Christmas 2012

 This boy lied to us and told us that he wouldn't be home for Christmas.  I spent about 30 minutes in complete panic mode trying to figure out how we were going to bring Christmas to him in Missouri. 

Let me start at the beginning.  The Friday before Christmas was the day that Josh was suppose to find out if he was going to get Christmas leave.  We spent all day waiting for the phone call from him.  Matthew had already been home all week, but he left to head back to Greeneville to visit with his girlfriend and her family.  He was going to be home around 6:30 that evening for dinner.  While I waited for word from Josh, I busied myself with a good book.  I noticed Jacob was cleaning house, but I never guessed he was up to anything.   Around 6:00 p.m., Josh called and said his leave was denied.  My heart sank and the realization hit me that this Christmas wasn't going to be what I had planned after all.  Matthew came home and we all sat down to dinner.  A few minutes later our back door opened and Josh stood in the doorway.  I have never been more surprised in all of my life!  Turns out all 3 of our boys knew that Josh was on his way home.  Matthew wasn't in Greeneville that day after all.  Apparently he was in Atlanta picking up his brother from the airport.  Jacob was home getting things in order, and Michael and I were left in the dark.  I cried my eyes out when I saw him.  I know for sure having all 5 my kids at home for Christmas was my best gift ever!

 Josh wasn't impressed with our new tea glasses.  He missed his mason jars!  The child in the beard is the one who lied to us too. 

 The child in the flannel also lied to us.  He was the one busy cleaning house while I was reading.  He even managed to convince me to cook a nice dinner complete with yeast rolls.  The other two children were just as surprised as we were. 

This happy daddy didn't know about the Christmas surprise either.  We now realize we had better keep a better eye on our older three kids.  There is no telling what they might accomplish together!

grace and peace,
julie

P.S.  Stay tuned for the highlights of the rest of our vacation and the new things ahead for 2013.