Can you believe that it is a mere 9 days til Christmas? It seem's like this year has gone by much faster than those in the past. I am a reminiscer (I don't think that is actually a word) and so I spend most of my time around this time of year thinking about years past. Last year was very special for me and my close friends because we got to spend it together for perhaps the last time in a very long time. Now my best friend Rileigh is in a different country and my bestest friend plans on marrying him and moving there with him. It's sad for me but I know it is a happy and exciting time for them so I try to smile.

This year is my first as a wife and so I am trying to be all domestic and bake Christmas goodies. I have a long to do list before my family comes to my house for a Christmas gathering but I have inlisted the help of my brother and his girlfriend. He will do anything for food!

I mad Caramel Corn for the first time last night and I was quite surprised with how it turned out. I guess I do remember some of the things my Mom tried so hard to teach me! My gift buying is almost complete and my house is decorated so I am ready to enjoy this Christmas with my husband! Christmas day is going to be just the two of us and I am really looking forward to a tranquil holiday. So often holidays are less than enjoyable because of all the work that must go into them. I hope that this year will be different.

As always December is a bittersweet month for us and hours. Not only is it the last month of a year that we will never see again but it once again marks an anniversary of a dreadful moment in our lives. My dearest friends and I were changed thoroughly 3 years ago and our lives have not been the same since. I look forward to spending the Season with my family but I pray for some solace for a family that is no longer whole. Time does not heal all wounds as the saying says but it does soothe them. I trust my pain to Christ and I pray that they also will be able to give up their sorrow to God and let a tragedy be turned to something good in His name.

Merry Christmas to all!