back to Christmas. He just doesn't get what all the excitement is about, he really doesn't. When we sit, anxiously awaiting that burst of excitement when he opens a gift and it doesn't come, it is sad. It makes me sad. Sometimes I feel like autism has stolen so much more than his voice.
But he did enjoy a couple gifts this year. Santa brought him this play mat to drive all his cars and trains around. Not that long ago he would have wrapped it over his body and used it as a blanket. Christmas day he knew just what to do. Progress!
Miss Ruby is just starting to see what the fuss is all about. She was pretty excited when Santa brought her a crib for her baby and a sweet little baby carrier. Wow, Santa sure does know what Ruby likes!
She just loves her baby! It's so funny listening to her talk to her baby and be her "mom".
Later that day, we hosted all the Richard's here for Christmas. Luckily Mark's mom did most of the work because I know this may come as a shock, but I'm not really that much of a chef! But it really was great seeing everyone and not having to worry about what my kids were into, wait let me rephrase that, it was nice knowing that whatever mess they made was in our house, they're always into something:) Here are a few pics:
Barb, taking over my kitchen..thank God! :)
Yummy! Everyone enjoying a beautiful meal.
I wonder what was on TV?? And why is everyone standing? haha
All in all , it really was a lovely Christmas. Just happy-sad. More happy though, definitely. I hope all of you reading had a lovely Christmas too! Here's hoping 2014 is good to you!
xo
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