Jason & Clarissa: This Roller Coaster Called Life Part 2

Are you ready to hear about more things going wrong? Well, these stories aren't as good as forgetting my ID when I knew we were flying, or almost missing our flights. Some sad things happened, making our trip to the Tri-Cities for Christmas pushed further back.

While Jason was in Denver and Carter and I were chilling in Salt Lake, Jason found that a really good friend of his passed away. He was a wonderful man who Jason looked up to like a father. He introduced Jason to the church, went on father son outings with him, and helped us out so much when we were first married. Rich Voise was like a father to Jason when he didn't have one and we were devastated when we heard the news. He was so young and yet his time on this earth was over. There was never a question wither we would go to the funeral or not, even if it was going to be in Montana.

We were only home for a couple of days, and I was crazy busy trying to get things done. We decided Jason would attend the funeral alone, so luckily I had a couple more days to finish Christmas gifts, finish Christmas Cards (since we were sick I never finished them), and pack for our week in Tri-Cities. Making gifts and cards was insane!! I thought I would have enough time, but when you have an 8 month old baby who crawls, climbs, and gets into everything, suddenly you have no free time on your hands. I hand made every single card! YIKES!! The sad thing too, was that I had all my gifts finished and ready to deliver, but then I was sick. When we returned from our trip they were all bad and disgusting, definitely not eatable, so I made more :)

Jason returned home from Montana on Sunday, and as soon as I pulled in from church, we packed the car and headed out. Luckily we have a Grandma who is a little more than half way to my parents house and willing to have us crash at their place for a night. It was fun because we were able to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins we visited in Arizona. They were there for Christmas and it was wonderful seeing them again. Once we learned that everyone was getting sick, we almost got the car and finished the journey, but a warm bed and wonderful company for the night was just too good to pass up.

Monday morning we left for the Tri-Cities and I could hardly wait for Christmas to get here! Not only was in Carter's first Christmas, but we were home doing all of our family traditions. We played games, passed Carter around (everyone is in love with him lol), visited with friends, watched movies, and attended another funeral. My great aunt had passed away. To support my dear sweet grandpa we all attended her funeral. The family members that attended filled almost the whole church. They opened the back for any friends who attended. Although I hate funerals and they are never any fun, we left with a good feeling and an opportunity to see family members we hadn't seen in quite some time. Now we are hoping for no funerals for a while. Poor Jason had been to 3 in less than 2 months!

After our week in the Tri-Cities, we were sad to have to go. I was honestly a little depressed to return home to the middle of no where with out another trip planned for at least 1.5 weeks. Taking down decorations (that we really never got to enjoy), doing laundry, and unpacking has of course kept me busy. I love having Carter all to myself too, because he is the sweetest little human being and gives me the love I need. I love being his mom! Here are a few pictures of him getting ready for Christmas :)