Changing How We 'Do' Christmas

We are changing how my family does Christmas this year: We had already made the decision to limit the kids to 3 special gifts each, in memory of the 3 gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus, and also to teach them about gratitude for what they have. A friend posted this video on Facebook and I'm reposting it because it really drives home the message that, now more than ever, we should be caring for our fellow man, the way that Jesus did.

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day and I've been thinking about my grandfather Raymond all morning. I never knew him, as he died when my mother was only 14. He was one of many men in my mother's family tree that served in the military. I thought it would be nice to honor the vets from her family today. I regret that I don't have any pictures from my father's side, as many of his uncles and his father also served. When we moved my grandmother into a facility last year, I took my laptop and was able to scan a lot of her pictures in that transition. Any military pictures from my dad's family would be in his posession, and I'll have to make sure I ask to borrow them so I can honor them in the future.

This is my great-great-grandfather, John Conrad. He served in the Civil War and was wounded.

My grandparents in 1942. My grandfather served in the Army.

My mother says that sometime during my grandfather's military service, he was one of the only survivors when his ship went down. He floated with debris for several days before being rescued. I wish we had more information, but this was something my grandfather did not like to talk about. I'm hoping to do some research and find out the name of the ship.

My Great Uncle Keith, 1942, home on leave.

My Great Uncle Ord, near Germany, 1942

My Uncle Noel, served in the Army.

My grandfather, top right, in Hawaii, 1938

Sitting on top of an anti-aircraft, 1938, Hawaii









Thank you to all of our veterans. There are many more in my family, including cousins who have served and are serving now. I'm extremely humbled by their service, and honored to call them family.

*note* I apologize for the spacing being off. I edited the post about fifty times and blogger refuses to cooperate.