Well, we survived yet another Berg/Boehm/Swearingen Christmas!
-We eat more food than is humanly possible.-We come up with new terminology every time we're together. Last year it was "kurts" and "omnoms" and this year it was "bodkin" and "fordels"... We are so strange.
-We end up laughing with each other more than talking to each other.
-We aways take a walk with "the pack" - our four dogs: three boxers and one beagle.
-We try to come up with new Christmas traditions (this year, we decided to make homemade pizza for Christmas Eve instead of the "traditional" elegant meal).
-We always end up seeing at least one movie in the theaters, this year we made it to two ("Sherlock Holmes" and "Mission Impossible 3: Ghost Protocol").
-We have the most random family outings, which means that we like to take walks in places like the Visalia Oaks Preserve... Which also means attempting to stay away from humongous cows and their "pies" (if you get my drift).
Needless to say, we always have a great time together.
The other awesome part of this whole holiday was the fact that I got to see my in-laws! I haven't seen them in over 3 months, and it was a thrill to finally be together again! They spoiled both Derek and I, and we spent a good three hours together last night, catching up and talking about random hilarity. I had a really nice time - I'm lucky to have such a fantastic extended family. While I was with them, Derek called on Skype, which was exciting for them because they hadn't seen his face in almost a month!
In keeping with tradition, we opened gifts, but Derek had his parents open his for him (since he wasn't here to do it himself). It was a very cool experience for all of us; he was able to see his parents and siblings show off their gifts and he was able to participate in the family exchange... While not my favorite Christmas (because Derek wasn't here to experience it with me), it was definitely one of my most favorite Christmas memories.
Next year we will finally have our first "official" Christmas together - after 3 years of waiting!
Another great thing that happened was this: I started reading "Confessions of a Military Wife" by Mollie Gross. It was a gift from Derek and, possibly, one of the best and most relevant gifts I've ever received. Her book is the perfect combination of humor and truthiness - it has made me both laugh until I cry and nod my head in agreement. Her words speak for those who don't always have a voice: military spouses. It is my fervent recommendation that this book be purchased for anyone who is either thinking of marrying into the military or has already done so. Times may change, ladies, but the military does not. This book has become a quasi-Bible for me; once I'm done reading it for fun I'm going to go back through it with a highlighter and a pen so I can mark down all the important parts of the book. It's going to be an incredible addition to my extensive library, and I'm sure Derek will eventually get sick of my references to her book... Maybe. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get him to read it, too!
With that, I bid you all a good night! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my family and friends that were unable to celebrate with us this year... We were thinking of you and missing you! From our house to yours: we love you.
Now, bring on 2012!
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