Christmas 2009

Austin obviously trying to fit in with Daddy home from Baghdad.

For my super-texting fingers, a new Samsung Impression with a second keyboard for speed texting!

All we wanted from Santa was a Baby Alive!

This Christmas with the kids being 7 and 4, it was super exciting planning all the Santa pre-arrivals. Christmas Eve, we read classic Christmas books stories, made cookies and Jonathan read in Luke. Ashley already claimed to be Mary but Austin did not want to be Joseph or a donkey for Ash to ride on. We tucked the kids in with a final "Twas the Night Before Christmas" story and put them to bed. Until 3 am. At this twilight hour, Austin then went downstairs, saw Santa had come and waited. And waited. He never fell back asleep. He waited until 6am and then got Ashley up. At 6:45 we heard thing being tousled and decided it was time to go downstairs. With the camcorder in hand, the unwrapping began! The stockings were dumped like trash cans and scraps of colored paper was flying in the air like confetti. Austin's hits from Santa this year included a new bike and Wii games. Ashley got and English pram and a Baby Alive. Life was good. Jonathan made us a grand breakfast and we again enjoyed another Christmas together as a family.

This Sunday we had our Sacrament meeting that was cancelled last week from the snow storm. I had the opportunity to speak about how hymns of Christmas bring out the true meaning of Christmas. I sang in the choir and it was a wonderful service. Jonathan is sick with bronchitis so the kids got to skip church and stay home with him today. After all, they only have 4 more days that Dad is home.

At this time of year, I am so thankful for my family and wonderful friends, church teachers who have been so wonderful to my kids, visiting teachers, home teachers, dear friends who help me out and are there for me, a loving husband who spoils me (letting me sleep in and cooking me breakfast in bed EVERY morning he's been home) and most of all for our Savior, Jesus Christ who made living on this wonderful earth possible.

Snow Snow Snow! 17 inches....

On December 19, 2009 was the single biggest one day snow storm in DC's history! With measured calculations up to 20 inches in one day. Today, the next day, we slowly dug ourselves out. I love snow days! Especially when our whole family is together inside. Jammies, hot cocoa, gingerbread houses, I love the winter time. At least indoors.

Ashley as Mary...

Daddy's Girl. We love to dance for Dada!

Santa was waiting for the kids after their school program.

The cutest Mary ever!

She took her role very seriously. Acting is business to this future star!

She's so proud having Dad home to watch her big play!

Meritorious Honor Award

Jonathan received a Meritorious Honor Award from the State Dept. He told me not to put this in here, but considering we use our blog as a journal each year, I wanted to make sure this award was documented! JD received this elite prize for his time while protecting Condoleezza Rice. Go Fritz!

Daddy's Home!!! Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge at Christmastime. Rudolph was reading a story to the kids.

And it really snowed indoors!!!

Snowflakes coming from inside! Too cool.

Daddy's home!

It had been nearly 5 months since we'd seen Jonathan last. He finally came home from Baghdad on Monday. We've got him for 2 weeks and 4 days. So it was a tearful reunion at the Dulles airport. We waited in the International arrivals and at first sight of Daddy, the kids screamed!! DADDY! And ran over and all of us were in tears. The kids couldn't leave his side and clung to him like baby baboons. We haven't let go of him since!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas....

$$Money Man$! This man is seriously money-crazed. Austin will do anything for a buck. This is the first time he's ever held or seen a $100 bill. He's said he'd even trade us his $1 for our $100. Smart. Austin will do any chore, about anything for a few shillings. He counts his money, saves it, cherishes it! Although he is sweet and buys only his sister treats with it. We're teaching him the law of tithing and as long as he can give "cents" and not break any dollars, he'll gladly give up 10%.

One of my dearest friend Kendra. I met her in Nairobi and now she lives here! For my birthday she brought me a Giardanos deep dish pizza. Straight from Chicago. What a friend!!! I love you Kendra.

The Christmas countdown....can't....wait....must....stay....up.....

I had the opportunity to be a substitute at Ashley's preschool last week. What a treat!!!

My dear friend Abby (another friend I met in Nairobi who now lives here) made me this beautiful hand-made Holly wreath! From materials out of her very own backyard. I have wonderful girls in my life make me the most beautiful things! I'm a lucky gal. Abby like sis-in-law Jonny, is very crafty and can make ANYTHING!!

Cindy Lou Who?

State Department Holiday Party

The kids and I had the opportunity to go to a State Department Holiday Party Tonight. It was hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Martha Steward/Better Homes and Gardens. It was to honor all of the unaccompanied families. At the end of the party, there were 4 party bags per guest full of wonderful Martha Stuart treats. The party had mingling, delicious food, gorgeous presentation, harps, bell ensembles choirs, and I felt very pampered and appreciated as we were graciously thanked for our time away from our husbands this year. This was the first year the Secretary of State had a holiday party for unaccompanied family members.

Yes, this was a special meet and greet with Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton. She was very gracious. In fact, Jonathan had already planned this special meeting so that the kids and I could get some time in with her in private. We met in a room and spoke about Baghdad and life here without him. It was very nice meeting.

These cookies were so finely decorated it looked like something Martha Stuart would have done.

Austin loved touring the Benjamin Franklin room and seeing the rich historical magic of these special buildings.

Martha Stuart. She was very kind and complimentary. She and I conversed about her talent, and what a fan I am of her work and about Jonathan. What a treat to mingle with these ladies. She even took a picture of us for her own blog.

Ash is ready to play the grand piano for the big dogs...

Downtown Washington DC at Christmas time is a wonderful place. I'm so glad my kids can take advantage of these amazing opportunities.