Merry-Land

Greetings, from the East Coast!!! we are getting all settled in over here in Maryland.
We arrived mid December, the kids and I flying in a few hours earlier than Jones, our car managed to arrive just after we did so we were able to have it right away to go and meet him at the airport. We spent our first few days in a nice hotel by the airport, a bit terrified of the unfamiliar world around me. Everything was exhausting and new in a way that made my head hurt. Then we packed up and headed to temporary housing on post, as soon as we got on base my heart seemed to calm a bit. I naturally navigated my way around, finding the commissary and housing office on my own. We were told that a house would be available in a few days, and once I saw it my heart settled even more. It was cozy, and settled perfectly next to C's school and the Commissary. With a fenced yard and play ground, it seemed unquestionably perfect for our family. The housing office expressed their concerns that it was too small for our "growing" (meaning abnormally large) family and encouraged us to wait until Feb for a larger house to become available. We were swayed for a few hours before it became very clear that it wasn't the right decision for us. Besides, what they didn't realize is, small spaces and I have worked together before :) and that most our furniture is miniature anyways. So on the Friday before Christmas we moved into our 1200 Sq ft 4bd townhome. :) and I couldn't be happier. We spent the following days unpacking like crazy,  putting up Christmas as we went, making it feel like home. We have been moved in almost a week and Heaven seems like an appropriate word for how it has been.

Maryland still feels foreign and strange to me but base living is settling in surprisingly well. Having my other half back has made everything seem so much more accomplishable and satisfying in the process. We will figure this place out and we will do it together.

The kids adore having their things, a home, a play room and most importantly, Dadoo!!
Overall we have had a pretty amazing Christmas this year, and I feel so blessed to have my family back together again. What an end to a crazy year.

The Value of Christmas

I have heard a lot on radio and TV that because of the economy so many people are so stressed out by this Christmas season that they would rather skip over it all together. This has made me think about the last 7 years that we have struggled financially. I remember how when the economy first started taking a dive it was kind of nice to hear people talking about budgets, and ways to DIY and thrift. It seemed like the world had come a notch down to my level.
In the 7 Christmas' I have share with Jones we have never gone without. Whether we were able to provide it for ourselves or by the hands of other people we have always had presents to open, food to eat, music to sing, loved ones around us and the strength and Joy that the season brings.

We have had years that our family was able to fulfill a tradition of going to cut down a tree. But there was one year that we didn't get a tree until the day after, when we took one from the curb of a store that was throwing them out, and last year we were given one to use.

No matter what our circumstances were, nothing seemed to change the fact that we have been given the gift of hope. We have been blessed with the gift of understanding peace. We know who we are, and we know our Savior.

I love Christmas and hope there is never a year I let monetary hardships take away hope and peace. I wish for that same spirit to be with those who feel like they can't find it. That they will find joy in the simple gifts that we can give each other. Say Merry Christmas when you see someone. If you can light lights on your home, do it. If you can carol, go caroling. The more you give the more you invite that spirit. One thing I have learned is that when you think you have nothing to give, there is always something.


We are not alone. You are not alone.

Merry Christmas