Happy Christmas Eve,
i am now preparing to head out to the christmas eve service at about 11:30. Last time i was here for the christmas eve service it was snowing when we came out. I won't keep my hopes up for that this year as it is too warm. Before we go we'll have friends over for mulled wine, which i won't partake in, since i don't like it much. It tastes something like what i would imagine liquified, boiled cranberry sauce to taste like--but to each their own.
I would be posting loads of beautiful Edinbugh photos, however, as i was mugged on the street and my purse stolen with the camera in it i shan't be able to do that. Don't be alarmed, i am safe and well...ACTUALLY, I left my purse (with camera inside) in the airport resturant before we went through security. They did find it and put it in lost and found, so we'll get a friend from there to mail it back shortly-though the uploading of pictures will probably be delayed until we get back to the U.S. I'm always leaving things places--I know Mom.
Merry Christmas to all my family (that includes you Soph). I am dearly missing you all, today especially. I miss the tranditions we have on Christmas Eve at Grandmama's house, and I missed seeing the Eddy side of the family at Aunt Cathy's. To all my B.C. (Bryson City) family--Dave and I have already started talking about starting a new Christmas tradition there next year with a Christmas weekend (a few weeks before Christmas-or before people start heading places) with a big turkey dinner w/ everyone and maybe a ski trip to Cattaloochi (no idea how that's spelled) for the day. We love all our B.C. family so much-we miss you guys loads!
Remember to spend as much time with your loved ones this holiday and listen to your grandparents/friends retell the stories you've heard a hundred times (don't forget to laugh even if its a joke you've heard before). Hug everyone twice and make sure they know they are loved and hold a special place in your heart.
Special Messages:
To my two younger sisters (Bethany and Sophie)--I miss you guys especially right now. I've gotten to know you both so much better these last couple of months and have had some wonderful conversations. I've gotten to spend time (both on the phone and in person) with you that has really meant the world to me. You've been there for me through some really emotional times this year, and I just wanted to thank you so much--I'm almost crying just typing this-yeesh. Merry Christmas ladies-I love you SO SO much.
Bethany-you are an amazing woman. You hold to your values and know what you believe-I respect and look up to you in that-I'm so proud that you're my sister! Thank you for valuing my opinion-I don't deserve it, but it makes me feel so extremely worthwhile-you have no idea. I love you.
Sophie-you are a talented, beautiful, smart woman-don't you EVER doubt that. Be strong in who God made you. KNOW that you were created with a purpose and don't let the world or doubts ever tell you otherwise. You have been such a friend and sister to me this year. You have let me cry on you and vis versa. Thank you for being there for me-for loving me and for letting me love you-you are trully a part of my family-don't ever forget that.
To David-my little bro-you are growing up so fast! I can't believe you can drive now! I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You are growing into an amazing christian guy who really stands up for what he believes. You inspire me to keep doing the same. Some of the conversations we had this year, especially when I was home just a few weeks ago for fall break, have really shown me you're not afraid to stand up for what's right, even against the hardest people-your friends. I love you and the man you're turning into-thank you for following what you know is right, I know it's not easy, but God will help you continue on!
To my Older brother and sister: Thanks for never giving up on me. I know I worried you a lot in highschool and the first couple of years after. Even though you always listened to my latest problems you never judged me. Thanks for believing that I could be a better person and make better decisions. I love talking to you both so much. I still look up to you. You and your families are a very important part of my life.
Shannon-our weekly conversations are something I look forward to so much. I know I can always pick up the phone and you'll have a few minutes to talk. You make me feel like I really am important to you and you care about my life and love me-thank you for always being there to do the same thing for me in highschool.
Shaun-thanks for talking to me whenever we do actually talk on the phone. The fact that you're interested in my life and that you really DO want to talk to me really is important to me. I love your hugs and your sincerity. I love your Godly character and the way you lead your family-you have always been a role model to me, thank you so much for that.
To my parents: Thank you for your support of Dave and I this past year and half. It's meant the world to me. You love him and accept him into our family and respect him as a Godly leader, and that just really...I can't tell you what that means to me. Thank you for always keeping the lines of communication open between you and I--for praying for me when I feel my prayers aren't strong enough, for always having time to talk, for loving me no matter what. I feel more blessed every day to have the family that I do.
To my husband: This time two years ago you had no clue what you were getting yourself into by marrying me. You have gotten to know all my quirks and emotional ups and downs. You hold me when I cry, even if you have absolutely no clue why I'm doing so. You've stopped trying to fix everything when I'm upset and you just hold me until I tell you what I DO want you to do. You make me breakfast on the weekends and you try to match your clothes as best you can, just so you don't embaress me (I really do appreciate that). You are always telling me things that build me up and feel like a wonderfully loveable, unique, loved individual. You are patient and soft spoken. You've helped me learn that I don't REALLY need to yell to express myself. Thank you for being such a Godly leader in our home. Thank you for taking time to learn my "love language" and trying your best to communicate regularly with it. Thank you for always loving me with passion and tenderness and never being afraid to tell me what you think. I love you baby, you are my best friend and soul-mate. I can honstely say I love you more today than the day we were married.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone--make the most of your time this Christmas. Spend extra times talking to the ones you care about and that YOU mean a lot to this Christmas. Thank God for His blessings and your time here on earth. Give of yourself, it is the best Christmas gift you can get-the feeling that you have helped another person this Christmas. I love you!