I don’t have a lot of time to jot down my thoughts with a toddler girl and three teen boys. My husband is on the road for long periods of time, so I guess I can empathize with many single moms and those who have spouses in the military. This time we have all together is so precious and fleeting. In the best of circumstances we may only have one or two more Christmas vacations as a family. Maybe I should be more upset that I don’t see my siblings more often, but when I think of family I only think of those who share my home. My brothers and sister have their own lives. I never imagined they would grow into the people they’ve become. I guess there will come a time when my babies will be on their own, too. If I stay here I will have to enclose the deck so we can all sit down and enjoy a holiday feast together with the new members. Surely, my boys won’t find it too difficult to travel here the way everyone else has. If anything, they will want to see their sister. I love my family, and I will not let them disappear.