Eloise Newman
November 22, 1918 - June 8 2011

Our tears aren't for her, but for ourselves.

Slim pickings

Though we traveled here, there and everywhere for the holidays and enjoyed every moment in each place we visited, and despite the fact that I lugged my camera to each location, *still* my camera was actually only put to good use at one particular celebration.

Thankfully, it seems to me that it was this particular time that was most important to document anyway. It was Christmas Day, at Gram's house. Gram is Matt's grandmother, newly begun her 9th decade.

It was a wee bit emotional, especially when she handed each of the granddaughters by blood (and marriage!) a handmade crocheted afghan. She had worked her fingers to the bone this past year-and it touched me very deeply to receive such a heartfelt gift.

It is easy to take for granted the health of loved ones, the years they have been given to us, and the time we have been given to share in their lives. Seeing another one of my children held by a great-grandmother, and another great-grandmother smiling with joy in the holding made me especially thankful this year.

Four generations of Newman...

Gram did the best in Andrew's eyes this year, gifting him a bells n whistles Hess truck and loader. He plays with that thing for HOURS at a time! And at the opening (his first gift) he was no longer interested in opening presents.

One more of Gram, because she has such a nice smile...

And then~one of her and I. I love her like my own.

And one of our whole family...because these times, they are precious. (Don't you just love that Matt is holding her hand?! I love that man.)