Its Mama…..Happy New Year 2022 and A is for Affection

Its Mama….It’s a New Year

Dear Children,

Happy New Year 2022!

New Year feels different this year.

I am not sure if it is because this year truly made me and Ian “empty nesters” or if it is the realization that in eighty-six days, I will turn the big 60.

I am not sure if it is because it was a beautiful season of watching you come together at your Grammy’s and Poppy’s home for Christmas and seeing in person the wonderful men and woman you are.

I am not sure if it is because each of you has had a major life change this year and the realization that you are adults and are fully living your lives.

Whatever it is, it is beautiful to watch

Even in the bittersweetness of knowing that you no longer require us in your lives…so, it is our hope that you choose to enjoy time with us…purposefully

So, to each of you…Here’s to a wonderful 2022…

I am honored to be your Mama/Bonus Mama, Granna and Ian is to be your Dad and Papa

Jacob, Lindsay, Blair, Chloe, Madison, Kenton, and Johnson…

A is for Affection

Ian and I were enjoying a talk about you children right before New Year’s as we reminisced about our New Year’s trip to Hilton Head last year and how much we loved watching you kids enjoy spending time together. It truly was one of those times that you carry in your heart for a long time. Hearing your laughter into the wee hours of the morning as you played Monopoly and ate chocolates out of that HUGE box and enjoyed the time on the beach with each other.

What we saw and heard among you children is genuine affection.

This is how it looked to Ian and me….

Affection is one of the out-workings of love, Love is the commitment and the action, and affection is the safe, secure feeling that results. Families thrive when both the behavior of love and the feelings of affection are present

The blessings you feel and see as you watch your children come together in fun and joy and laughter is something that you carry in your heart for a long time. It is our hope that your affection for one another grows over the years and rises up to carry you during the good times and challenging times of life.

You are each the best thing that you will ever have.

Life truly is short if you live to be old so what you invest in is what will grow…it is our hope that each of you always make time for one another even when it is not easy..that you invest in the important events in each other’s lives, spend time with your grandparents while you still have them and drop by often to visit with us.