Home Alone

Have you seen the movie Home Alone?  The mother is desperate to get home, knowing she has unintentionally abandoned her youngest child. I felt this same desperation in the days leading up to Christmas.  Every force within me fought and clawed to get back to my kids, but realistically, Michael and I had made the choice to be where we are.  There was no going back.

In the movie version of Home Alone, the family plans to join extended family members in France for their Christmas Holiday.  Similarly, our vacation plan to Arizona, was with the intent of spending it with not only my husband's side of the family, but mine also.  Unfortunately, our accommodations didn't accommodate everyone.  Don't get me wrong, the place is amazing, it simply won't sleep the 25 of us from out of town.

We devised a plan for my children, their spouses, significant others, and my grandson to come the weekend of December 15th for an early Christmas celebration. We also had a white elephant gift exchange with the 20 family members from my side of the family.

The three days we spent together were the best.  I have so many pictures I can't possibly share them all.

  Sadly in the blink of an eye, it was over.  

Christopher, Lauren and their wee, unborn babe, went back to New Orleans.  

 (That's their pregnancy announcement/Christmas photo up above.)

Christina, Danny, & Ethan went home too.

Our three youngest went back to our empty alone.  

As Christmas approached, an uneasy feeling crept over my being, just like the mother in Home Alone.  In spite of being surrounded by family,  something didn't feel right. I know why I am struggling to enjoy our vacation in the desert.  I immediately want to rush home to the ones I've left home alone.