Bah Humbug!

Feeling the holiday blues this year.  I just realized that I haven't mailed out our usual family news letter, my heart just wasn't in it.  I barely put up some Christmas decorations.  A small tree and a few garlands around the house.  The only thing that is keeping the kids and I in the holiday spirit is our Elf on the Shelf "Bill Elfinstein"
 
Danny has been away exactly one month and it's been a long and difficult month.  But we are all surviving.  There have been a few sleepless nights because the kids are worried about their dad.  There have been many comments from all of them about how they wish daddy had a different job, and how they wish Santa would bring him home.  All I can do is reassure them that he is alright, that he is safe and that Santa will grant them their wish a little late.

Right now we are all clinging on to the hope of being able to get on a military flight back to the states to spend the holidays with family.  I am fortunate to have made wonderful friends here in Germany.  They have been a wealth of support for me.  My friend, April has so graciously offered to take in our puppy Scout over the holidays.  I am sure that he will have such a great time with his friend Indy that he will probably not want to come home.  The kids and I made sure to give him extra belly rubs last night and this morning.  They already miss him!

All three of the kids are a little worried that if we do go back to the states that Santa might miss them.  I assured them that he will not miss them, he just might leave their gifts here and they will be waiting for us when we come home.  But if we do make it stateside, that is enough of a Christmas present for us, being able to spend it with family.  I talked to my friend and neighbor Kristen, and she agreed to help me out.  While we are away she will come over and place all of their gifts under our tree so they will have a HUGE surprise when we come.  Again, this all based on the hope that we make it out.

It hasn't been all bad.  Just after Thanksgiving we did a little shopping for toys to donate to Toy-For- Tots.  And as a reward for being selfless, I took them bowling.  Makayla participated with Girl Scouts in Project Rudolph, where she wrote letters, made ornaments and drew pictures for American Heros serving away from home.  They even had the chance to enjoy the snow.  Last weekend we all went sledding behind the house and then warmed up with a cup of hot cocoa, a warm fire and The Polar Express.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday!  Hugs and Kisses from our family to yours!