Christmas

We were a little nervous heading into the holiday. Justin was scheduled to be on call for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but last minute a coworker who was scheduled for New Years asked to switch. What a blessing it turned out to be. A huge storm hit Christmas Eve and Justin would have been gone all night until late Christmas night. We were so grateful to have him home with us.

 Justin was loving his Rangers gear.

 Had a blast with Twister.

 Enjoyed some donuts made by Gracie.

 Watched Coda fly his helicopter all day long.

 Allowed the house to be a complete mess for the week.

 Went to Build-A-Bear Workshop.

 Made puzzles.

 Drove Squealers.

 Made more donuts.

 Enjoyed hot coca and donuts in the garage while Dad made a jump for the Squealers.

 Slept in our winter hats.

Colored prom girls.

Christmas had a different feeling for me this year. I was terribly home sick. At times I felt my self wishing Christmas would just come and go so I wouldn't feel such longing to be back with our extended family. At one point it dawned on me that I needed to forget about how homesick I was and make sure the kids enjoyed Christmas. Once I made up my mind to do just that, I enjoyed Christmas.

I spent the weeks before Christmas, highly anticipating a package from my parents. I was told that my dad came up this years Christmas present all on his own, which made it that more intriguing for me. I waited for the package for days, not knowing it had been delayed because of bad weather. The small, light package arrived Christmas Eve and I was completely stumped. I tried to think of all the things that it could possibly be, but I couldn't think of anything. I called Dad to let him know I received the package, and to see if he might give me any hints as to what it was. Dad said I couldn't open it until 10 a.m., but I know he only said that because he knew how excited I was. And just to show him my self restraint, I waited (at least until 9:45). It was the very last present I opened this year, and I definitely saved the best for last.

I was already emotional, like I am every Christmas away from home, but when I dug through the styrofoam peanuts and pulled out two envelopes the tears flooded. Inside was a letter from each of my parents. I could have stopped there and been happy. The letters I will cherish always.

I dug through the rest of the sea foam peanuts and pulled out a little box. Inside was a beautiful heart shaped necklace with a wonderful inscription on the back - an heirloom for my family. The truth behind the necklace I found out later when talking with my mom. Dad had come across a picture of a necklace in a magazine some time back and he decided to do something special for his daughters this year. He tore the ninety dollar necklace out of the magazine and took it down to a jeweler, where he had a custom necklace made for each of his baby girls. So, although the monetary value of my one of a kind necklace far exceeds the ninety dollars from the magazine necklace, the sentimental value of the necklace is priceless.