A tribute to the two people I lost that touched my life.

I want to pay tribute to two really wonderful people. These two people were amazing people that touched my life in ways that i will never forget. They were both my hero's in different ways. I love them both so very much, and they left a big hole in my heart when they left.

Elizabeth May Qualls

You were always such a wonderful friend to me. I could not be sad around you because you went out of your way to make me laugh. Your laugh was infectious. You always knew when I needed you, and didn't hesitate to drop everything to come to my rescue. We laughed together, cried together, did crazy things together, created the best memories together. When we lived 300 miles apart it didn't matter it only made us closer. You let me be there for you, and you were always there for me. You weren't just a friend you were a sister. You were a family member that I got to choose. You got me through some of the most challenging times in my life. You never let me down. You always knew the right thing to say, and you never turned your back on me even if I did something wrong. I admired you so much. The strength you had while you went through cancer was amazing. You laughed, even when the pain was stremendous, you reached out to comfort people who were afraid, even though you must have been more afraid then us, and needed the comfort even more. You were fearless. I will never forget your courage, I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart. You are an amazing friend, and I will always cherish the wonderful memories you were kind enough to give to me. Thank you for just being you, and for loving me. I love you my Lizzer. I always will, and I will always miss you!

Justin Ray Robinson

Oh my dear Justin. How can I ever thank you for everything you have done for me. You have always been such a hero to me. You picked me up whenever I was down, you helped me realize that i deserved to be loved, and that I could be loved. You showed me how to be loved. You always made me feel like I was the most wonderful person on the planet. You just had the ability to build me up. You always accepted me for who I was, I didn't have to change who I was, or act any differently I could just be me, and you were ok with that, even loved me for that. We could talk, and joke about anything. We could make any mistake, and not have to live in fear that the other would judge or be angry. Our relationship was so unique. You always encouraged me to be the best I could be, and always made me feel like I could accomplish anything. You helped me through some really hard times, and allowed me to help you as well. You were one of the loves of my life. Thank you so much for helping me through the 4 months without Nick, and through all the hard times in my past. Thank you for being my best friend for 20 years, and for always being there for me. Thank you for always being willing to help me move, and listen when I needed to talk, and for all your wonderful advice. Thank you for all your love. I love you Justin, and I am devistated by your passing. I will miss you the rest of my life.

Our Christmas Vacation

My wonderful husband came home on my birthday December 12th from AIT which is short for Advanced Individual Training. It was the best birthday present I think I have ever received. He had been gone 4 months to the day. Our reunion went very well, and our relationship only improved with our seperation. We both have a new appreciation, and respect, and deeper love for each other. It was the hardest thing our relationship has ever had to endure but it was also good for us. I'm just so happy to have him back. He has changed a lot. He has a lot more maturity, and his goals have changed quite a bit. The kids are so happy to have him home as well.

Nick received his orders, and was ordered to Fort Carson, Colorado. He was asked to report Christmas Eve. We were a bit unhappy with the date, but it worked out ok. We celebrated Christmas with our families on December 21st, and it was an awesome Christmas. One we will remember for the rest of our lives. Having our husband, and father home made this the best Christmas we have ever experienced. We enjoyed sharing it with both our families.

We spent the morning with Nick's family. We had Christmas breakfast which was super yummy. They made breakfast casseroles. They consisted of hash browns, with eggs, and chunks of either ham, bacon, or sausage. I had never had breakfast casserole before but really enjoyed it. We then cleaned up and listened to the kids sing Christmas carols, play instruments, and then sang Christmas carols all together. Then we opened presents, and called it a day. It was a lot of fun.

The afternoon, and evening was spent with my family. We spent the afternoon taking family pictures. I was really excited about that because we hadn't had a family picture in a long time. Then we had a wonderful family dinner. We had the kids open some presents, and the adults played a white elephant game. Then the kids played a left and right game which my son had a little melt down over so he didn't play. We just gave him his presents. Then we exchanged presents between the family. It was a wonderful day. We really enjoyed that time.

Our families mean so much to us. I am posting our family pics with this entry. I hope you all have a Happy New Year.