As the Jones extended family prepares for Christmas 2011, I want to followup on the theme of gratefulness. There have been some changes in the family during this past year. My nephew, Chris, and his wife Sarah, added twin girls to the family. Isabel and Violet are the first set of twins in the family since Harry and Joseph Vonderheide born 150 years ago. I've yet to meet my newest nieces, as they live out-of-state. But I can tell you that their grandparents couldn't be happier.
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| Dan and Carol holding Violet, Quentin and Isabel |
My daughter, Liz and her husband, Roland will be adding a son to their family in the next two months. Since I'm already the grandmother of the perfect grandson, Ian, I'm very much looking forward to this.
My brother, Tim, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his kidney. He underwent successful surgery to remove his kidney. Tests showed that the tumor was self-contained and he didn't even require chemotherapy.
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| Tessa, Haley and Sky |
My nieces, Tessa and Haley, are attending a Cotillion given by the Bachelors here in Cincinnati. It is a Christmas Ball for debutantes.
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| Ian and Bill |
My husband, Bill, continues to amaze everyone, as he is still with us after two triple-bypass surgeries and multiple heart attacks over the past 35 years. We look forward to celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary on January 1st.
In a family this size, I could continue this list and inevitably leave out some important things -- so I'm going to quit now. What's important is that we are all here, love each other and are forever grateful to the parents who raised us. If there is any sadness, it is the fact that they died too young to see all of the fruits that have resulted from their labors.
Finally, I want to thank my brother, Tom, for his willingness to share his Christmas letters with all of us. Posting them every couple of days allowed me the chance to slow down, think about what is important in my life, and prepare me, as Advent should, for the true meaning of Christmas.
Just a few extra pictures --
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| Quentin and Santa Don |
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| Mae |
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| Mae and John
My sister, Karen, just contacted me and let me know that I forgot to mention Ben -- a son born to Mark and Carol during this past year. He is the grandson of my brother, Tom (Guest Blogger), and I didn't realize that Ben was not in any of the pictures in that series, including the family picture Mark sent me. Mark promises to get a family picture together soon. So for now, here is one of Mark and Ben.
Mark and Ben
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Merry Christmas to everyone from Jones Family Matters.
Kathy
Merry Christmas, your series with your brother is my favorite ever. Thank you both.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. It's been a pleasure for me to share his letters. It slowed me down and made me reflect on what's important about Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for Ancestry.com for whom gave me the opportunity to meet my cousin the most amazing woman. She is generous, fun loving and well spoken. I feel blessed to now be a part of your life and your travels. I have had the best time Kathy. Your spirit,love of family and determination inspire me. I feel like I have known you my whole life.
ReplyDeleteI wish you and Bill and your family a very Merry Christmas and a
Blessed New Year
Barbara
Thanks, Barbara. I feel the same about you. After things calm down we really need to talk to each other. I miss you.
ReplyDeleteKathy
What a joy! Thanks so for sharing the joy and blessings of your family with us. You and Tom have enriched my Advent season. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Beautiful pictures and memories. What a year you've had!
ReplyDeleteKathy,
ReplyDeleteAfter a hectic December, I'm finally catching up on my favorite bloggers. I love your grateful series-and the photos are magnificent. I especially like the one of Bill (So glad he's doing so well after all those surgeries -- he looks terrific!) with Ian and the sled. That photo says so much about being a grandpa, teaching our children by example, and the kind of relationships this season nurtures. Happy New Year!