Rich, Heather and Alana’s Blog

I write with a heavy heart.

Not so much because the holidays are over, but because of all that comes (and inevitably goes) with the holiday season. Primarily, my family.

This was the first Christmas I have spent with my family since being married, and it was wonderful. My family loves my husband, and my husband loves my family. It is a beautiful thing. It’s the way I always hoped and imagined it would be. God has blessed me.

My baby sister got married last year, just two months after Rich and I, and they moved to South Dakota (Jonathan is in the Air Force). Another awesome marriage situation. He’s an awesome guy and we all love him. The problem is that they are so far away and we miss out on so much. I hate to miss her college volleyball games, I have never seen their home, and I can’t go grab coffee with her. And I certainly cannot be a very good Aunt to their three pets from this distance!

Amber is the most beautiful, hilarious, down-to-earth girl I have ever known. I am so thankful for her. She has a sense of humor that could make Jerry Seinfeld seem dull, writes poems like it’s nobody’s business, and she can imitate animated movies like she invented the characters. “Sid the Sloth” from Ice Age, anyone? But most importantly, we can be totally real and open with each other, and challenge each other to know God more, and to grow in Him. And she knows my flaws and loves me anyway!

When we were young, we would play together all the time. Amber was born when we were living in Longview, Texas, and I absolutely loved being the big sister. I would carry her around, and when she got old enough, I made cars and other transportation devices (using rolling office chairs and steirofoam roofs), to push her around the house. I would put her on blankets and pull her around the house. And of course there was “dress up.” It always involved tu-tu’s and pretty little leotards.

We also made up games to play during summers while living in Southern California. We played “store” and would often sell things to each other. We played “pass the stick up” in which one of us would stand outside our bedroom window while the other was inside at the bedroom window. We would tape a gift to the stick and pass it through the window, where the other one was eagerly awaiting the new treasure. We were generous little girls now that I think about it!

We were forming a sisterly bond that would stand the test of time.

Then in high school we squabbled about friends, clothes, and whatever else. We had some good moments, too, but nothing compares to our closeness now. I love that we got married at the same time, and we have a commeradery from years of sisterhood that I could never duplicate with anyone. And I pray that God will continue to draw us closer to each other through the coming years of marriage, kids (hopefully!) and more family time.

So, until next Christmas when we all get to be together again, here’s to family!

This blog is dedicated to my darling Amber Dawn (Lashbrook) Elliott. I love you!