It's Christmas Time....

I set up the Christmas tree tonight and a miracle happened. When I plugged the lights in they all worked. I had to pick myself up off the floor. I was in shock. It was really great that they worked because I usually am in a bad mood when setting up the tree because I know I will have to go fight the lights. But this year everything is going my way.... so far (I have not done the house lights yet.) Blake and Allie began putting the ornaments on and I went to the grocery store for some dinner parts. When I returned from the grocery store the tree looked to me like it was done. I am so proud of them for the great job they did. It is very hard not having Trish here because I know how much she loves getting out all the Christmas decorations and arranging everything so nice. I sent Ashley's Christmas tree to Omaha and they already have it set up in Ash's room. Ash has her own tree because she spent last Christmas in the Neonatal ICU. If you would have told me last year that she would be spending this year in the hospital as well there is no way I would have believed you. I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the idea of spending another Christmas in the hospital. I am very thankful that she is here with us for another Chirstmas. As we move into the Thanksgiving season there are hundreds of things I have to be thankful for. Even though things are crazy and we are not all together, I am still looking forward to these holidays as they will be more special to me this year. I feel like I have been taught so much this past year and half about things that I would not have ever learned without God placing Ashley in our family. I am so grateful for the gift He gave us in Ash. Thank you to each one of you who reads Ashley's Story and prayers for her each day. Sometimes when I pray I run out of words to say, but I feel a certain comfort knowing that so many of you a praying when I run out of words.

Thank You,

Dave