Sunday, January 10, 2010

Christmas 'aint the same without you . . .

I admittedly had my doubts about this Christmas. We had plans for lots of guests and lots of driving, all right before Daddy leaves us for lots of time. I imagined myself being stressed, tired, uncomfortable, and heartsick (knowing Scott will be getting ready to leave soon after the holidays). However I was pleasantly surprised. While there were lots of guests and plenty of driving, with all of that came lots of fun, love, and good memories. We stayed up many late hours talking, watching movies, playing games, finishing last minute gifts, and bonding. I got to meet my new baby niece, new soon-to-be sister in law, and introduce everyone to our breathless beaches that some of them even dared to swim in. To those native Mainers, the water was actually quite nice. Us Floridians smiled and took pictures on the sand in our sweaters and jeans, while they splashed and laughed in their bathing suits, soaking up that green-blue water. Together all those memories created quite the Christmas to remember and love. Our home seems quiet and empty without all the extra family and guests. Here's a slideshow I put together illustrating just some of the great moments we had. If you think this is a lot of photos, you should see how many great shots I had to painstakingly choose from!

I dedicate this slideshow to our Daddy. There's no way any of these memories would have been sweet and wonderful to me if you weren't there every moment, helping me out around the house, and showing gratitude in every way you knew how. It wouldn't have been the same without you, and next year when you're scheduled to be away, "not the same" wont quite describe how empty our December will feel.

6 comments:

  1. Did he get a one year assignment? Is he leaving this month until next January? What's he doing? A friend's husband was supossed to be gone for a year but they sent him home 2 months earlier, two days before Christmas. Maybe it could happen to you guys too. Can you go visit during the year? I'm sorry Liz. I'm not doing much during the next deployment so you should definitely come visit us so you can meet our little guy. My mom is going be around to help out with the baby and she'd love to see you too. Lots of love!

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  2. Liz I am so happy that Scott was home for Christmas this year. What a cute set of pictures. I love your Christmas stiped PJ's and I also loved the picture of Anny and Rylee on the blanket at the beach. They are such cute girls. I hope the time without Scott passes fast.

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  3. No, Scott doesn't have a year-long deployment, he's just on a regular deployment schedule that if it stays the same, will have him gone next Christmas. I still would love to get together though, I miss you like crazy!

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  4. I agree with you that Christmas lends itself best to celebration with lots of people, within some controlled chaos. Wonderful photos are capturing much of it. The cool striped jammies almost steal the show, except for the little girl in the litte Mermaid jammies. Nice, fancy knife work by Scott on the wrapping paper.

    At the beach, looks like they are repairing the pier. It would be fun to go out on it when it is finished.

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  5. It sounds like a superb Christmas. So glad you were blessed with such a blessed season- I hope you are doing well now! Love and miss you!

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  6. Love you Lizzie. We would never know the sweet without the bitter... right?

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