Monday, December 21, 2009

the only thing missing...

the only thing missing
supplies: Overlay: Paislee Press, Viewfinder Overlays; patterned paper: Paislee Press, Philosophie Kit; heart: Paislee Press, Love + Notes; border: Paislee Press, Falling for Retro; fonts: Courier New and Helvetica

torrey is reading to herself on the floor and emma is reading "mummies in the morning" out loud to me. the tree is aglow and the house is decked out for christmas. there is wet sleety snow falling outside, the countdown is on... t minus 4 days until the big day, and the only thing that seems to be missing is stan. it's definitely not our first christmas apart, and i'm quite sure it won't be our last. it is what is, but it doesn't make me miss him any less. absence seems to bring out the million plus things i love about him, and for that i'll always be grateful for that little gift from the deployments. in the normal business of living life i don't always think of those little things. so today, amidst the calm winter evening's routine... i'm thanking God for those little things.

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sunday we went to the christmas service at church. the girls were thrilled to finally wear the christmas dresses we bought months ago. we had enough time to snap a few shots before we left... and we weren't even late! stan would be so proud. there are a few more pics of the morning sweetness here.

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my baby brother, jason, flew into town friday morning. the girls are eating up the uncle time like nobody's business. shopping, talking, wrestling and lots of snuggling. he even made it in time to catch torrey's choir performance for the local senior center.

my other brother, dave, and his wife will be arriving in town from japan tomorrow. we were trying to figure how many years it's been since our whole family has been home for christmas. jason and i figured it's been eight years. it's truly a blessing to have family all home for christmas this year, and it's been a welcome blessing/distraction for the girls and me.

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on thursday evening we had our friend sam over. it was a sort of birthday present for him. he's the youngest of three from a family of dear friends. so for an extra special treat he came over (just him) for the evening. we made christmas crafts for the girls' classes and for sam to give to his family. we ordered pizza and set up a full picnic on the kitchen floor, and the kids all danced goofy dances they made up to christmas music. and the real present was that we got to spend a fabulous evening with one sweet little man who we are blessed to have as a friend.


10 comments:

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen said...

Great photos, I love the LO with your DH what a nice idea. Sorry you have to be apart this year for Christmas, you have a great attitude though! You're a great military wife.

Carey

Sandy said...

Happy Holidays Noel!! I love the LO you made about Stan. What a beautiful LO!! Wishing you and the girls and your family a great Christmas and may Stan stay safe where ever he is!

Sandy

Tina said...

I love that layout, Noel. The pictures are great and the girls are beautiful, as usual. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Love,
Tina

Michele Mc said...

I just wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I can't imagine how hard it must be to have your husband away, but it sounds like your faith sees you through.
I check in to your blog regularly but rarely have time to leave comments. You take amazing photos and inspire me to become a better photographer each and every time. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Michele

Luv2talk said...

Happy Birthday SISTA!

Martha said...

Where did you get those pretty white fur shawls for the girls? I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Stan said...

Nice pictures love. You always amaze me with everything you do. I love you.

Sasha Holloway said...

Your pictures are beautiful and so is your post. You are right it does not make the absence any worse or better .. you still miss him .. aww I completely UNDERSTAND .. hugs and love this holiday season.

Anonymous said...

I love the layout you posted, very nice. Even though your family is not totally together this Christmas you are together at heart.

Your daughters Christmas dresses are adoreable.

Have fun sking, be safe.

Love your work, you have some amazing talent.

--Marilyn
Northern VA

Sandy said...

Hope all is well with you and your girls. Have not seen any new posts from you. When you follow someone's blog and then they're not blogging for a little while, you start thinking I HOPE THEY'RE OK.
Hope you had a nice holiday break!
Looking forward to your new post!

Sandy
:0)

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