It's never easy to blog about someone you love, and especially so after they are gone. When we visited with Grandma Pat on Halloween, we knew things with her health weren't right, but I don't know that any of us believed that'd be one of the last times we'd get to visit with her. A good visit it was, with tight hugs - a good memory to end on. While I'm not officially one of her grandchildren, and she's only been in my life for the last 15ish years, I know well enough to know that Grandma Pat was the leader of this family. A strong woman with a faith that would move mountains, she commanded us well. She gained our respect early and often, something I wish I'd learned to do with you kids far sooner. Through the month of November, we watched Grandma decline, and eventually, move from life on earth, to life in Heaven. We started December off celebrating her life. Bittersweet to say goodbye in the holiday season, but how we are blessed with memories and stories. This one hit you kids a little harder too - so many times in your short lives, GPat was at your ballgames, your school events always cheering you on. You all were her joy. Every birthday party, she'd come and visit and I was always so thankful for the way she loved on my side of the family and the way she enjoyed visiting with Grandma Hancock.
However, life goes on and GPat would be the first to tell us to keep on going. So, off to basketball games we went. Colton's group of classmates are just so fun to watch - and most of them wound up "playing up" to help the short handed 7th grade team, in addition to playing with their 6th grade teammates. Emmalyn played another season at Legacy and grew her game. She's got a scrappy bunch of girls by her side and they are fun to watch grow.
As usual in December, Jason made time to take each of the kids one on one for their Daddy Christmas date. Love the stories the kids come home with from their shopping adventures.
While I love Christmas baking, I'm always a bit apprehensive in my abilities. I love sharing the kitchen with my Aunt Nina, and am so reminded of baking days with Grandma when she's around. The kids love it because she says "shit" like you or I say oops, and it's delightful! Mom & Dad came down to enjoy the day with us - and we baked rolls, sugar cookies and had the best afternoon. So thankful for these kinds of days spent making memories.
And of course, no December post would be complete without mentioning our Christmas. How blessed we are to have fallen into a tradition of Christmas Eve with the Hall side and Christmas afternoon with the Stockment's. We were looking extra sharp Christmas eve thanks to having to restock our closets for GPat's funeral. We sent to church for the Christmas pageant, then back to Grandma & Grandpa's for drinks, appetizers and of course, gifts! Christmas morning we shared memories as a family. I always cherish the time we have on Christmas morning - because it's such a joy to watch you kids open your gifts you've shopped for each other.
Christmas afternoon we gather with the Stockment side and enjoy laughter, games and just cheer for the holidays.
We said goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020 at Aunt Jess's in a low key hang out. It was the perfect end to a chaotic month. Always good to be with family.
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