The Jolliff Family

When I was a little girl, my Grandma Purcell would make red velvet cake at Christmas time.  My Aunt Martha makes the red velvet cake now at the Purcell Christmas gathering.  Red velvet cake, like my grandma used to make, is my favorite and I'm so glad I was able to enjoy a piece over the weekend with my family, it's been eight years. This red velvet cake made me think because life is funny in that it keeps moving on.  The family has been enjoying red velvet cake over the past eight years, even when I'm not there.  Life doesn't stop when someone passes away, it doesn't stop when the seasons change, and it doesn't stop when someone moves away.  Life keeps moving and there is both sadness and beauty in that. We have had an incredible nine months in America.  The kids have handled all the transitions so well and I am proud of the way they have adjusted to all the new things that living in America brings, they have made friends in school.  My c...

Today as we walked out the door to head to church for the last time in America for a few Sundays,  a woman waved at me from across our parking lot/drive way.  She asked if I was Sam's mom and introduced herself to me.  Her name was Carolyn.  She asked when we were flying out and then expressed disappointment that we didn't connect sooner.  She went on to tell me that her grandson, Denny, will miss Sam at school.  Sam has talked about Denny over the past few months and even exchanged Christmas presents with him.  However, the grandma told me that she appreciated Sam so much because Denny told her that Sam was his, "only real friend." That breaks my heart for Denny, and for Sam. Before we came back, I prayed that God would grant the kids just one friend that they could connect with.  Sam isn't a super outgoing kid and is happy with just one or two good friends.  God provided that for him and I'm so glad that Denny's grandma saw me this...

We have spent the last week with family and have enjoyed our time with them so much.  The weather was lovely most of the week, which meant enjoying being outside and lots of sunshine. We spent Sunday night until Wednesday morning at my parent's home in Salem.  Abigail playing the piano on the same one I learned how to play on.  Wish that piano would fit in my luggage! Traditionally growing up we opened gifts on Christmas Eve.  We continued that tradition this Christmas also.  We had a delicious meal and then moved to the Christmas tree for their present.  They each got one big present with two smaller ones inside. Big presents equalled new carry-on luggage for each kid.  They were excited. The also received a neck pillow. And an outfit to wear on the plane. Santa, AKA my dad, showed up before making his trips to the nursing homes in Salem to see the kids. I always enjoy being at my parent's home. ...

We had a sweet day to celebrate Abigail and Abram turning 5.  Knowing I say this at every child's birthday, it's still the truth!  It's hard to believe that they are 5.  They have grown and changed so much over the past year and it has been fun to see their little personalities emerge and watch them thrive with so many transitions over the past year. Both sets of grandparents were able to celebrate with us at our home in Freeburg. A letter to Abigail from Great Grandma Jolliff. A letter to Abram from Great Grandma Jolliff. Abigail is a verbal, independent girl.  She loves to tell stories and to recall all that took place during the day, whether she has been at school or just at home.  She has lots to say and is very articulate with her words.  She is a true little girl as she likes all things fancy.  She can frequently be found around the house changing her clothes and finding all her accessories to wear.  She loves her baby d...