It's A Wonderful Life

Jamie and I have spent the last month at home in PA for the holidays and a much needed vacation.  I was given strict orders not to overbook my time so that more time could be spent at home with family and looking back I wouldn't change a thing about it.  We got to see friends but also spend some time with our family.  We have had a great month and I'm sad to see it go.  I can't say as though my heart is ready to return to Montana, but I know I have to.  One of the first events scheduled on the calender was a couple's date with Ben and Kristen.  We went out for dinner and then they took us to the IMAX in Harrisburg to see A Christmas Carol.  We had a great time with them and it makes me wish we still lived close.  "Don your 3D glasses."

I had the chance to attend a Christmas party with some old work friends as well and it was so nice to be able to see most of my friends from work while I was home.  I miss my high-risk OB and all the friends I used to work with!!!!  We had a great time and I'm truly blessed with some wonderful friends!

Papa Smurf had been throwing around the idea of getting another dog since Chappy died and when he found an add for Boston Terrier puppies in the paper he couldn't resist.  I'm so glad we got to meet Toby!  He is the perfect Papa Smurf dog!!

And there was babysitting and time with our nieces and nephew.  I'd like to think they had the time of their lives with us, playing trucks and building forts...OK, so Elianna didn't play as much as she drooled, but she was still full of smiles.

Somehow Mom and I were able to tackle this job.  You'll have to check out her blog for all the details.  Let's just say when the paper says get it right or you won't have a second chance...they never met determination before!  Mom had a list of things she wanted me to help her with and I'm hoping we got them all crossed off...I REALLY enjoyed spending time with her this month!

There was cooking baking with
Grandma Fisher...we made a MOUND of cookies!!  And had a wonderful time doing it, but I'm afraid we are still eating Christmas cookies.  Those beautiful chocolate covered peanut butter and marshmallow cookies you see on the right....GONE!!

We had Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Fisher's house where the kids kept us well entertained.  Sometimes I wonder what rolls around in their little kiddie brain to make them do the things they do.  ????  One will never know.

We got snow and lots of it!!!  What a delight to finally have snow in PA in December!  I think it snowed three times during our month home and I loved all of it!  We even drove out in the bad weather to go to another Christmas party...sadly I do not have any pictures of us there since my wonderful friends have not sent them to me yet.  (Hint, hint)

We had Christmas at home with my family and Christmas at Jason and Lacey's with Jamie's family (I didn't get a chance to put those pictures on the computer yet).  Isaac and Rachel were both very patient and we all had a nice evening together.  We had Pork Tenderloin (Papa Smurf style...only the best!) and shrimp...one of my favorite Christmas meals!!  Afterwards the kids sat very patiently...some drooled patiently, while they each got to open a present.  I love these pictures of Rachel as she sits on her "Vespa" just waiting for Daddy and Uncle Jamie to put it together.

Mom and I spent a day together getting pampered and going shopping.  We got pedicures, a hair cut and then headed down to Chambersburg to the Hobby Lobby.  It was a perfect girls day and we had a blast!  I had no idea that 4 1/2 hours at the Hobby Lobby could go by so quickly...it really did feel like just a few minutes.  Thanks for putting aside time to spend with me, Mom!  I so enjoyed our times together and I'm so thankful that you and Papa Smurf can make a nest for us in your home...it was a blessing to be with you both!

Through a change of plans that generated from a post on facebook, we got to spend some unexpected time with one of our favorite couples again...Ben and Kristen!!!  We rang in the New Year together along with Papa Smurf and Mom who made it past midnight but went to bed shortly after.  And that's when the tiredness set in, we all got a second wind and the fun really began!  Kristen found this very large pencil that Papa Smurf had got in the mail from a begging bank and it all went downhill from there.  Our ribs hurt the next day from laughing so much..."Carla, I miss you already!"

And this one just stole my heart!  Although I have not been blessed with children of my own yet, I have the blessings of a niece who looks like me (poor girl) and my heart melts every time she gets excited to see me.  I've wondered if she isn't part puppy cause she wiggles her butt and almost pees the floor sometimes when I walk into the room...I LOVE it!!

And last but not least there is this...I made a "Montana" cookie.  I don't really know how to describe what I'm feeling right now.  I came into this month so excited about coming home, but sad knowing that the time would feel short and before long I would be arriving at this moment where I need to once again say goodbye to family and friends and go back to my home, except the place I call home now doesn't really feel like home yet.  So with an aching heart I will return to Montana with the assurance that God will give me strength and guide my steps.  Thank you to all who made our trip home a memorable and fun one!  I'm hoping to see you all in a few months.