Mary's Blog Corner: December 2022

Well, here it is, the last day of 2022. I usually post a year-ending blog, but I'm not sure what to say. I've posted very little this year. I'm not sure if I'm lazy, too busy, or just not as interested in keeping up this blog as I used to be. I guess it's probably a combination of all three. I have thought about discontinuing it, but what does it really matter how often I post, right? Maybe at some point in my life, I will have something I really want to share, so I will be glad that it is still here.

As I look back over my blog, I realize the only thing I post about is my grandchildren and I feel that is okay. My grandchildren are really special to me and have probably been the highlight of my year. Even though we don't see the six grandchildren in Manheim as often as those who live close by, the way they run to meet us and their eyes light up when they see us and how they love to share what they have been doing, just warms my heart. Their individual personalities are so unique and we loved being able to spend one on one time with each of them when they spent a night with us this summer. Also, being invited to their birthday parties is always something we look forward to. Alexis turned 13 this year and that is certainly a reminder of how important it is to cherish each moment spent with them. The old saying that time passes quickly is certainly true.

The four grandchildren that live close by bring us much entertainment. In September I agreed to let Awstin help me at the store for two hours each month. He absolutely loves this and the customers enjoy him too. He told one customer that "you are really racking up a bill!" The customer just laughed but I tried to explain to Awstin afterward that we really shouldn't make comments on what people are purchasing! I always look forward to keeping Bryce every Wednesday. He has become quite the conversationalist and his commentary is quite entertaining. He also sings beautifully. Jake stops in often and his hugs and squeals of Maw-Maw are just precious. He also loves to video chat with me, which is quite hilarious at times. He carries the phone around and tries to show me things, but usually all I see is a ceiling or wall :). And sweet Cassidy's big smiles when she sees me and the way she reaches her arms out for me to take her, just melt my heart. She is such a happy, little thing and her laughs are music to my ears. She is just about walking and that will open a whole new world for her.

Steve and I are doing well. Steve is still taxiing for the Amish and continues to enjoy that. I spend most of my time managing the store. It has been a good year for the store and for that we are grateful. We continue to attend Victory Church and are very thankful for the new friends we have made there. In August we joined a small group and that has been a huge blessing to us.

Since we are over 60, the topic always seems to turns to health. We have been pretty fortunate this year in that we have had no major illnesses or health issues. Covid continues to hang around but for the most part is mild. Steve and I both had a touch of it in December but it was nothing serious.

I think the older we get, the more we realize that we are not going to be on this earth forever. Just last evening we learned of the death of a 60 year old acquaintance. Two young dads from the local elementary school were taken unexpectedly from their families in the last month. None of us know when our time will come. The important thing is that we are ready. Our earthly minds can't comprehend it, but heaven will be beautiful and so much better than anything we have experienced here on earth.

I will end with the things I am thankful for:

For Jesus who died for me

For a wonderful church and church family

I am thankful that God has been faithful, even though there were times in my life when I didn't feel like he was.

For health

For a place to live

For a job (store) that I sometimes like and sometimes dislike but do find satisfying most of the time :)

Last of all (but not least) for my husband, my children and their spouses, and my 10 grandchildren. Next year it will be 11 grandchildren as Megan & Jeremy are expecting in July!

Here is our annual Christmas photos.