Christmas Memories

I know this post is past due. Part of the reason I write my blog is to keep family and friends in the know with what is going on with our family. The other reason is to keep a bit of a family record. So I can't let Christmas go without recording some very special memories.

• If you are a reader of our blog then you know that my whole family came to spend Christmas with us. Whenever you find out that your husband is deploying, you mentally have to count out the months and check off what events and holidays they will be missing. I knew Christmas would be a hard time for the kids and I. But my family totally came through for us and were there when we needed them most. It meant so much to me that they all came to our house for Christmas. There was 15 of us total and we all stayed in our house!
• I loved seeing how happy my kids were having everyone here! It filled our home with noise, laughter, good things to eat and always someone to talk to or cuddle with. It is so hard being the only parents with 3 kids who all want my attention on top of everything else I have to do. There were so many people taking time with my kids and helping meet their needs.
• Having my family here for my birthday. I am a Christmas Eve baby and my birthday can often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I felt so loved on my birthday. The day was filled with wonderful things to eat made by Dave and Laura, a nap, and tons of great memories.
• Worshipping together in church. I cannot even remember the last time we were are able to go to church together-we filled up 1 1/2 pews!
• My brother Jeff getting very emotional and telling me what great kids I have.
• Laughing until I was crying and my side ached!
• Uniting in prayer with everyone around Naomi's doorway one night while she slept and lifting her up to the Lord and the hard times we have been going through.
• My 3 brothers all hugging me and holding me, at the same time, while I cried my eyes out. I had so many emotions built up. I don't have time to sit around and cry because my husband is gone. Over the past 14 years of our navy career I have gotten really good at numbing those feelings when he is gone. It hurts so bad when he is gone and one night it all just came out. There with my brothers is a moment I will never forget.
• My Dad telling me that I am doing a great job with the kids. My Dad is great but he has never been one to pour out his feelings to you. But when he said that it meant the world to me.
• Seeing the joy in my newest sister-in-laws face as she realized we are now her family and having late night talks with her after everyone was in bed.
• Beth's DELICIOUS bonbons she made!!!
• Having many sit down meals together.
• Dancing to Justin Bieber after the Karate Kid movie.

I could just go on and on. I want to thank each one of you for coming and being there for the kids and I during this hard year. It is a time I will never forget.