My Favorite

Of all the pictures, of all the memories, of all the moments, this is the one I will never forget. All three of the children together Christmas morning 2007. It was beautiful and it brought me such joy. There was no package, no gift, no thing that could mean more to this mommy's heart. My Christmas wish was granted and my prayers were answered. God has been so very good to me.
Christmas was more magical than ever for me this year. I would find myself sitting back away from the group watching those that I love the most enjoy the company of one another. My eyes filled with tears more than once and I would fight back the urge to break down and cry. My heart was so full!

My sisters and I were up the entire night of Christmas Eve. We had so much fun as we prepared the house and the packages for our families. We laughed until we cried(literally). We talked and talked and talked. I love Christmas with my family. I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect holiday. The later it got the funnier things became. The early it got the sillier we became. Around 6:00a.m. we found ourselves sitting around the table talking about Mary and Joseph and all they must have experienced that night. It was beautiful.

The festivities were set to begin at 8:30. My nephew Jake was the first up. He was so cheery. He always is. Next awake was my Blake. The smile on his face as he wiped the sleep from his eyes was priceless. For a while it was just the two of those guys and then the girls began to stir. All in their matching jammies they filtered into the living room hair a mess, eyes full of sleep, and smiles on their faces. Ashley Kate had no interest in waking that early. She was allowed to snore until the last person awoke and had found their spot in the living room.

Our morning began with the reading of the Christmas story by Uncle Gene. It wouldn't be Christmas without it. After the reading the stockings were passed out and the magic began. The eyes of the children lit up as they dug into their surprises. Stockings are a BIG part of our Christmas tradition. Ashley settled on one item in hers and allowed her daddy to empty the rest. She was so funny.

As the gifts were opened and the day continued our family enjoyed each others company. We laughed and played until late that night. My sisters and I were actually playing a round of sequence as the clock ticked the last few minutes of Christmas 2007 away. It was magical!

We were so blessed! Dave and I couldn't have been happier. Blake, Allie, and Ashley were together. That's all we had prayed for.

Dave, Ash , and I left for home on the 26th. We made the drive back to Texas so Dave could be in the office by Thursday. Blake and Al stayed in Oklahoma to extend their visit with their cousins. They will be home some time next week.

Ashley Kate looks really good. She is so happy! Her output has slowed and she has not required any type of replacement fluids in almost a week. She continues to have a cold. I imagine she will have it for a long while. Her little system doesn't really have the ability to kick like the rest of us do. We are busy setting up her new appointments, therapy schedule and routines. As I type she sits on her daddy's lap wrestling with him with all shes got. Her cheeks are rosy and her eyes are twinkling. She is a happy, happy girl and we are so happy she is here with us. We just love her so much.

I hope your holiday was blessed. I hope you were with those that you love the most and that you made memories to hold in your hearts for a life time. Life is good and we are more than blessed. Thank you for loving us this holiday season and for being a part of the family that prayed Ashley Kate home for Christmas. You are loved. Trish