Oh you know the saying, “I need a vacation, from my vacation”….that is how I feel. It was a great time seeing a lot of family, some family I have not seen in many years. My sons got to meet some of their baby cousins for the first time.
Cameras were flashing, tons of food were eaten, and memories were made. In some small way we will all enjoy going back to our own lives, into our own beds; but on the other hand will go through a bit of withdrawal from all the love and conversation that flowed. When you get over 20 family members together, see how peoples lives were that year, it is almost overwhelming how much God has blessed each one of us.
One family went through some medical scares, but has turned out to be something manageable.
One family had a new baby.
One family had two new babies (through adoption).
One family was really blessed financially this year.
Each family celebrated another year of good health.
Each family celebrated another year in marriage.
Sure there are prayer requests for the up coming year for some family members.
But looking at things as a whole. How could I possibly complain? God has blessed me.
Traveling (with three soon to be teenagers) can be a challenge. There are times of having a great time, and there are times of short tempers because we are not in our normal “setting”. One of the kids managed to lose one of their PSP’s on the flight there (so I am sure someone is enjoying a new one). And if you know what that is, you will have great sympathy because they are not inexpensive items. We only bring them out for travel times to entertain the kids because we travel every year. Sigh…
I am looking forward to getting back into my Daniel bible study. I am looking forward to getting my tree up (you don’t know how much it killed me not doing my tree the day after Thanksgiving). And most of all, I am looking forward to getting back to visiting all of you, and all the posts I have missed. Yes I do think I went through a bit of a blogger withdrawal.
Oh and by the way did you hear I won the Shout His Fame writing contest. All I can say is I am surprised and overwhelmed. The judges HAD to of had a difficult time choosing because I learned something from each one who submitted a post. If you did not get a chance to read them please head over to Sting My Heart and read them.
It is good to be home (or at least it will be, I am writing this late in the evening before I fly home). See you there.
Welcome back to blogland! I’m thankful for your safe trip and wonderful time with family. Now,go get that tree up! I think we are putting ours up tomorrow afternoon.
Dear Laurel
I am so pleased you and your wonderful family had such a great time. I have really missed your daily messages/”chats”.
Welcome back, catch up soon!
Welcome home! Although it’s nice to visit family and get away, the saying “there’s no place like home” sure is true. Congratulations on winning the contest! You should be proud:) Sorry about the PSP. If that was the only casualty of the trip I guess that’s not so bad.
I am so glad you had a great trip. I am also glad your are back with us! Thanks for checking in on us.
Hope you made it back home safe and sound. Can’t wait to see the photos !!!
Congrats on winning the contest!!!
You deserve it!
Glad to have you back home.
Hi! this is Anna, Pat’s wife. Thanks for sending us your blog address. It was so great to see you and I wish we could’ve had more time! I’m excited to talk and get to know you better. You are such a blessing!!!
Anna
Glad you’re home safe and sound. Congratulations on winning the writing contest. That’s super.
It sounds like you had a wonderful family Thanksgiving. Special memories.
Have a blessed day – rest up!
Rotten bloglines! It didn’t tell me you posted! BAh. I wonder how many others I have missed because it “forgot” to tell me. I am hrille dthat you had a wonderful time but that you are also glad to be back.
Ugh about the PSP. Yup, we don’t have one because they cost too much and my husband wouldn’t et any wok done if we did.
Congrats on winning the contest. It was the perfect choice. 
We missed you!!
I just recently put subscribed to several blogs on Bloglines, yours being one of them, but it didn’t show your newest posts. I’m glad I checked in here! Good to have you back, and I’m glad to hear your family is doing well!
I always go through that “withdrawal” period after being with relatives, too. Good to get back to “normal,” but miss them a little more after having just been with them.
Sorry to hear about the lost game!
Congratulations on winning the contest! That was one where I needed the advice and had none of my own to offer.
Vacations can be tiring but wonderful can’t they?!?
I see that you found that I am back at blogger…hope you enjoy visiting me there…visit often K? I also added you to my “Blogs I Visit” list! =-)
Welcome back, Laurel. I am sure you had a great time. I am so sorry that one of your boys lost the PSP – yeah not an inexpensive item at all.
Congratulations on your Shout His Fame contest!!! Yes! I heard…but I’m sooooooo far behind on reading, I’ve yet to read your entry (but I will
). Trying to play catch up this week!
Good to have you back! I can’t believe I’ve missed all these posts. Bloglines has not been showing me any posts from you since last week!
Congratulations on winning the writing contest!