Cauley Family Christmas

Every year, on the Sunday before Christmas, we get together with Shane's Dad's side of the family. Shane has quite a large family and I love these get togethers as my family is so small. This year, Shane's dad, Thomas, came with his girlfriend, Linda, and her daugter, Alicia, who is 6 months pregnant...Congratulations Alicia! Shane's brother Tommy and his fiancee, Farrah also came. For those of you who don't know, Farrah is the owner of Sonoma Retail and Wine Bar located on Richmond Avenue. If you haven't been there you have to go, especially if you are a wine lover. Tommy and Farrah are getting married early March. Shane has been asked to be a groomsman. It should be a fun adult night! Shane's sister, Christy, also came. Her boyfriend, Leo, was there for a short while until his allergies to cats became so bad that he had to go. Shane's brother Bill, his wife Rebecca and their kids Jessica, Chris, Cody, Brittney and Caden were also there. In special attendance was Shane's grandmother Nanny. Nanny recently moved to a nursing home in The Woodlands. She really seemed to enjoy being with us all.

We had a huge feast of a meal and then opened presents and took pictures. We always say we should do this again in a few months and never seem to make it work. This year I am going to make sure this happens as we all enjoy being with each other so much.

Every year we all say how much we miss Shane's stepmom, Elaine. She passed away March 13, 1998 due to a car accident at the intersection of 249 and 1960. Elaine was very special to me even though I knew her the least amount of time. She couldn't wait for Shane and I to marry and as soon as we married she was already talking about grandbabies. My first pregnancy and loss occurred right after she passed away. Knowing that our children are in Heaven with her has always been a comfort to me. I also enjoyed the long conversations that she and I would have every time we visited.

The last time we had a picture of all of us was the Christmas before she passed. This year, we managed to take another one.

The Conklin Clan: in back, Caden, Bill and Cody, in front, Rebecca, Jessica Brittney and Chris

Us with Nanny

Shane, Tommy, Christy, Bill with Nanny and Thomas (Grandpa)

Tommy and Farrah

Missing is Shane's stepsister, Stacy, her husband Andy and son Jonathon. Stacy has had a hard time for many years. I won't go into the details but please pray for her healing. Our hope and prayer is that sometime soon she will be healed and able to join our family again. Also missing is Grandpa Thurman and Lillian. They were out of town this weekend and not able to make it.

You may be reading this post on Christmas Day. I hope your day is blessed! Merry Christmas to all!