Ya gotta have friends!

The holiday season, as we get older, brings with it not only the joy of the season, but also the memories of what once was that will never be again. It is this time of year that I miss my grandmother dearly and the good ole days of my Uncle calling on Christmas Eve pretending to be Saint Nick, waking Mom and Dad up with my brother before the sun rises to see the gifts that Santa brought. This was after being put to bed the night before by the reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" cuddled up in bed with my new jammies that Mom and Dad always got us to open on Christmas Eve.

Now, things are different. Santa - well, you know.... I am married and don't live at home any longer, so I don't get to spend Christmas Eve with Mom and Dad every year, and well, Brad and I still do not get along.

But, in the midst of the melancholy that comes with the season, comes a time to think about what the past year has brought, and the blessings I can add to my list.

Wade - my perfect balance. He brings me back to reality when reality seems out of reach. He picks me up when my knees are skinned and kisses my forehead to let me know how much he adores me. That is a blessing indeed.

My precious dogs. Bo, Rosie and Tanner are 3 amazing little angels who bring more joy to my life than anyone could ever know. It brings a sense of peace to my soul when I am having a bad day and fills my heart with warmth and love when they look at me with their beautiful brown eyes. I can do no wrong according to them.

My church family. Wade and I have such a great church where we can be exactly who we are and accepted as such.

My job. Sure I have rough days at the office, but who doesn't? I am lucky to have the job that I do at such a young age and in such a tough economy. I am fortunate to have a boss who not only cares about me as an employee, but also cares about me as me! She also cares about Wade and our pups.

My family - always there when I need them. Need I say more?

My friends from when I was a kid. There are only a few left, but Marisa, Virginia and Erika are like soul sistas! We do not talk often, but they are the girls that have experienced so much with me that I know that for the rest of my life they will be there for me if I need them. To sing the Lord's Prayer in Marisa's wedding this past May was so humbling to me and I consider it to be one of the greatest honors I could ever receive.

My amazing friends in Columbia. I have a handful of girlfriends who just knock my socks off. Anne, Anna, Kim and Kelly are some of the most amazing women. Somedays I think "wow - what did I do to deserve to call these women 'friend'."

I have a roof over my head, food to fill my belly and am finally for the first time in my life surrounded by amazingly positive and kind people. I would say God blessed me beyond measure this year. Hopefully 2010 will bring just as much, if not more joy into my life and my family of Wade and the pups!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!