Christmas this year was bittersweet…..I was so happy to be home with my family and loved ones, yet had an ache in my heart for my Grandpa. His funeral was on Wed (12/23) in the midst of yet another winter storm. It was a nice ceremony and the minister gave a great tribute about my Grandpa’s love for Jesus, his family and farming. I have often heard people say that a funeral is a “celebration of life” for the person who passed on. It is hard to think of such a sad event as a celebration, but during the funeral when I took a moment to step back and look at a church filled with his wife of over 62 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it is quite a testament to my Grandpa for being the patriarch of such a family. I feel lucky to have know my Grandpa for 32 years and for all the great memories I have of him from my childhood and as an adult. It is never easy to say goodbye, but it makes it easier knowing we will see him again someday.

So, although Christmas wasn’t quite as festive for us as it usually is, we did still have 3 great family gatherings. We celebrated with Gramma Barb & Papa Jim and the Miller family Wednesday night, Great G’ma Martha and extended Miller family Thursday night and Gram Ruth on Friday. As you can imagine, the kids got way more than they needed and us adults didn’t do too shabby either! The best part was just being together (and our fondue tradition) and remembering the true reason for Christmas!
Now we look forward to celebrating with the Papa Ronnie & G’ma Jeryl and having Christmas all over again! Don’t you love when you can spread the Holiday cheer out for as long as possible

Here are some pictures of our Christmas fun! Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!