Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for December 21, 2011

That’s gotta hurt…

It’s hard that first time they are not there…at least he is coming over in the afternoon. I hate not having all my children home for Christmas, some are very far away so we have to visit by phone…

The right thing is not always easy.

Adulthood can sure suck!

Parenthood is a sure track to heartache.

Growing up is FULL of mixed emotions!

So this means Meg will visiting Grandma Janis and Grandpa Arlo’s house for the first time.

I would show this to my wife… except, I think we’re out of tissues.

After years of shift work and now having 3 of 3 kids with irregular days off and work times we try to get together as close to a holiday as possible. Phone/Skype etc. does help also. Bottom line: It really is the thoughts and feelings that count.

Sooooo … you guys are saying I should be enjoying my teenagers right now? I actually do – all three are funny, smart and kind and just a lot of fun to have around …

… OK … if I keep thinking about what future Christmases might be like, we"re going to run out of tissues …

Gene is already being a GREAT dad!

OUCH!! I just had this same exact conversation with my son a year ago. So hard to have them grow up and start their own families (but on the good side – at least they still come home…even if it is in the afternoon)

“…for Meg’s Santa…”?

Is that a tear in the corner of Gene’s face?

“GUILT…”

I’m blessed; my mom and my in-laws live about 100 miles away, my brother lives about 50 miles away, and both my brothers-in-law live here in the same town. Very lucky.

I’m wondering why Gene’s shoes changed color in the last frame.

went through that a few years ago, feel rather lonely on christmas day

First Christmas without my son who went overseas back in July. Won’t be home until after the new year. Definitely not the same without him around…. :(

Typing this message looking through rapidly watery eyes. I miss my mom so bad this time of the year.

I had a parent and in-laws who thought all their family should be at their house for Christmas. I vowed never to put that on my children. Christmas can be celebrated on any day.

Gene is starting to look so much like his father…

The wife and I get to spend Christmas Day alone together, or is that an oxymoron. Had Christmas with the kids and grandkids last Sunday. Her family this Sat. night.

Our boy is developing feelings for his family — nice grown up moment!!

aww