Oh Joy!

One of my most memorable Christmases growing up was driving to Arizona and spending Christmas in my grandparents two bedroom home with twenty other people. It was also the Christmas I found out about Santa, but that's another story. This past Christmas my kids got to experience a full house Christmas. For the first time in eight years my parents and all five of us kids plus our families were together for Christmas. It was as fun as it sounds. One sweet grandma, two happy, helpful parents, five excited siblings and spouses and eight adorable cousins. We saw how blessed we are not just through the plethora of gifts around the tree, but through the amazing family ties we share. I hope it's one of those Christmases my kids will always remember.


























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GG Edith

I have pioneer ancestors, actual pioneers that crossed the plains in handcarts. They're on my mother's side and I've always enjoyed that part of my ancestry. I remember when I was younger I was thinking that would be cool if I had pioneer ancestors on both sides when it suddenly dawned on me that I do. My grandmother Edith Billen is a pioneer of a different kind. She led her family in hope and faith. She believed in a message delivered to her from missionaries and brought her family unto Christ. She did it alone too. My grandfather didn't go along with the whole church thing until later, but through her and their children's examples he eventually did become a church going man as well. She was a modern day pioneer.
If it wasn't for my grandma I would not be where I am today. I mean "where" literally. I came to live with her in Redwood City and go to college. If she hadn't gone along with letting me move into her home I would not have met Aaron, and had the wonderful family I do.


My grandma, my kids GG, passed away January 5, 2012. While she lived a long 88 years, it was quite sudden. We were lucky enough to have her with us for Christmas and even though she needed a lot of assistance I thought she might just make it to 90. Getting to spend those precious days of Christmas with her eased the pain of her loss. This is the last picture I took with her and I'm glad my sister snapped it.



Things that always remind me of grandma:
Roses, humming birds, roosters, TJ Maxx, Trader Joe's, Hansen's soda, Edgewood Rd., Sound of Music, and carousels.


I'll miss her laugh, but I'm sure she's sharing it with others in heaven.