Holly's Christmas Gift

I have to say that I enjoyed this Christmas more than any in a very long time. Last year, we traveled to Alabama without John and I was sick the entire time. The Christmas of 2006 was nice but we were visiting my family and contemplating a permanent move from Romania to the United States. 2005 was very nice but again, we were visiting my parents, between road trips on our furlough. I didn't blog before 2005 and the Christmas memories tend to run together.

This year we were home, healthy, together and my parents came here! The children enjoyed and appreciated their gifts. Holly was thrilled with little things like getting a hairbrush just like Hannah's and a headphone set. She was amazed to get one gift in particular. Something that she has wanted for maybe two years now. She started saving up for it and when she had enough, she was talked into buying something else. Well, she still longed for the first idea but at age 10 didn't have enough financial resources to save up for it any time soon. It wasn't on her Christmas list because it was a bit above our budget. But we decided to get it for her since we were not traveling and spending money on fuel. She was overwhelmed and astonished when she opened up a Nintendo DS. She even cried.


























Never mind her outfit (pant legs rolled up). It was a warm day and even warmer inside. We had windows open and thought about turning on the AC.















Later this week, I will share about my Christmas gift. I should have cried too.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yes, yesterday was my birthday. I had tentative plans to throw myself a bloggy birthday bash like some others have done. Maybe next year! My family gave me a real life party with pizza and an ice cream cake. Holly made me a necklace. Hannah is taking me to a movie this week end. Gabe is taking me out to dinner sometime and John bought me a new comforter. I'll try taking some pictures before the weekend is over.