Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year



Hello my friends, I am home, in my own bed and it feels wonderful.

I had such a wonderful Christmas, we were so busy and every moment was full of fun, family, friends and food......my favorite was the time I spent with the children. I am blessed to have the sweetest great nieces and nephew in the world. Now Fallon and I spent hours sharing stories, jokes and just laughing together. One night at 3 in the morning we both woke up and laughed for an hour, we were tired and silly and everything seemed funny to us. I hold this memory close to my heart. Olivia is so sweet, she is beautiful and quiet....a real little lady. Olivia is very easy to entertain and so contented just being with Auntie Bernie....my heart overflowed with love for this little angel. Dylan is all boy, very busy and loves his mom. He is so cute, he rolls his eyes at me trying to figure out where I fit in with his family, gives me a grin and says in a very deep voice "Mom".....he was so easy to love and cuddle when it was just Auntie Bernie and Dylan time. I gave all 5 of them UGGS boots for Christmas and they were a great hit....

Our weather was cool and crisp, no falling snow and with my nephew doing all the driving I thoroughly enjoyed visiting their family and friends. All made me feel welcomed and this Christmas was one of my best ever.....My life is good, my heart is over flowing with love for my wonderful family.....I do hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as I did. I am so thankful tonight.....for all my blessings.

I still have a full week ahead of me and have to admit I am quite tired. My Christmas Tea was lovely....it was suppose to be for a couple of hours, but the first friend arrived at 1 o'clock and the last left at 7 o'clock. We opened stocking stuffers and gifts, ate delicious food and played parlour games. Pictionary was a great hit. These wonderful patients held the true meaning of Christmas in their hearts and I am proud to call them friends. They have taught me how special time is when it is filled with love and laughter. Oh yes, quality over quantity every time.

Before I began this post I began by trying to download my pictures....only to receive the message "no image found" that's right, having taken several pictures somehow or someone erased them.

Tonight my legs and feet are aching, my body is screaming for a good night's sleep and yet I have never felt happier in my heart. Life is good my friends, and it is only going to get better in the New Year Ahead......I know I plan on making it my best year ever.....what about you?


74 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you had the perfect Christmas. Everything you described is just how it should be. You deserve every second of your happiness. :))

Marian Dean said...

I am so glad you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with family... they all sound delightful.
We too are feeling ready for some peace and quiet, everyone gets so excited especially the children.
Wouldn't have it any other way though!
Love to you Bernie and hope 2010 is an even better year, especially with your health.
God Bless you, and thank you for sharing your days.
Love Granny

A Bit of the Blarney said...

You did indeed have a grand time...There is nothing like gathering and laughing and crying, giggling and wishing others well. And so I too will be wising you well and happiest of New Years! Cathy

Anvilcloud said...

A great cup-overflowing post. You also sent me to Google to look up UGGS boots; they look cool.

Tranquility Speaks said...

I've a huge smile on my face knowing you had a mind blowing Christmas with family :-) Welcome Back Bernie. I missed you! I wish you the best year ahead with everything you always wanted coming to you :-) Loads of love :)

Diana said...

Oh Bernie, I am so happy for that special time that you were able to spend with the family. And it is so fun to watch the children and their reactions to everything. Baby Jack was fine as long as mommy was in sight! Sorry to hear about your photos. These new fangled contraptions are nice but can at times be unreliable too. My knees, hips and feet have been horrible. I get a little relief when I'm sitting, but walking is a joke! I can't sit to long though as it makes me depressed and I hate that. To much time to think!
Love to you Bernie, Di

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie, glad you enjoyed your days of Christmas, first the Tea, your visit to your Nephew's and other warm inviting homes! It does bring great joy, but does leave one tired! :)
I'm going out for a walk in the snow now, but will e-mail you later Bernie!
Love,
Wanda

Wander to the Wayside said...

It truly sounds like you had the kind of Christmas everyone dreams of! Sorry about the pictures (I've done the same thing myself - and cried!), but I'm sure anyone else who took some will be glad to share with you.

the wild raspberry said...

what a great christmas....
we had a good one too~playing games...eating good food....being together.
hope you have a wonderful new year!
chasity

wendyytb said...

Hi Bernie..
I am glad that you had a nice Christmas. We did too, but it was nice to get into bed at the end of the day, too!

Blessings in the New Year!

Gail said...

HI BERNIE-

......and a Happy, healthy New Year to you my friend. I so enjoyed reading about your wonderful Christmas stories with your family and especially the children. :-)

Your "tea" warmed my heart. Oh Bernie, the real meaning of Christmas for sure. I am sighing with joy.
And I so know that feeling of being achey and tired and yet so full of happiness all at the same time.

Rest up!

Love to you my friend
Gail
peace.....

Valerie said...

I'm pleased you had such a wonderful time, your sleeping dreams will be restful and happy now. Have a wonderful New Year and ongoing joy.

Bernie said...

ED, thank you, may you enjoy 2010 and I still envy your having your tree down already....I've got to get moving......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Granny, it is nice to be home and enjoy the quiet, but it was such a lovely time. I felt a bit lonesome when leaving the children....Hugs

Bernie said...

Cathy, thank you. Christmas came and went so fast this year...but it was wonderful.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

A/C, UGGS are cool, I have been wearing them for a couple of years now and walking has never felt so warm and comfortable.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Stillness, oh it was a wonderful time. I too am praying for a good 2010 for everyone including myself. Gotta get ahead of this arthritis then everything will be perfect. Luv you.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Diana, Dylan sounds the same as your Jack (he's 2) and he has such a deep voice it made me smile.
We did have fun, as far as the camera goes I'm not sure what happened, I changed batteries but that shouldn't have lost the pictures and the flash kept working after that....oh well I am hoping my niece will send me some photo's she took. How are you? I thought of you often.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Wanda, I am sure I am falling asleep as you are getting up. I was so tired yet had a hard time to settle....I so love those children and enjoyed every second with them. They are all pretty special and we spent time with their friends and my nephew's wife's family. So busy plus she had family from up North visit as well, busy but fun.....big hugs to Alivia and too you my friend....:-)

Bernie said...

Linda, it was a grand chirstmas as I am sure your's was. I feel children make it fun and exciting. They are so special.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Chasity, so happy to hear you all had a wonderful Christmas, so lovely to share with family and friends.....hope Shauna is doing well.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Wendy, I always miss my bed but I left here on Thursday so last night was really special although I did have a hard time settling. My mind was over stimulated and I kept thinking of all the things the children said and did...I am very blessed to have them in my life, just wished they lived closer......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, I am enjoying getting older as everything is even more special to me......especially making memories with the children. I do need some rest now I know ..... hope you are doing wonderful and had a grand Christmas as well..Hugs

Bernie said...

Val, it is one of those times that will be impossible to duplicate. I felt so much love and contentment. I am wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year. I do worry about Maggie and am praying for her......:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

Bernie, so glad to have you back. Glad you had a wonderful time. We celebrated 3 days in a row at different homes and it was wonderful, warm, good food and a true spirit of Christmas everywhere. I am glad to be back to normal and next week have to deal with what I found out was a torn rotator cuff. Thanks for all your wonderful visits and comments.
QMM

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Bernie, so glad you had a lovely Christmas. I had to laugh just imagining you laughing in the middle of the night.

Seems I need to get out my journal and figure out my new year. Or bury myself in a book just a little longer.

Happy New Year to you! May you have a great year ahead.

Bernie said...

Peggy, 3 days and counting for me, I so enjoyed my nephew's family. We saw so many people, it is hard to remember all the faces....I only know I loved every second.
Please take care, that torn cuff sounds painful.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Julie, Fallon is so much fun, you would love her. She is 12 going on 40 and has the best sense of humor.....we have spent all but one Christmas together, like she says it is a tradition.
Hope you had a great Christmas my friend....I'm still trying to open your blog, there's yours and one other that won't open for me and I have to re-boot to get my computer going again......luv ya....:-) Hugs

Silver said...

It is always so good to come visit you, my darling friend!

love,
Silver

Bernie said...

Silver, so good to have you visit, Happy New Year......:-) Hugs

Barb said...

Hi Bernie,
Your Christmas festivities sound like fun - children always make the Holidays more special. Rest now that you're home and prepare for more fun and friendship in 2010. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

quieten said...

Bernie, your Christmas sounds like a slice of heaven. I am so glad you had such a wonderful time. You deserve it! Your tea sounded like a fantastic time- so happy all enjoyed it. Blessings on a wonderful 2010- may it be a year filled with better health, more love and much happiness.
Huggz,
Quiten

Jackie said...

What love you have for your great nieces and nephew. I have the sweetest picture of them snuggling with you and laughing. What a blessing for them to have such an Aunt as you.
I also smiled at the 'long' tea. Sounds heavenly to me.
I'm glad the snow isn't falling...and I'm sure you are enjoying the snow already on the ground. We are looking at grass and pine straw....but still enjoying it...and the temperature is dropping. It is 45 degrees (F) tonight....quite cold for here! I'm loving it.
I'm sorry that your photos were lost. And....so very sorry, my friend that you are aching. I'm hoping that the good night's sleep is exactly what you need.
I needed to read this post from you. I always look forward to them. You have the brightest outlook...no matter what is going on....with you...or around you. You are a saintly woman....and a treasure to have as a friend.
Hugs to you,
Jackie

Eileen said...

So nice to hear about all your Christmas gatherings, Bernie! It all sounds like joy!
And I can understand you feeling so tired and needing to rest up!
I felt like I was going full-steam for days and days, and then on Sunday all I did was laze around! And even today I didn't accomplish much more than playing with Jayden and Mia!

Cindy said...

Bernie, I am so glad you had such a great Christmas. I do hope that 2010 is the best year ever. You are a blessing to many of us.

Bernie said...

Quieten, I have missed you. How are you doing and how is George? I thought of you over Christmas and wondered if everything was okay. I will be over for a visit shortly. Take care, so many better days ahead for you and your family I am sure of it......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Barb, I am sending you good wishes and many blessings for the New Year.....I know you do live in paradise and I love how you share it all with us.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Jackie, I always love hearing from you, you say the sweetest things. Yes I was and still am actually quite tired but the glow of those beautiful children has not worn off a bit.
Hope you are well, and guess what.. it is snowing here again tonight.
I too felt badly about my pictures, not only did I want to share them with my blogging friends but I wanted to send some to my sister, she misses her grandchildren so much....luv you and as always....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Eileen, I know how you feel, it was like I hit a brick wall. I have x-rays and doctors tomorrow so I am hoping some energy comes back even for a little while.
It is snowing tonight so I'm saying a little prayer the roads will be good. Big hugs to Jayden and Mia and please get some rest sweetie......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

cinner, thank you for your kind words, you have and are a wonderful blessing to me as well. Whenever I get discouraged I think "if cinner can do this so can I" I always feel so encouraged when reading your post.....:-) Hugs

Abatevintage said...

I am so glad you stopped by, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and you have an incredible New Year.

Take care.

Blessings,
Heidi

Bernie said...

Hi Heidi, I always stop in. I am so proud of how you lost so much weight and enjoy reading about your children.....Happy New Year to you and your family...:-) Hugs

The Retired One said...

Oh, Bernie, I can so relate to your anguish over losing your pictures on your camera....but perhaps you can still have someone look at it to see it they can still be retrieved somehow?
I am so glad you had such a wonderful time with your family, especially the little ones.
I really missed my girls this Christmas, but was lucky to be invited to my brother's house where some of his kids and grandkids were...we had a great time too and a wonderful meal on Christmas eve.
Then, the next day, I cooked a turkey and him and his wife came over, which was so nice.
Now, I am just waiting to hear on my computer. I sure miss taking photos and posting them and can't wait to get back to it in 2010.
Once again, I wish you the BEST year ever in 2010 and please know you are loved by so, so many people!

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, I felt so bad over my pictures I can only imagine how you must feel. I am going to take my camera in just in case my niece pushed a button or something and they will be able to find them. I almost downloaded my Tea pictures but I was so tired that night and then left early next morning for my nephew's. I had such a wonderful time but am looking forward to getting back to my routine. Had x-rays yesterday and saw doctor today. I need to have more treatment done on my bones which didn't surprise me as I have been having a lot of pain especially in my shoulder and one foot.
Snowing here again today, not real cold and the highway was clear. I managed to fill the car with gas, go to the bank and picked up a few groceries. I am invited out New Year's eve but I honestly think I will rest as I have hit a brick wall after such a busy week. Oh but it was all so wonderful, I love those kids. Good luck with your computer, I am so looking forward to seeing your Florida pictures.....luv you...:-) Hugs

♥ Liz ♥ said...

Hi Bernie. Thanks for your lovely comments. I hear that Inverness has quite bad snow today so I hope your sister is OK. Of all of all Scotland I would have to say that Edinburgh is my favourite place.....so far :0) I'm originally from Cheshire in England but have considered Scotland my home snce I first came here in 1989.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year x

Bernie said...

Hi Liz, yes I spoke with my sister yesterday and she said they had more snow than she can remember since moving to Scotland in the early seventies.....she has lived longer in Scotland than Canada and she loves it. I spent 4 days in Edinburg last summer and I loved it. It is so full of history, so pretty. My nephew's wife is from England and my late husband was born in Middlesex, England though his family lives in St John's Wood or at least they did the last I had heard from them several years ago.......:-) Hugs

Cheryl said...

How fortunate I am to have you find my blog and in turn I found yours! What a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. Oh and the joy and love of children truly do make Christmas special. I too was ready for bed that night (and I even snuck in a 30 minute nap in the afternoon!)but I would do the day all over again in a heartbeat! Best wishes to you in the new year!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Oh, Bernie. So sorry you can't get to my blog. Not sure why. Hope it fixes itself soon as I don't know why. Have shut it down and restarted. Maybe that will help.

Happy New Year! So glad you found me this year. I wish you the best in the new year.

Julie

Bernie said...

Hi Cheryl, I was just over at your post....so nice to have you aboard and look forward to our blogging together in 2010.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Julie, I am still trying, will let you know as soon as I do. I miss reading your post very much. Looking forward to blogging with you in 2010.....:-) Hugs

Donna's Book Nook said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Family is so important. I believe this was a time of real refreshing for you. Blessings. Donna

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR SWEET BERNIE WISHING YOU A BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A EARLY HAPPY NEW YEAR.
YOU ARE SUCH A SWEETHEART AND A DEAR FRIEND. YOU STOPPING BY MY BLOG MEANS THE WORLD TO ME...IT IS JUST LIKE A FRESH BREEZE ON A HOT DAY.
I THINK YOUR PICTURES ARE STILL THERE BUT THE LOVE YOU WRITE ABOUT FOR YOUR NIECE AND NEPHEW DOES NOT NEED PICTURES...YOUR LOVE FOR THEM JUST POURS OUT. YOUR HEART IS SO BIG.
MAYBE WHEN YOU ARE OVER STIMULATED AND YOU CAN'T SLEEP WRITE IN A BOOK TO GIVE YOUR NIECES AND NEPHEW ONE DAY A FAMILY HISTORY AND WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME YOU HAD AND ALL THE THINGS YOU LOVED THE MOST AND MAYBE INCLUDE A COUPLE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CARDS....I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE GOTTEN SOMETHING LIKE THAT FROM AN AUNT
CHRISTMAS WAS VERY HARD BUT WE MADE IT THROUGH. WE HAD SNOW AND 0 TEMPS BUT WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO MOTHER AND DADDY'S. I HAD A 30 MINUTE PANIC ATTACK BEFORE WE LEFT AND MY PRECIOUS ONLY SON TALKED ME THROUGH IT. I THOUGHT I HAD FINALLY GONE OVER TO THE CRAZY SIDE. IT WAS BAD...BUT I THINK THINGS ARE GOING TO GET A LITTE EASIER...I KNOW MY HEART WILL HURT FOR HER THE REST OF MY LIFE...JUST AS I KNOW YOURS DOES.
LOVE
ANGEL HUGS
DEBBIE

Dani said...

bernie, thanks for coming to hang out at my blog! i'm so excited to have your link that and can't wait to see your word! thanks for sharing your christmas events with us! sounds like you had a blissful time!

aims said...

Just popping by to say hello after your visit over on mine.

My thoughts are with yours about our dear Maggie.

I'm not sure - but I think I knew a woman who blogged that lived in Morinville. Joy T. Her blog is/was A spot of T ..... not sure if she is still blogging or not.

The pic of Hwy 2 just made me shudder. I don't like to drive in the winter and unfortunately I have to go out in it today.

I'm not looking forward to it very much at all.

Have a Happy New Year Bernie.

Bernie said...

Hi Donna, it was a wonderful Christmas and oh yes very refreshing, won't be as hard next year......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Debbie, I have thought of you so very often over the holidays, I am so glad your son helped you and that you were all together on Christmas Day.....take your time sweetie, time will and does help.
What a great idea to begin a journal for the kids.....:-)Hugs

Bernie said...

Dani, I loved your blog, I have my word but I am not sure if I can link properly but will try, if it doesn't work for me I will e-mail you.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi aims, I did all my errands yesterday and am down today just to rest and read....I will try and find the other lady who blogs in Morinville, would like to meet her.
Looking forward to blogging with you in 2010......:-) Hugs

Rebecca said...

Your first and last sentences could describe how I feel myself! In between, Bernie, it sounds like you you had a wonderful time with your nieces and nephews. Looking forward to 2010 with more stories to share and friends to bless. Happy New Year!

Abbey's Road said...

Dear Bernie,

Thank you so very much for visiting my blog. I would LOVE to have you as a follower. I have already signed up to follow you and will add your blog to my sidebar. WOW! I made a new friend in Christ today! God knew from my prayers that I needed something very special to happen to me today, to lift my spirits, and He sent you!

God bless,
Abbey

Blessings each day said...

Whoa Nelly...am I ever waaaay down here, but I know you will see me when you check it all out.

It warmed my heart to hear about your Christams and all the heart warming you always do as well!

May the blessings of this New Year just fill you with more delight and happiness and health, my friend!

blessings and loving hugs,

marcy

Bernie said...

Rebecca, your Christmas sounds wonderful as well, so happy for you and may you have a great 2010 my friend......:-) hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Abbey, I found your site through Cathy's who I love so much, just knew you had to be a great lady......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Marcy, I have missed you so much my friend.....was so pleased when I saw you posted and commented. Hope all is well for you and your family.....luv ya....:-) Hugs

Just Be Real said...

Bernie, thank you for sharing such a lovely post! Glad your Christmas was beautiful. Blessings to you and yours in the new year!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Happy New Year Sweetie...
It has been a wonderful year in 2009 and I can't wait to see what 2010 brings to each of us.

I cannot begin to tell you the happiness that you have brought to my heart from your visits. You are a true blue friend, and thank you from the very bottom of my heart for your kindness. You are like a ray of sunshine Bernie, and I just want to thank you for being such a beautiful friend.

Here's wishing you happiness, love, prosperity, peace and good health.

Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Dearest Bernie, Happy, happy New Year to you!!! You deserve EVERY happiness, and I pray that God blesses you in the New Year as much as you have blessed us in the past year!!! You are an absolutely wonderful lady and much, much loved...as is evident in your relationship with your great nieces and nephews!!!! You are an angel, too!!! And obviously, you family members and we, bloggie friends, are not the only one to recognize it...your tea proves that!!!

I am sorry about the photo difficulties...Blogger does funny things sometimes...but I just want you to know that I SMILED A GREAT BIG SMILE when your photo loaded on the page ...when I arrived here a few moments ago...

Love to you, and yours...and prayers for every happiness in the new year...DECADE!!!! You are a gem, Bernie!!! Love, Janine XO

Bernie said...

Just Be Real....thank you for your visit, I do hope you have a wonderful New Year's eve and a great 2010.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Sherry, it is always a pleasure to visit you and Heidi....I love the energy your blog brings, and you are always so positive...love it.
Happy New Year......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Janine, thank you for your kind words, I do hope 2010 will be a wonderful year for everyone....one must learn to live in the moment, enjoy the day as we just don't know what is in store for us.
It has been such a pleasure having you as a blogging friend Janine, you are very kind and thoughtful and I always enjoy spending time with you. May you and your family be blessed with great health, happiness and much love in this New Year upon us.....:-) Hugs

quieten said...

Happy New Year, Bernie! Love ya
Quuieten

Bernie said...

Quieten, Happy, Happy New Year to you sweetie......:-) Hugs

the wild raspberry said...

Bernie, this is my first time to your blog. I don't get around as well as Chassy does. Time just gets away from me, though I have the best of intentions of being a better blogger! Thank you so much for your sweet comments and prayers for Chas and Shauna. I think your New Years Resolution is fantastic, and one I hope to achieve as well. We have so very much to be thankful for. Good night dear friend. Love, Debbie

Bernie said...

Debbie, welcome to my blog and you are welcome anytime....How did Chassy make out today, did they have to operate on her arm? I do hope she is doing better and Shauna is always in my prayers. How kind of you to catch up on blogging for them.....:- Hugs