Well, I am ashamed of myself! I never thought I would go so long without posting, but I guess I underestimated the powers of the season! Shopping, colds, cooking, sewing, and baking, all in preparation for that special day coming up in just one week (eek!) have certainly made us busy in this household.
A few nights ago, I went to a Relief Society Christmas Party where we enjoyed good food, music, and traditions that a few families in our ward uphold. We also listened as our Bishop spoke to us about Christmas-time and his family. It was one of those nights where, amidst all the hustle and bustle, I got to stop and just appreciate the people in my life, friends, family, and my Savior. What's been on my mind most this morning are my brothers and sisters, and my mom and dad. My family.
I know I've spent a little bit of time on this blog trying to convince everyone that being the youngest child isn't all it's cracked up to be, but really, even with all the disadvantages, I can't complain too much, and I have to concede to some of the arguments that my siblings put forth (I did get a nicer car than the rest of them, and I did get to do some other things that they didn't). But the best part of being the youngest in my family is that I was born into a family that loved each other. I automatically had 13 people who loved me the moment I was born. A love that only grew as I got older.
It's interesting how that love has changed for all of us. I've had to re-introduce myself to my siblings sometimes because of how much I've changed since they knew me at home when I was younger, and even my sister, Emily, pointed out at our last family gathering that she feels I've changed so much since we were home together that she's not sure she really knows me. But the thing is, my siblings do know me and they will always know me. My tastes and preferences might change a little, but in the end, I'm still their little sister, Susan.
I guess this Christmas, I'm feeling a little homesick. Last Christmas, with just me, Andrew, and Chelsea was my favorite Christmas I've ever had, but I miss my Christmases at home. I miss sharing my talents with my cousins, siblings, parents, and grandparents and hearing/watching their talents, too. I miss staying up late, waking up early, smiling until my cheeks hurt, eating the best breakfast of the year, and playing with my toys.
I was so lucky I got to experience that kind of childhood. I truly wish I could go back sometimes, but, of course, I can't. What I can do, is make sure that my family grows up with the same kind of memories. I can make my home a place where we love each other and have fun together as a family. When my little princess is screaming at me because she doesn't know if she wants the "puh-lered" lights on or off, it's hard to imagine how to recreate that feeling, but I know it's possible, and it's what I want this Christmas, and every Christmas to follow for the rest of my life.
Thanks for keeping up with me an my family on this blog, friends. It means a lot to have people like you checking up on us, even if I fail to post for a week or so. Merry Christmas! I'll see you again real soon!
A few nights ago, I went to a Relief Society Christmas Party where we enjoyed good food, music, and traditions that a few families in our ward uphold. We also listened as our Bishop spoke to us about Christmas-time and his family. It was one of those nights where, amidst all the hustle and bustle, I got to stop and just appreciate the people in my life, friends, family, and my Savior. What's been on my mind most this morning are my brothers and sisters, and my mom and dad. My family.
I know I've spent a little bit of time on this blog trying to convince everyone that being the youngest child isn't all it's cracked up to be, but really, even with all the disadvantages, I can't complain too much, and I have to concede to some of the arguments that my siblings put forth (I did get a nicer car than the rest of them, and I did get to do some other things that they didn't). But the best part of being the youngest in my family is that I was born into a family that loved each other. I automatically had 13 people who loved me the moment I was born. A love that only grew as I got older.
It's interesting how that love has changed for all of us. I've had to re-introduce myself to my siblings sometimes because of how much I've changed since they knew me at home when I was younger, and even my sister, Emily, pointed out at our last family gathering that she feels I've changed so much since we were home together that she's not sure she really knows me. But the thing is, my siblings do know me and they will always know me. My tastes and preferences might change a little, but in the end, I'm still their little sister, Susan.
I guess this Christmas, I'm feeling a little homesick. Last Christmas, with just me, Andrew, and Chelsea was my favorite Christmas I've ever had, but I miss my Christmases at home. I miss sharing my talents with my cousins, siblings, parents, and grandparents and hearing/watching their talents, too. I miss staying up late, waking up early, smiling until my cheeks hurt, eating the best breakfast of the year, and playing with my toys.
I was so lucky I got to experience that kind of childhood. I truly wish I could go back sometimes, but, of course, I can't. What I can do, is make sure that my family grows up with the same kind of memories. I can make my home a place where we love each other and have fun together as a family. When my little princess is screaming at me because she doesn't know if she wants the "puh-lered" lights on or off, it's hard to imagine how to recreate that feeling, but I know it's possible, and it's what I want this Christmas, and every Christmas to follow for the rest of my life.
Thanks for keeping up with me an my family on this blog, friends. It means a lot to have people like you checking up on us, even if I fail to post for a week or so. Merry Christmas! I'll see you again real soon!