Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As I sit here tonight a week before Christmas, my hope and prayers are that everyone enjoys their times with their families and friends and please thank God each day for the time you have with one another. My candles are lit, the tree is lit and the outside lights are on but it just isn't the same this year. I have sent Mike several boxes of home baked treats that he received the other night and said they all got there fine.

Mike recently did his re-enlistment for another 6 years!! I am so proud of him and I hope he knows I will stand beside him the whole way. We will be heading to Hunter Army Airfield when he comes back. Love Georgia!!! We won't be that far from the ocean and when Kyla found out we will be outside of Savannah she wants to go to Paula Deen's restaurant. She has that planned for when my mom and dad come down.

As this time of year comes it brings out a lot of emotions in everyone, some good and some not so good. I think we are doing alright here. We have our ups and downs but we are making it. Kyla recently made Region Choir down here which is a huge accomplishment. I am so proud of her. She has such a beautiful voice. They recently had their Christmas concert and the last song they always sing is, I'm Sending you a Little Christmas which anyone who knows me knows the flood gates opened. It is a beautiful song but hits us very close to home.

I think with all the rushing around this time of year some tend to forget what this season is for and to truly be thankful for what each of us have in our lives. I also think that sometimes we forget what makes each of us truly happy, but I think if we each would look down deep inside us we will find our true happiness and in turn be a happier person to ourselves and each other.

We decided to stay in Texas for Christmas for several reasons, the weather back in Missouri and the drive is just a little much for one person by themselves. I really didn't want to get snowed in up there. Peanut would never forgive me.. Christmas will be different for us this year but Kyla and I will make it. It will be her first Christmas without her daddy so I'm trying to make it special for her. Our thoughts are with Mike and being away from one another this year so when we sit down to dinner a special prayer will be send and a candle will remain lit for Mike and those we have lost too.

Please take time during this busy season and stop and remember those who are in your lives daily and that you love and care for. Kyla and I will keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for all our military men and women.