Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give and to see just who in this home did live
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, o tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land. With medals and badges, awards of all kind, a sobering thought soon came to my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen. This was the home of a U.S. Marine. I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. He seemed so gentle, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families that I saw that night, owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight. Soon around the Nation, the children would play, And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year, because of Marines like this one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home. Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I started to cry. He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my Corps." With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I watched him for hours, so silent and still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold. And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride, and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside. I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure, said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight. I was deeply moved at church yesterday. I visited a church that every week prayers over the list of names of members and friends who are deployed. I was stunned to hear the name of my own Marine spoken in that prayer. I cannot express how grateful I am to know that people are sincerely praying for my Marine and all our military scattered around the globe. As Mark spends his third Christmas apart from us, I know he is in good hands... God's hands. He is safe, protected and guarded by his fellow Marines. He is not alone, but he is with his band of brothers, the largest fraternity in the world, is men... his Marines and I am forever grateful for their dedication to "our God, our Country and our Corps."
Merry Christmas Mark... I love you.
This one is totally Caleb! 
For all the deployed Marines... We love you and are praying for you and your families at home! Wishing you soft toilet paper, real toilets and a warm place to rest your head. Stay safe and see you soon!
Santa creates a lot of magic around Christmas. These photos maybe the last ones I ever get that show the true innocence of the season. The pure belief, pure joy for the season. I love how Santa truly takes time to speak privately to my children. Listening to their hearts, wishes and of course their Christmas list.
Santa leans in and whispers in Caleb's ear. Caleb wouldn't tell me what Santa said, I'd love to know, but I love the twinkle in both of their eyes sharing such a special moment. 
Wish I had this picture when I ordered my Christmas photos. Love this, the magic, the peace, the anticipation in their eyes is priceless. Love that Santa is real still creating memories and magic that lasts all year long.
Mark received his Christmas gift today in the mail from one of his Marines! Every year he's been in Iraq for Christmas they do a "Secret Santa". I am sure they prefer the term "Special Ops Santa" or "Under-Cover Gift Giver", but the truth is they love it. I have no idea what Mark got for his Marine, but I know what he got! It's perfect. I wish I could tell you who purchased this 6 -Pack for Mark, but I cannot... call it National Security! (Okay the fact is I don't know!) 
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, 
