happily ever after

As I sit here tonight it is Christmas Eve, I have so much in my life to be Thankful for. I have to say that I seriously married my best friend, although marriage is a lot of work we work with each other and we just have fun. I love spending time with Brandon, he keeps me grounded, he knows me better than anyone and I love that. I love knowing that I can give him one look and he knows exactly what is on my mind. How special! I just can't believe that this will be our Nineth Christmas together.
I still remember that first Christmas, I was a Junior in high school and he bought me a ring and a bible. I knew that night that he was the one that I was meant to share my life with. I still have that bible, and that ring. I remember his mom telling the whole family that it was a "friendship" ring....... :) I think that fact that I was 16 made her a little nervous that her 18 year old son was getting so serious with me. He knew it too, we were smitten! After so many Christmas' together it is so special to see how our families have changed. We have added Chloe and my nephews, Jackson, Isaac and Ryan.
We have also had some hard times when we have had to say goodbye to those that have passed away. This is our first year without Grandpa Weldon. It was a hard Chrismas Eve without him. You could just feel what everyone was thinking about. Although we miss him dearly, I am so glad that I know where he is spending eternity and that he is rested, happy, and healthy. That is something that is promised and I am just grateful that he accepted Christ here on earth. My Grandma is also not with us, I swear people say it gets easier with time, but I disagree. I miss her so much that it still hurts. She passed away in 2004 and never got to officially meet Chloe. I believe that she has though, because Chloe will talk to her and tell me that she misses her Grandma Nay. If I let myself think to much about her, I just loose it. She was such a good person and she is sorely missed.
Tonight Brandon put together Chloe's Santa gift. A bicycle. I cried. yes, I cry all the time :) I just stood in the garage and looked at it and cried. I just can't believe that my little girl, the one who seemed so small is already ready for a bike. I can remember as a child getting to run out of my room to see what Santa brought me and I was so excited. I imagine that Chloe will do the same and I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees it. It will probably make me cry again. and again :)
My life is just very full right now, I am blessed to have amazing friends that Brandon and I will have for the rest of our lives. We always have so much fun with all of them. And our families are amazing as well. We have a lot to look forward to this year, Eric and Lila will be married this August and who knows maybe a baby will be coming this fall. I just want to thank all of you for being in our lives and for making it so much richer and happier! Merry Christmas!!! xoxo