(letter to Santa, by way of my husband)

Dear Santa,

my husband asked me to send this to him as well. i know you guys are in cahoots, so i really don't mind.

i KNOW i have been a good girl this year (because i wasn't last year) and he can vouch for that. HE, on the other hand.... well.. he had a rocky start this year. but he's a very good boy now. i promise.

as good as he is right now, i wonder if i should even really be making a list. because having the man he is now is such a wonderful gift that i really couldn't ask for more. and we have a marriage again, too. which is nicer than it was, even from the beginning. there is joy and happiness and a love that i have never known. our house is filled with laughter and silliness, respect and adoration. these are gifts that i was unsure we could ever have again. so making a list for you, Santa, seems selfish. i have all that i could want. i have my husband back. no, i have the husband of my dreams. the white knight he promised me 5 years ago. so, he was a little late... i didnt exactly make his arrival easy. but he's here. and i am thankful and appreciative of the gift which is us.

but if you feel that i am deserving of more gifts, i have a small list for you.

* lime squeezer
* coffee-maker
* tea pot
* purple sheets for our bed
* barbie dreamhouse
* tonka dumptruck
* pedicure
* romantic time with my husband (making out, dancing in the courtyard, swinging in the park, showers together, picnic at palo duro canyon, etc.)
* and if its not too much trouble, can you put in a good word with mother nature that we would perhaps like an extra stocking hanging by the fireplace next year? or even maybe an easter basket the year after? it's not too time sensitive... just send her a cookie bouquet or something? thanks Santa.

but it's really ok if you just come to see eddie on christmas day. he's had a really rough year. and there are days when i don't make it easy for him to feel like we are moving forward. so he could use a little extra love. because i am working my little butt off loving him up as much as i can. it's a fun gig, but sometimes i need some outside help showing him how much i love him. you know, because i am biased.

i hope all of your journeys are safe this holiday season.

best wishes,
~christel elaine