Just a Memory Away

Christmas 2009

This is the first year without Mom. It was one of the hardest days that I have had thus far since Mom's passing. Christmas was one of Mom's favorite holidays. She loved giving and seeing the excitement and joy everyone had at her house. Mom started shopping early and most of the presents we had at Christmas were from Mom. These gifts I will treasure forever. She bought Amy a Blessing's Isabel Bloom. She wanted to get both of us the same one but only had one bought. Patrice and Bobbi went in together and bought another Blessing's angel for me. What a thoughtful and nice thing they did. Tabitha bought me a Christmas ornament that I will cherish forever, too. I am so blessed to have such a caring and loving family. This Christmas I wanted to do something special for my family. Patrice helped me out on some of the ideas. I got all the boys a Mother/Son Willow Tree Angel and then Amy and Dad I got an Isabel Bloom. Amy's Isabel bloom is called "A friend like you" and Dad's is called, "Love One Another." And then I bought a frame that says " One of the best ways to have a little Heaven in your home. Is to have someone you Love in Heaven." I then wrote a letter to each one of the boys, Amy and Dad. I made the letter from Mom. I put in each letter something Mom had said to me about them. For example: Jeff, Mom always told me Jeff would make a wonderful husband someday. I wanted to give them something that they can keep forever. Even though Mom wasn't with us. It felt like she was with us. We had a lot of laughs and tears. We shared many memories we have of Mom. I'm sure she was laughing right a long with us.

Dancing together Christmas Eve night!

One of my favorites

Brother and Sister Kisses!Presents at Dad's house

Breckin just waking up and seeing Santa did come!

Chairs Amy found and put their names on!

Breckin and I! I love having a son. He is my baby boy!

Maraya and I on Christmas Eve. Breckin was our photographer.Dad and I Christmas Eve Night 09

One of the presents dad got. I love it!
Dad bought me a Friend Like you Isabel Bloom, too! Jason bought me the Willow Tree angel. It is the Guardian Angel "May you always have an Angel to watch over you."
Amy and Justin putting Mom's Tree up.

Our Christmas Tree to Mom. We put bulbs on with each one of our names.
We noticed Mom had a visitor. Deer prints were on Mom's grave!


This poem Amy handed out to everyone!

Just a Memory Away

I'm no longer by your side
But there's no need to weep;
I've left sweet recollections
I'm hoping you will keep.
Eternal joy and memories
Stay in our hearts forever.
Strengthening our special bond
That parting cannot sever.
Now it's time to journey on,
So let your faith be strong,
For I am in a better place...
I'm home where I belong.
And if times of loneliness
Bring sorrow and dismay,
Don't despair, for I am there...
Just a Memory Away!

Snow, Snow, Snow

Wow, look at all the snow!!!

I stayed home with the kids today since work closed for the day and The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for blowing snow and dangerous wind chills for today and tonight. I didn't want to be driving in these conditions anyways! This year I don't have to take the kids with me 40 minutes to and from work. At least the kids will be safe this year!

The kids and I had a fun day. Breckin wanted to go and play outside It took about 20 minutes to get the snow clothes on. We made it outside for maybe 5 minutes. Breckin really enjoyed playing in the snow. Maraya didn't know what to think. She didn't like walking in the snow! It was cute seeing her out there for the first time.

The view from the side of our house.

This is where Maraya stayed most of the time!

Breckin having fun in his first snow drift of the year.

Save me Mommy!

I wanted a cute picture of the two kids together. This is what I got!!

Raya finally walked in the snow!

If it wasn't so cold we could have made a snowman!

Look at me!

Breckin having fun jumping in the snow.

View in front of our house!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's first birthday in Heaven. I hope she had the best birthday with her family and friends. We missed her dearly. Tonight, my family and I visited Mom's Grave. Dad wanted to buy Mom a grave blanket. I never knew what a grave blanket was until I googled it on the web. It is beautiful and brightens up Mom's grave. We also bought an angel stand to put a flower vase in. Each holiday, season or special occasion we can switch it out with new flowers! After visiting the grave we went to Dad's house and ate some chili!! We shared memories of Mom and watched my wedding video. Finally after almost 3 years of being married we finally got our wedding video formatted to watch. Mom is on the video quite a bit. She looked beautiful on my wedding day. Everyone often says the bride glows on her wedding day.... that day my mom was glowing!!! We had a great night at Dad's. I am so lucky to have such a close family as I do. We love and miss you Mom! I can't wait to see you in my dreams again!

The boys putting down the grave blanket.
It has 8 carnations and a big red ribbon on.

The kids and Justin visiting Mom!

The Croce Family

Angel and the grave blanket!

In the corner of this picture it's a little white and fuzzy. I wonder if that is Mom with us? Sounds crazy but I know she is with us at all times!