MERRY CHRISTMAS

We had a more than fantastic Christmas. As usual it was filled with lots of family time, presents, and sharing in the real meaning of it all, the celebration of the birth of Christ. Grayson enjoyed every minute of it all.

The holiday wasn't without a little sadness. Many of our family and friends were dealing with a first Christmas without important loved ones. We were in that same boat celebrating our first Christmas since the birth and loss of Faith and Avery. It was hard. Lots of family members helped us remember them this Christmas through gifts or oranaments on their own tree in memory of our daughters. It was nice to feel like we weren't alone in missing them at Christmas. The most helpful thing for us was to remember that they were having a much more amazing Christmas celebration in heaven with Jesus. I like to believe that Christmas is a really party up there. That didn't change the fact that all through our celebrations it felt like something or some one, in this case two someones, were missing. I guess it may feel that way forever.

Grayson was able to spend a little time with all of his grandparents (yes, all 8 of them) during Christmas and this weekend. As expected he was spoiled. It was also extra special because this year we chose to be home Christmas Eve night which meant we got to stay at our own house, cozy up in our Christmas PJs, read the Nativity Story before bed, put out cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer, and have Santa visit us at home. Christmas morning was so much fun. I think once it all was said and done Grayson finally got the whole concept of Santa. Now the work begins to teach him how all the gift giving relates to celebrating the birth of our Savior. It is very important for that to be the focus of Christmas and for our children to understand that it is about SO much more than presents and Santa.

We had two additional reasons to celbrate this year. One, Jack was home from Iraq and much earlier than expected. Until the second week in December we had no idea he would be with his family for Christmas. Two, my Granny had been in the hospital and made it home Christmas Day in time to open gifts and spend time with all of her family.

Yes, I will say we had a wonderful Christmas. It was another opportunity to count all of the blessings in our lives and an opportunity to praise God for all that he has done and continues to do for us. I hope your's was equally blessed.