Seeing is Believing

What an amazing holiday season it is turning out to be! My eyes and my heart still struggle with believing that we are here. Dave and I loaded up our three beautiful children and headed for Oklahoma to spend Christmas with our family for the first time in 3 years. Our drive together was so fun! My heart could barely hold the smile that was growing as I listened to Blake, Al, and Ash just hang out in the car together. Dave and I held hands as we drove and talked and talked and talked. Together again. It is truly the most amazing Christmas gift I have ever been given. I could ask for nothing more. My heart is so full.

Tonight my sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas. "I have it." Is what I told her. "My baby is alive and we have come home for Christmas with the family. I want nothing else." She just smiled at me and nodded. I think they all understand. Dave and I have dreamed of this day for so long. My most treasured possession is my family. There is nothing in this world that can compare to sitting around the table and laughing with my sisters and my brother until our sides ache. There is nothing in this world that can compare with seeing the girls playing doll house together on the floor in my nieces bedroom or watching the boys jump around the house and wrestle. There is nothing in this world that can compare to bringing our sweet baby home to my family for Christmas this year. Seeing them each tiptoe into the room and talk to that little pickle and just stare at our miracle overwhelms my heart. Tucking Ashley Kate into bed and knowing that her life is a gift brings tears to my ears each and every night.

I sit here at my sister's home and the house is silent for awhile. The candle lights are glowing and the house smells so yummy. The carols are quietly playing and the tree is lit. Ashley Kate is resting on the bed and Hope is attacking her own shadow. The whole family has gone to the church to enjoy the children's Christmas play. Allison was even given a role as an angel. I wish I could have gone too, but were not quite ready to expose Ashley Kate to that many people. She still has a cold and the weather is very, very chilly tonight. Dave and I think it is just too soon to take her out especially since she isn't feeling that well. So, she and I are waiting for everyone to arrive home again.

I am wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas. I am praying that your holiday is a blessed one and I wish to thank you guys for blessing us this season. Your prayers for our family have brought us together and for that I will forever be grateful. Enjoy your evening. Trish