Christmas Blessings!

Mele Kalikimaka! Here’s wishing a very Merry Christmas to all.

Well, another week has come and gone. Thursday is Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of our lord and savior. It’s also a time for reflection on the past year and our lives. A time to take stock of the blessings and gifts God gives us year round!

This year has been a good year for us. Friendship, family, and Jasmine combined to make a lovely year seem all the more magical, magical because we see God’s love every day. I feel so much magic this time of year, maybe because that’s the way I remember it. Maybe it’s because of the blessings we have, but really, I think it’s a combination of things. Things like memories, family, friends, friendship, and so much more! Carlotta is one friend who's kindness and friendship have helped make the blogging world a little better. Thank you, Carlota, for your friendship and goodness. I also would like to thank our wonderful landlady for being a part of our life. Over the past few years, she has become a part of our family, and continues to be someone we will always have in our hearts. And to my dearest friend Marietta, my kumare, thank you for your friendship. No matter how far we are from each other, you remain the best of friends. Throughout all these years, your friendship has been a joy and inspiration. I would also like to say thank you to all my friends online, my companions in this internet world. Thanks to all of you for keeping me company in this blogging world. There's so much to be thankful this Christmas and every day.

Hubby has been working toward some certifications and taking some training when time allows. He feels that even just getting the training without certificates is a blessing because learning is a gift. Jasmine has been learning so much this past year. She’s learned ballet and is now learning cheerleading. She already is so wonderful, but hearing her speak politely and treat others well is even more amazing! Wow, what a gift it is to see her grow and learn. Learning and knowledge are great gifts. I’ve learned so much from Jasmine, which I never thought a child could teach her mommy, but she does it every day!

Friday, we had our work party and gift exchange. I earned a little money, and had a blast sharing great food and fun with a wonderful bunch of coworkers. My coworkers make work fun and they manage to make it feel like home. I’m blessed to work with such great folks! My gift was an awesome travel valet, it’s so beautiful and handy. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the fun.

We went shopping Saturday, which can be quite frustrating this time of year. We looked everywhere for the gift Jasmine has been asking every single Santa she sees to give her. We spent all day looking and couldn’t find anything remotely like it. I was ready to give up, but hubby said it’s early and let’s try one more place. Jasmine was asleep in the car, so I waited with her. Hubby came out with three big boxes! It was everything Jasmine had asked for! It was a huge Barbie house, a Barbie horse with long hair and a Barbie doll, and a big barn for the horse. I felt so blessed that we were able to find everything she had asked for. Christmas morning will be a joy for her, and seeing her excitement will make it a magically wonderful time for us, too. Hubby even managed to get it on sale! You could see how excited he was bringing out this bundle for our princess. He gets so excited doing things for us. Hubby got his gift early. I also told him that instead of buying me a gift, he should get his car fixed up. It needs some minor work, so I told him that could be his gift to me.

This month really is full of blessings! Hubby took his vacation to watch Jasmine so I could work some and save up. Then day care folks called and offered a slot for Jasmine starting January 2. That means I will be able to work more, help around the home, and save some for a trip. Hubby is excited that Jasmine will get to be with other kids more, and so is she! She asks me everyday when she will get to start.

Yesterday, hubby went shopping for our Christmas dinner. We’re having some close friends over on the 24th, so hubby wanted to make sure we have everything we’ll need. He’s going to make his delicious turkey again this year. It amazes me how he makes it so juicy and moist. I think that’s part of the reason I keep him around! (Ha-Ha!) I’ll be making potato salad and pancit, and hubby will make some stuffing to go with the turkey. Of course, hubby will take photos and I’ll post some.

I’m posting some now from last Tuesday’s Christmas party over at Bavarian Angel, my other blog.

Anyway, I just wanted to share our blessings. We pray that everyone out there will have a merry Christmas and that their lives will be filled with joy and blessings.

Mele Kalikimaka e Hau’ole Makahiki Hou!
God Bless.
Ciao!