Blessed in 2010

The year of 2010 was a year of new beginnings for our family. Ben and I were truly blessed this year.

In 2010 I began the year pregnant and Ben was in search of a new job. I was working at Brookdale Health and Ben was working for Edward Jones. In March we had 2 wonderful blessings occur in our family.

On March 8, Ben started a new job with US Bank where he is a Personal Banker/Small Business Expert. Then on March 17, just about a week later. Addison Rose was born on St.Patrick's Day (also during March Madness). In just a week's period our family had bestowed upon us two blessings.

I have been able to stay with Addy and work some hours for Brookdale Health from home which has been a huge blessing. Ben has been working with US Bank now for almost a year and just loves it and loves the people he works with. At the bank, Ben is #1 in the District for production out of over 300 people. Ben is so great at his job.

Ben and I were also blessed this year to become an aunt and uncle 2 times. Elizabeth Joy was born to David and Katie in June of 2010. Thaddeus Ronald was born to Scott and Amanda (and big sister Ainsley) in July of 2010. We were able to spend Christmas with both of them and have sure enjoyed seeing them grow!

This year has been full of new experiences for us as parents. Ben and I enjoy our time with Addy and watch her grow each day. She does so many new things each day and each experience is a thrill for us. Addy is so lovable and laughs all the time. Just last night she was in such a good mood and having so much fun she wouldn't go to bed and just wanted to play with mommy and daddy. Addy had such a great first Christmas and enjoyed unwrapping all her presents that were graciously given to her.

Again, I am so blessed to be able to stay home with Addy thanks to Ben. Ben's job and all his hard work had allowed me to stay home and take care of Addy and our home. Ben has been such a blessing to me and I am thankful for him each day. Words cannot express my love for him. Ben is and will always be my best friend and the love of my life. He makes me smile and laugh like no one can. I am so blessed. I love you Ben... Infinity and Beyond

I am so thankful to the Lord this year for how he has blessed our family. Each day I can see how much he has taken care of us and he always sees us through each trial and joyful moment.

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to have the blessings you give so freely. Thank you Jesus for my family.

Many blessings to you all and I pray the Lord will bless each of you in 2011.

Christmas Always Comes Early

So Ben and I have always had this habit of opening gifts early because we get so excited about giving to each other. Well...so we didn't wait this year again. We only opened a couple but we especially were excited to give Addy her first present. Addy's first gift this year was a Pink Basset Hound that says on it and also sings Jesus Loves Me. Daddy picked this gift out for her.

Without a Gripe

I just got off the phone with my Grandma Anita after a nice little chat and felt the need to share about two people in my life that have had health issues but you would never know how much it really has affected them because they NEVER gripe about it.

I will first start off with my Grandma Anita. Many of you know for the last 3 years my grandma has been in and out of the hospital battling with some colon issues and other health issues. She has been to Mercy Hospital, short stay nursing homes, and has ended up even going to the Mayo clinic. There were many times that I got a call from my mom and knew grandma was back in the hospital. There was even one time that my grandma and I were in the ER at the same time.

I have watched my grandma gracefully go through the worst experiences of her life and yet she still comes out on top. There were times that I thought we would lose her because things went so bad she ended up in the ICU. However, Mayo Clinic did miracles. That is why I write about this today. My grandma's call was to tell me about her recent visit to Mayo Clinic on Monday. She got a clean bill of health from the doctor's. She doesn't have to go back for over 9 months! Praise the Lord!!!

I have noticed a difference in my grandma the past few months. She is painting again and most importantly she is cooking again! My grandma makes some of the best food and is always making dinners for Ben and I. My grandma Anita is such a blessing and has such a tender heart for people. Thank you Lord for allowing me to have her in my life.

The second person I want to share about her physical pain is my mom. For those of you who don't know, my mom has rheumatoid arthritis. She has now been battling with it for about 25 years or so. I have NEVER in my life heard my mom gripe or talk about the pain she is in. My mom is a woman that lives her life for others and always puts others first. My mom has helped my grandma through a lot of her pain and bringing her to and from appointments. My mom has never let her pain stop her from doing what she wants to do with her life, which is giving so much of her time to others.

The past few years her arthritis has gotten worse and she has had to have cortisone shots and has had to up her medication. Sometimes, its even hard for her to get out of bed in the morning and yet she moves on with each day without a word of complaint. I don't know about you but any ache or pain I have, I complain about (and probably shouldn't). Recently, my mom has also been working so hard to lose weight and she has lost over 55 pounds and has increased her exercise dramatically (exercise which is very difficult with the pain her arthritis causes). My mom is such an inspiration to me. I pray that one day I can be as great of a woman of God as she is. She is a phenomanal mother, daughter, wife, grandma, and friend. I love you mom.

So as you can see, these ladies live each day to the fullest with out a complaint in the world. I hope that I can learn to live my days like this and to remember that someone always has it a little bit harder than me. I am blessed to have had overall great health and I am thankful that the Lord has protected me from what my mom and grandma have gone through.

If two ladies could make it on top of things after all is said and done; my grandma and mom are those ladies.

I love you both so very much.

Traditions

During this time of year our families have many traditions. I love traditions. I love doing the same thing over and over from year to year.

Growing up in the Ginn house we celebrated Christmas on December 23rd, which we called Christmas Eve Eve. It was a night of chow mein or pizza, Welch's Red Grape Juice, the reading of the Christmas story, stocking stuffers and gifts. We have done the same thing now for so many years and now Scott and I get to share that with our spouses and now children. I'm so excited for Addy to experience the Ginn Christmas this year.

Another exciting tradition is one my dad and I have been doing for a few years now. Cutting down a real balsam Christmas tree. My dad and I go hunting for a the perfect tree on a tree farm. This year we went back and forth between two trees about 50 times, but it was fun and was something I share with my dad each year. Of course, my dad is the one that works hard and cuts it down with a saw. The best part is when we get candy canes after we pick out the tree.

Cookie making is something my mom and I have been doing together on and off for years. This year we are going to be making cookies at her house on December 13th with my grandma and Addy. I am looking forward to sharing together with the wonderful ladies in my life. My mom and I also took Addy for the first time to Macy's on the 8th floor.

Since I have been married I have acquired new traditions with the Paxson's also. On the Paxson side they have always celebrated on Christmas Day, which worked out great for our family. The Christmas at the Paxson's is a two day process and a fun one at that! We start one day with stocking stuffers and a few presents. The next day is full of present opening, the "money" game and lots of great food made by mom Paxson. My favorite food is a dip they get every year from Harry and David's...mmmmmm LOVE IT! Mom also makes those great Holly Drops which usually I eat them all....I love those red hots. The tradition has now changed a little and we celebrate the week before Christmas and we just all spend the weekend together :) Very excited for Addy and Ellie and their first Christmas'.

Another favorite tradition of mine is going to see ALL my grandparents. My grandparents are so precious to me and I don't think I could go a year without spending Christmas with them. Each Christmas is so special and holds so many dear memories. From Christmas carols-"Come on Ring those Bells", grandma's spaghetti,Christmas story, goodies, and special moments that will last a life time.

As each year comes new traditions start and some change. But the best part of all is being able to spend each moment with the ones I love.

This year I am looking forward to Addy's first Christmas and starting new traditions with her.

Enjoy your Christmas season and remember why we celebrate this wonderful day. Because of HIM we get to have these traditions that we cherish.

Merry CHRISTmas.