Tis the Season...

Just thought I would take a few minutes to breath before the craziness of the holiday festivities set in. Its so easy these days to get wrapped up in the shopping and buying and getting. Its nice to take a step back and remember what the Christmas celebration truely is about. I'm hoping I will be able to take the kids to the Living Nativity tomorrow night. It is a wonderfully done program at a church in Richland. Kaitlyn is so fortunate to be getting a faith based education. She knows the story and is able to celebrate it at school. In a day and age where saying Merry Christmas isn't always acceptable, its a pretty special thing to know that she can go to school and celebrate the birth of Jesus openly and with her friends.

Rick's sister Amee (and Mitch) will be arriving shortly. They are going to stay at my sister's, a little quieter for them! Tonight Kristin and I are having a girls night with all of Rick's sisters and Sue. I think the boys are going to head to Bern's (the big tavern in Prosser, wahoo!) for a little boys bonding. Kathie, Rick's mom, is taking Kaitlyn, Trace and our neice Meredith for the night. They are working on some Christmas projects and then having a sleep over. She is one brave woman! Tomorrow Rick is hoping the weather will cooperate enough so he can get the wrap on the outside of the new garage. The door was installed on Tuesday so it is now ready for siding. He has taken next week off of work so he is hoping he can get all the siding up and the taping and mudding done so we can get the final inspection. Its so close to being complete!

Christmas Eve is our busy day. We'll spend lunch time at my parents and dinner at Rick's Dad and Sue's. Christmas day his Mom, Grandma, Amee and Mitch and my family will all come to our house for dinner. We are blessed to have family so close. Through all running, cooking, eating and opening I hope we can all just take time to enjoy the time together. There are so many in our country that are missing their loved ones who are over Seas protecting our freedoms. We are so very thankful for our Service men and women and will be thinking of all of them, including my cousin Lori's husband Tim. I pray for many happy reunions, SOON!

I hope all of you will have a very blessed and Merry Christmas. We thank all of you for being in our lifes and if we will not be seeing you over these next few days we will be thinking of you! If you are traveling, be safe! Merry Christmas!