The Best Gift

This Christmas is probably going to be one of my most memorable when looking back for many reasons. One of the obvious ones is because this was Kaelyn's first Christmas that she really understood what was going on. For about two weeks leading up to Christmas, every morning when she would wake up she would ask Jason or I, "Open Chissis Pesents?" So cute!!! Another reason why this Christmas was so memorable was because it was the first Christmas since Jason and I have been married that we got a big chunk of time to spend as a family on Christmas Day. That really meant a lot to me. In fact, we didn't go anywhere. We stayed in our pajamas, and enjoyed each other all day long. That is something that is rare. Jason and I cooked a big holiday meal for just the three of us, and we really were able to spend the day enjoying each other instead of rushing everywhere.

One thing I was really struck with yesterday was just how blessed we are as a family. It was so fun for me to watch Christmas unfold through the eyes of my almost-two-year-old. Each present she opened had to be carefully loved by her before we moved on to the next one. Each new present was a new adventure for her to unwrap. She is such a tender little girl, and it was great to just sit back for a day and watch her be herself. Jason is also a great blessing to our family. He is one of the most caring and loving men I have ever met. He takes so much joy and pride in his two girls (Kaelyn and myself) and child to come. That was also incredible to watch.

The best gift I received yesterday was not just watching my family interact in the way my family does, but also a gift that I unwrapped, but it has much more value than the monetary value placed on it. It was a frame, and inside it Jason had printed up what looked like a diploma. And it reads that The Medina Family will do whatever it takes to encourage and help me to go for my Master's Degree. This gift spoke deep into my soul, and I could never purchase a gift big enough to make me any more happy than this one.

So, it is official. I am starting the application process to go for my Master's Degree. I am looking to take the GRE in another month or so, then apply after that. I am still skeptical that I am going to be accepted, but right now, an acceptance letter is the only thing standing between me and a Master's Degree (well, and a bunch of years of hard work!)!

Thank you family, for supporting, loving, and encouraging me when I don't always believe in myself as much as you do!