We've been everywhere....Christmas 2008

Our Christmas was wonderful! We haven't been able to spend Christmas day together with family in 3 years, so this was extra special. We felt like the song says, "I've been everywhere man, I've been everywhere"! Here are a few glimpses of our Christmas travels:

First we celebrated April's (Drew's cousin) college graduation, my sister's 21st birthday and Christmas with my family:

My niece, Makenna is getting so big and now says, "Drewww" and "Jess". She smiles and flirts with Drew a lot. She is active and a lot of fun, we love being closer to watch her grow. Jonathan and Karen are such great parents and that is neat to watch them parent her in a loving, Godly way. Here she is being a big girl:

We then enjoyed a special Christmas concert on the 23rd with the Busti family. Ally Beth and Blane played several solos, Amy & I played a duet and I also led us in guitar singing. It's fun to use my musical background in this way. We admire Amy and Tony for focusing their family on Christ, not only during Christmas, but with everyday life. It's been such a wonderful learning experience for us (and particularly me, since I am around more) to be near them and watch how they parent their children. With Drew being gone so much, their home has been my "second home" and having Amy close has really helped me not be lonely during this time. Living close to them is one of the many blessings I am thanking the Lord for this season!

The musicians: Me, Amy, Ally Beth and Blane

My parents even came up for the concert and stayed with us a few days before Christmas. We had a great time, hiking, shopping and hanging out!

Another reminder that we are back in Texas, is Drew in his cowboy get-up. All of our Florida friends will get a kick out of this, since they have never seen Drew like this. I think he looks CUUUTE!!

Christmas Day! What a treat for Drew and I to have Christmas morning together and then spend time with my mom's family in Boerne, Tx. It is a large family gathering and we have tons of fun together. Here are all the guys making the trash can turkey. apparently it was "black hat" day.

We absolutely love this part of of Texas and hope to be stationed in the hill country after Drew is done with the academy. Drew has completed almost 2 months of the academy - time is flying by! 5 more months to go. It will be exciting to see where we end up....we will know about 1 month before the academy is over, so it will be a quick move! It is crazy to think that we could be as far from our family living in Texas as we were living in Florida. We are hoping that's not the case, but know we will be where the Lord wants us to be and we will also make the best of where ever we get put.

Finally, we went to the farm to see Drew's grandparents at the Farm (notice the cute cowboy again):

And then celebrated Christmas with Drew's parents and siblings. Drew shooting guns and romping around with his little brother while we were there. Here's Drew with his beautiful mom, Tami.

I saw Drew off today for 2 weeks. He is going to Abilene, Tx over New Year's on a field trip to deer hunting camps. He went on a field trip to the coast 2 weeks ago and LOVED it! He got to drive an airboat, check duck hunters, board a BIG shrimping boat and so much more....I can't wait to hear the stories he'll have to tell this time. He's on a grand adventure and can't believe he gets paid to do this!

As we are recounting our blessings this Christmas and New Year's we are so thankful for each one of you and the impact you have on our lives. We pray that you have a wonderful upcoming New Year!

Love,
Jessica

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