Through the year.............

Sunday, January 20th marked one year since John went to be with Christ. I can't believe it's already been one year. It seams like so long ago and yet it feels like he was just here yesterday. Weird. This year has been filled with tears, grief, memories, blessings, love, sadness, happiness, gratefulness, anger, questioning, grace, new adventures, adjustments, life changes, answers, self explorations, strength, weakness, new family roles and so much more I can't even think of. I've been asked so many questions about this year and how I have dealt with John's death. First of all I think that so many of you are so much stronger then you give yourselves credit for. God is amazing and gives you the strength to move forward with life. When you have young kids you don't really have a choice - you don't want your kids to hurt so you do everything you can to make them not feel any pain. Of course they do, and even though it's healthy, it has been one of the hardest parts of this year.

For me personally, getting into my empty bed every night has probably been the toughest - that's when I feel lonely. I miss him a lot. Sometimes I don't feel whole. But finding out who I am again has been eye opening. God has showed me a lot of things that I didn't know about myself or that I had forgotten. That is empowering! (that sounds so Oprah!)

The greatest thing about this year has been - being loved. You don't always appreciate how many people care about you until they come together and shower you with love, prayers and concern. I hope I can be as good of daughter, sister, niece, cousin, granddaughter, and friend that you all have been to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This weekend we just spent time together at the cabin. It was exactly what we needed. We watched the DVD of John's life together - we laughed and we cried. The little ones played outside in the snow, we did our usual trip to KMART (the only store in town), cooked, played lots of cards, watched some good movies, read, and just enjoyed being together. This was what John loved to do and loved about the cabin!

(yes that is Toby on Mandy's lap....)

go Ash!! Karyn are you okay?????

I'm glad that this year is done and all the "first" are over. Now I guess we work on battling the "seconds" and whatever the new year has to bring. God has been faithful and I know that "I can do all things through him who gives me strength!"

Part 2 - to be continued

Soooooo Ashley will be going back to the DMV in 2 weeks.................Stay tuned.

Amber gets her license to drive..............

Fish

Isaiah and I like the pretty fish tank......

Lot's of gifts ~ Lot's of blessings

We have received so many blessings this year. We have been wrapped in love and generosity. Overwhelming.

It's a Wii!!!!!!! (from Grandma Katie)

It's a cute baby!!!(from Courtney and David)

Lunch with family & friends (from Claim Jumper)

play time with friends (from being 9 & silly)

Christmas Eve with cousins & almost cousins (from Uncle James - who is getting married soon!) Puppies on Christmas morning (always sweet & naive)


Presents under the tree that you have no idea how they got there (like the Coach purse for me that magically appeared - no one seams to know................mystery)
Christmas morning in our PJ's at Grandma's house with everyone (Chaotic Fun)
sweet letters from DJ to each one of us (pure & heartfelt)
pillows made of John's ties (from Lindsey with Tears, Love & Sincerity)
Grandpa Rojas (who tried really hard to be Merry and hide his grieving)

The Rojas Cabin (my escape)

Wiiing at the cabin.......... (addicting)

I swear we did do other things (like snowboarding, eating, shopping, pool at Chad's and ummmmm wiiing!!) Never mind the fact that Amber had to come take the remotes out of me and Cathi's hands at 1:00 in the morning cuz' we weren't gonna stop!!!

To end the 07' Christmas season - a night out with the girls to see the "Rockettes" Christmas Show (which was surprisingly good).

I am most thankful for the gift of Christ and what a difference he and his promises have made in my life. He gives me hope, peace, and comfort ~ Overwhelming.

love the season your in..........

wheew, the last few weeks have been a whirl wind. So much to do and so little time to do it. We are trying really hard to keep the holiday spirit - the real holiday spirit! Here is just a glimpse into what life at the Rojas- Lakin abode has been like:

Theatre play "School House Rock". Mandy, Heather, DJ and Taylor were all in it.

Homework Party at our house (might as well make it fun!)

Church Play

Mandy played twins with one of her best friends whose name is also Amanda R.!

Then later that night we went to a spectacular party on the Mission Viejo Lake!

Then the next night it was Mom's turn to party with friends from High School.

I also had Bunco, another friend party, a work party, an ornament exchange, and a one day trip up to the cabin!

breath,

and moving on...

The next weekend we were off to My Aunt Lois' annual "Santa Party"

Some of the kids of our family and friends!!

Mandita :}

Amber

Cute Santa - but he scared Amber just a bit.

Ashley............

~Andrew~

We are not sure how much longer Andrew gets to sit on Santa's lap but he is going to keep kissing up until then!

This is our new revised family photo.

The holidays have not been easy on the kids. They all miss John so much - we all do. This was his favorite time of year. I think he thought he was Santa in his previous life :} I've told the kids that it is ok and normal to be sad and miss him, but we also need to make new memories and traditions - as hard as that sounds. That is what he would want. And that we also need to remember what this holiday is all about - Christ birth. And for that we should celebrate!

We need a little less of this:

and this:

And alot more of this:

& this.......................

Merry Christmas!!!!