Blessed Holidays!

I'm back!!! I am happy to report that all the Smith clan gathered Christmas Day at Glenda's fabulous house! Our day was filled with so much love and togetherness! We all pitched in on the food and had a tasty feast which began with a family prayer of thankfulness. Not one gift was opened until we sang Christmas carols, both hymns and fun songs for the little kids, all accompanied by our talented sister-in-law Lisa! The afternoon sun was gorgeous, despite the cold, so some of us spent time outdoors taking walks and exploring Glenda's scenic property!

Mom was pretty as a picture in her Christmas sweater-vest and hip in her boots and slacks! She and Dad were relishing spending the day with all their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids...including them, 28 of us, plus Clint's girlfriend Ahou and Mollie's boyfriend PJ!!! What a joy it must be to look over a crowd like that and know that it was all started with the miracle of love! No doubt it's a God-thing! Dad might call it something else!!! LOL!!!

Many times I caught Mom or Dad smiling lovingly at their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are so blessed to have the music of laughter and happy voices at our family functions!

Dad is pretty-much status-quo. We are all prayerfully faithful that his brain is continuing to heal and that he will make more noticeable progress. The 3 therapist are still coming 3 days a week, so Mom and Dad's schedule stays pretty full. Dad was having pain in his right hip recently so Mom took him to have it x-rayed. There were no signs of fracture and it was diagnosed as being something typical of a man Dad's age.

Mom is still taking on way too much and we are lovingly attempting to get her to let loose of more tasks, but she doesn't let go easily! It's difficult to change habits that started 63 years ago!!!

Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth. ~Martin Luther

Heartfully from ALL the Mildred and Harvey Smith family to you and your loved ones, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!