So I never thought I was really one for St. Patrick's Day, but as the day went on, I realized I really missed it. We did absolutely nothing here to recognize the day and life went on as normal--all the kids had school, everyone had work, not like any of my good ole friends in the Sav. :)

After I wrote the post from my office yesterday, I came home and there was a St. Patrick's Day card in the mailbox from home. On the inside from my mom was written,

"Wish you were here to share...

Shamrock floats

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Ruben Sandwiches

Mint Girl Scout Cookies

and Going to the Parade

Can't send these things to you but we can send lots of love

and Irish blessing and that's no Blarney!"

Love and miss you!

Mom & Dad"

And I was undone by the end of it. Now I do miss me some Shamrock floats (lime sherbet and sprite, which I could totally make here) but it was the realization that I missed my family. I kept getting pictures from home on my cell phone and my heart longed to be with them. So in all reality, it wasn't St. Pat's Day I was missing...it was my family...and not just my family, but the traditions that my family has instilled in me over the past 30 years. They are precious to me and I am grateful I have these beautiful memories.

It dawned on me yesterday morning that we went home right before Valentines Day so my parents home was decorated from head to toe for that holiday...since we haven't been home since, we didn't get to see it decorated for St. Pat's Day...and since we don't have it scheduled to make it home till after Easter, we won't see it decorated for that holiday either. It's these simple things that you realize mean so much when you are no longer there to partake in them.

So with that, I just want to say I miss my family. Love them a lot. And can't wait till I can see them again. I don't doubt for a second I'm 100% where the Lord has me...but still doesn't make it easy. And here are the pictures from home...I mean really, how can you not just want to jump in the car and drive 4.5 hours south...

Aniston's First St. Pat's Day:

River's Second St. Pat's: