As we finished packing for Texas, Brian reminded me to pack my camera. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, so I opted just for phone pictures this year. If I wasn’t allowed to lift and I can’t ask Riley to drag around my carry on 🙂 the phone camera would have to do.
Enter happy random phone pic #1:
We ran into my cousin’s son at the airport! He just renewed his contract with the military for two years and was on leave! As we were walking to meet my parents, he was leaving to see his mamma in Arkansas. What an awesome, random meet up! Ben, we love you! You started my holiday off just right.
Enter happy random phone pic #2:
Grandpa Thompson was a sweet, stubborn man. He didn’t want a funeral. He even wrote it down so that we couldn’t misunderstand his wishes. Mom and dad arranged for a viewing so that I could say goodbye. My sweet family made it a perfect “see you in heaven” day. We prayed for him. We sang Amazing Grace. We said goodbye in our own way.
Brian led the family in prayer and I closed my eyes and listened as the little ones followed his lead.
We’ll see you in heaven, grandpa.
Enter happy random phone pic #3:
Our “we are headed out to Mass and better hurry if we want any chance at a seat” picture. It doesn’t matter how early we get there, Brian gives up his seat every year for any lady that he sees standing. It is such an honor to watch my children do the same. I am so thankful for what he teachers our little ones. He is the perfect gentleman in every way.
Riley slept on my shoulder the entire time. It was a very sweet and perfect time to just be present, to sit in awe that our Savior came as a baby, and to soak in the peace that surrounded me.
I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas! I’m so thankful for all of you, this wonderful community we call blogland, and the love and encouragement you pour out!
I hardly took any photos either, and I have to say, it was kind of nice to be PRESENT and not behind a camera.