Christmas Eve in Boise?

Christmas has finally creeped up on me, and now I sit here realizing it is Christmas Eve and I don't know if I am ready for the big day.  It may be that we have been so busy, that trying to keep track of the days are nearly impossible, or it could be that I am not in Oregon with my family.  Please don't get me wrong, I love my Idaho family and I love every moment I get to spend with them, but it feels so strange for me not to be with my parents and sister.  I have to admit for the past 23 years of my life I have taken Christmas Eve/Christmas with my family for granted.  I had so many wonderful opportunities with my family like spending it in our wonderful home in American Falls, (that is now inhabited by a family with 8 children haha) going to Washington to spend time with my grandmother, going to Targhee and snowboarding until the lift attendants finally tell us they are closing for the day, and of course going to Oregon to spend it with no snow on the ground.  Every memory I have made with my family I have loved and yet I don't think I ever took the time to thank my parents for everything they did for my sister and I, nor did I ever tell them how much that time with them meant to me.

MOM, DAD, & MERISSA: Thank you for everything you have given me, whether it was tangible or intangible.  I have cherished every moment I have been given by the both of you.  It kills me that I am not with you this Christmas. 

With that being said, I am excited beyond belief to spend my FIRST CHRISTMAS with my husband.  In the 4 years that we have been together, this will be our first Christmas together.  I don't know what the future holds but I know the journey will make it all worth it.  Prior to today, the memories we have made this December have not been the best, but from today on IT WILL be a wonderful time.  We have a day filled with baking with the girls (and wine drinking), the boys will get to play x-box and be uninterrupted, and the kids will get to play and try and guess what gifts Santa will bring them tonight.  Then later tonight we will get to have dinner with the extended family at Kirk's Aunt's house, (Also a first for me).  Then to finish up the night, I will get to spend Christmas Eve cuddled up with my husband watching movies, and not have to sit by myself wondering what it was like to be with my husband. 

It's hard being away from my family, but it has made me appreciate them so much more.  I appreciate them for who they are, and the wonderful characteristics they each hold.  I also appreciate each memory I am given by them.  I love ALL of my family, and I appreciate ALL of them for who they are.  I am excited to make memories with the McGinnis Family, and I am sure it will be a riot of a time.

I will get off my soap box now, :) and Kirk and I want to wish everyone A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!