TRYING TO CATCH UP

I'm still not 100% yet, but will try to play a bit of catch up on the going on's at the Bona household.

Not having a hand was more difficult than I thought it would be. I was so thankful that all my 24 days of Christmas posts were done and ready to post before my surgery or I could have never done it. I don't know how many people read them, but it brought me joy to do it! And it really helped me to reflect on Christmas and the true meaning.

This year there was no baking and very few neighbor/friend gifts. At first I felt bad about it, but I have to admit that it was nice to not have the stress of all of that. Also, all the shopping and wrapping of gifts had to be done by Dec 15th! And it was. I only had to get a few things for Gio, that Brian helped me to wrap and Gio wrapped Brian's gifts. It was a nice change to the stress that normally comes with Christmas. I didn't do cards/letters/e-letters or a Christmas family post this year. And I didn't feel guilty about it like I normally do if it doesn't get done.

We did some family activities. We drove around and looked at Christmas lights. We went to Temple Square and saw the lights there (the pics are still in my phone and need to be downloaded). It was a cold night, but not to crowded there. And it was great to spend the evening with Giovanni and Brian. We went to the Hale Center and saw "A Christmas Carol". It was very moving and actually made me reflect a bit on my own life and some changes that I would like to make. We had our ward Christmas party and it was so nice to associate with such good people. Have I mentioned that I love where we live!

On Christmas eve we went to the Louisiana's home (as we have done for the past 7 years now ~ since my mother passed away.) We are truly blessed to have them as friends/family. We have known them for 18 years. What a blessing they are in our lives. We had good food, fun talents and testimonies, and a wonderful nativity story and spoke of service. And of course, the opening of gifts. (The favorite part of the night for the children!)

We came home...Brian opened his pj's (more pics in the phone) and we enjoyed our family time. We are only 3, but we sure do love one another and we laughed a lot.

On Christmas morning Gio woke up before anyone else did. He started the day off by calling his family members in Italy and wishing them a Merry Christmas! There are many miles between us, but they are always in our hearts! Brian and I woke up around 7 AM. We opened our gifts (a few more pics still in the phone), then got ready and off to church we went.

I love the Christmas program at church! The choir was amazing, as they always are. There is nothing like music to bring the spirit. A few ward members shared testimonies and their thoughts about the savior. It was a lovely meeting! But alas, I must confess...I kept looking at my phone to check the time. Robert told us he would be calling around 1030 AM and he was very punctual! (I'm impressed!) The phone rang right as we were opening the front door. So glad I had my cell phone in hand!

What a wonderful phone call we had with him! We laughed and joked around. It was such a relief to hear the joy and happiness in his voice. We laughed as we told stories to one another. Brothers talked and shared stories. We talked about the future, college, etc and put a few plans in place for his return. I am forever thankful for the phone calls. Sometimes it seems harsh that we can only talk twice a year, but I understand why it it so, and it makes the calls so much sweeter. This was the last call we will get from him, for you see, he will be home in 64 days! March 2nd can't get here soon enough. He repeated to us several times how thankful he was for his mission. He said that it was so much better than he ever thought it would be and that he was so glad for the choice he made and that he doesn't regret any of it! He as so happy and joyful! And as a mother I can not tell you how my burden of worry was lifted. I am so thankful. There are no words to describe what I felt that day. But I can tell you, as we said our good byes and said our "we'll see you soon at the airport", it was the first phone call that as I hung up I didn't have a lump in my throat or tears in my eyes (as I do now while I type this out).

Over the past two years we have received so many messages from people telling us what a wonderful son we have and what a fine missionary he is and how he has made a difference in their lives. I know that in these past two years he has made a difference in our lives. He left a boy and is returning a man.

Anywho

We got some Cinemark gift cards for Christmas and so yesterday we went to the movie and saw "We Bought A Zoo". What a wonderful movie. I love one of the lines in the film. The father, played by Matt Damon, is talking to his son, and he tells him, "...all you need is 20 seconds of courage..." That is so true for anything in our lives. It struck me so profoundly. Something that I will remember for a long time.

Yesterday I also got my stitches out. I have a nice scar (pictures to come), but it seems to be healing well. My hand is still pretty weak. I'm surprised that I was able to type out this post. I guess some progress is being made...but now I'll need to rest it for the next 2-3 hours. I don't go back to work until Jan 16th so I still have a few weeks to build it up!

Giovanni has been so great through all of this. He has done laundry, washed dishes, cooked dinners, taken down Christmas (yes, it is all down and put away!) and been so good to take care of me, and Brian. Working everyday and taking care of us every night! The Lord blessed me with such a wonderful man for my husband!

Until next time....Ciao Ciao!