Early Christmas Gift

Do you remember when you were younger, or in college, or even now I suppose, you'd ask your mom what she wanted for Christmas and she'd respond, "my family to be home and everyone to be safe, healthy and happy." My mom would answer like that often, and I'd roll my eyes and ask what she really wanted because I couldn't very well wrap that up and put it under the tree. She then would always say leather gloves.

As I get older and family and friends become more and more important I can see why she always answered that way. I am now fully understanding wanting all your family in one place to unwrap brightly wrapped gifts, drinking eggnog with Christmas carols playing in the background. This Christmas I feel that way with our insane year, and with Kevin having been gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I just want him home, not on the other side of the world and I will get that wish today!

There were so many low points and unexpectancies this year. But I think to round out this year, it will be a happy one for so many other reasons. I will have Kevin back for the holidays. I will have my crazy Bailey, who continues to melt my heart every day. I will have my parents who were there for me when I was at my lowest this year. My sister and brother-in-law who are now back to their old selves, and I'm praying that soon, they will be introducing us to their new addition. I have spent really great quality time with my girlfriends, nursing broken hearts and turning into a marriage counselor. I also spent time with the girls who have known me since the 4th grade, and it's those women in your life that you can just be. No expectations, no pre-conceived notions. You can say the dumbest thing that has ever escaped your lips, and they just laugh with you.

So this year I feel as if I'm blessed in so many ways. I'm blessed with people, with friends and family. My early Christmas gift is coming home early tonight and I couldn't be more excited!

P.S. A special shout out to my friend Jaime! Congrats on your early Christmas present! Guess he just didn't want to miss Santa this year. :)