Some of my favorite things this December

Grandma's traditional cookie party. (Mom hurt her neck, but is fine now. Hooray!)

Hannah's art work

Live Nativity - most amazing thing we did this month and deffinately the most inspiring!

Temple Square

Huge Gingerbread house....kids dream come true! We let them eat it.

Introducing to mom her 4th grandchild.  Joe's making sure she tastes good.

Soon to be Aunt Jenna

 He knows I taste good!

 Great Grandpa Lombardo

 Three generations

Great Grandma Rietfors and heavenly weather, including picking and eating divine oranges!

Back to cold, beautiful Utah!

Nativity with the primary kids.

Two days before Christmas

Christmas could come and go, with no presents, and I'd still feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

Loss....

I'm on my way to California with Aaron for his Grandmother's funeral. We've been expecting this call, so it did not come as a surprise when we received the call Sunday saying she passed away peacefully Saturday evening. Still, there is a sense of loss. Grandpa Lombardo no doubt is feeling the sting of loss greater than us all for his beloved companion. He nurtured her, took care of her these last years as her health declined. From a distance, Aaron and I were touched by their example of love and devotion to each other.

I did not know Eileen well. No, I had but a handful of times I was actually with her. But, we conversed from time to time via e-mail or regular mail. I've kept every letter she sent because they were so complimentary to Aaron and I for the life we are making together and gratitude for keeping her connected to her beautiful great-grandchildren. Family was important to Grandma Lombardo. She devoted much of her life to family history and genealogy work. The work she has done to learn about her roots is beyond impressive. She was a devout christian and loved the Lord. I believe she was ready to return home to Him and can imagine her reunion was sweet with her loved ones. She lived a full and abundant life. She was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her 3 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling and had many trips to Europe seeking out information of her family line. She served in her church and community. She had an eye for fine things and kept an immaculate house with many fragile trinkets around. She will be missed, but her example will stay with us. I am happy she is no longer in pain and feel comforted in knowing she is at peace with her loved ones in heaven.

These are hard times.

If you're a child, this time of year is magical, special, full of wonder and excitement. If you're an adult, it's possible that it's all of those things too, but also likely it's full of concern, grief, stress, maybe even heartache. When I was at the grocery store with my kids, they wanted to know why the man was ringing a bell. As I explained why he's there, I noticed that everyone was hustling in or out, past him as quickly as possible. Who am I to judge though? I've done the same thing...."don't look at him Melissa, just don't look at him and then you won't feel guilty if you don't throw some money into his bowl." And then, I decided, I don't have much but my children, if for no other reason, need to see that we give to others. So each time we go to the store, I give them each some money to put into his bowl. Surprises me every time how good it feels to give. Why does it continue to surprise me?

The news is full of stories of people in need. Local food banks that don't have enough food. Homeless shelters that are full to capacity. Makes me so sad and so grateful at the same time. I was talking to my mother in law the other day about how we give gifts to our neighbors each year. And each year it is a stress. I love my neighbors dearly. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by outstanding people who serve us and love us, but I am not gonna lie, Christmas gifts to my neighbors stresses me out. One, because my list of who to give to keeps growing each year, and two it's an added cost that can be somewhat burdensome. So when my sister told me that someone in her ward told her that she moved from an area where they didn't give neighbor gifts, but instead each family donated money to the food bank, I LOVED it! Something we could do that would actually make a difference to someone who truly needs it. When I suggested it to a few people in my neighborhood, they all loved it and felt the same as I do.

I'm so looking forward to taking the money down to the food bank next week. I want my kids to see how blessed we are and how important it is to help others in need. After all, isn't that what Christmas really is about?

The Piano Guys

I could listen to this all day. Merry Christmas!!!

Abigail Jane

"I would die without this girl in my life." I say that to Aaron at least once a week. She is my sidekick. She is our families little peacemaker too. Quick to help me when I ask her, or share whatever it is she has, or pretty darn good at always saying please and thank you.....she is absolutely, positively adored! She is a testament to me that Heavenly Father knows us and loves us, as He chose us to be her family. I'm so very thankful!

From the beginning.

 

Her beloved blankie and finger in the mouth.

Abby has a special love for her Aunt Suzie....and I mean a very special love for her! 

Abby has a wild imagination! She loves to be a horse or a puppy....always!

She loves to walk around on her tippy toes.

I wish I could capture her personality better. She is hilarious! And always says the funniest things.

All she wanted for her birthday was a horse and a horse cake. We did the best we could.

Abby's favorites at 4:

color: yellow pronounced "lellow"
movie: changes all the time. Lately it's been Magic of Pegasus, a Barbie movie.
book: "If you give a pig a party"
toy: without question, her ponies
food: macaroni and cheese
cereal: lucky charms
thing to wear: a dress or skirt
favorite thing of all: her blankie. Heaven help us if we ever lose it!