Christmas Day

Grandma and Grandpa came over mid-morning on Christmas Day to celebrate with us. 

 Alex, half dressed in his knight costume, seemed to love his new truck.

More presents

Grandma and Grandpa brought roller skates for Luke.

Madison got several books from different series sets she is reading.

Luke also got a toy shotgun.

Alex got Buzz slippers.

Luke loves his "big bug."

The kids have always loved mailboxes, especially since we didn't have one in Arizona.  This mailbox from Bath and Body Works was perfect for Madison.

Madison has wanted this Jewelry Boutique for awhile.

Alex's big gift was waiting by the front door...a new ride.

"So happy" as he kept saying.  It's the perfect size for him, but he thinks we push him around as he puts his feet on the handle bars.

Our Christmas lunch complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, peas, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, and Jello (a required staple for holiday meals with my kids).

Dessert was a homemade red velvet cake, Edward's normal birthday cake.  The kids asked if we would make it to celebrate Edward's birthday, so here it is.  Happy (belated now) Birthday Edward.  We sure missed you.

Christmas, especially, is not the same with a husband deployed.  People have told me things like, "You knew what you were getting into when you married a soldier," but that still doesn't mean it isn't hard.  Days march on, and some days are better than others.  Christmas was a blessed day, but it sure wasn't the "magical" day it has been in the past, and that's definitely because a very important member of our family was over 7,000 miles away.