It's like a Christmas miracle; I was actually able to figure out how to embed this video using HTML code because the URL for it wouldn't work...
Unfortunately though, I'm not smart enough to figure out how to make it any bigger.
Going to take the next couple of days off, but I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...Merry Christmas to the biggest hunk in all of Northern Afghanistan.
ETA: If the video won't play for you, here's a link to the original.
Karen,
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you, Josh and the kids! Enjoy!
Posted by: Sylvia | December 21, 2011 at 08:17 AM
That is just awesome! I bet you still can't wipe the smile off your face after seeing that video :) Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Posted by: Denise | December 21, 2011 at 08:57 AM
Merry Christmas Karen and family! Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Addie | December 21, 2011 at 09:29 AM
God bless every single one of you! And please send our thanks to Josh Downs for serving our country. His message was beautiful and made this old Grinch shed a tear. Merriest of Christmases to all of you!
Posted by: Amy N | December 21, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Merry Christmas to your family near and far!
Posted by: Ellen Patton | December 21, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Tears in my eyes! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Becky | December 21, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Merry Christmast to you and your family Karen!
Posted by: Lori S | December 21, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Merry Christmas Karen!! hope you and your family have a great day! You did a great job keeping your traditions while Josh is away!
Posted by: gina f. | December 21, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Awe, that makes my heart ache a bit for you guys. I know you will all be reunited again soon. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas sweet friend! xoxo from Conroe, TX
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | December 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Merry Christmas to you and all of your little love bugs!!!!!
Posted by: stephanie | December 21, 2011 at 11:29 AM
As frustrating as technology can be...isn't it just amazing that Josh Downs was able to record something so meaningful from so far away and send it so quickly to you?! Thanks for sharing this with all of us Karen. Merry Christmas Karen, Josh, Ross, Cole, Courtney, & Annie! I hope the new year brings a truly joyful reunion to your family!
Posted by: Alaina | December 21, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Merry Christmas & God bless you & your family!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 21, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Merry Christmas Karen and Kids!
Merry Christmas Josh!
May the New Year bring you all back together! HOMECOMING KISSES ROCK!
Posted by: JaYne | December 21, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Thanks for sharing - Merry Christmas to all of you!!
Posted by: kristin | December 21, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Merry Christmas, Karen and family. May the New Year bring you all safely and happily together.
Posted by: Lynn | December 21, 2011 at 01:38 PM
Oh...this makes me tear up too. His voice is totally "crackly" with emotion, but you can tell that he is SO strong. Family hugs to all.
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: janel | December 21, 2011 at 01:40 PM
Merry Christmas to you and your family... Thank you so much.
Posted by: susan lew | December 21, 2011 at 01:53 PM
So much emotion packed in this post. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.
Posted by: Sandra A | December 21, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Watching that video brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing it! Merry Christmas to all of you!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 21, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Merry Christmas to you and your family! It is so strange to have seen so many pictures of your Josh Downs in classes and on your blog that it was fun to hear his real voice.
Posted by: Lisa | December 21, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Merry Christmas to you Karen, Josh and your beautiful family. What a special gift...thank you for sharing. God bless all of you!!!
Posted by: Tracy | December 21, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Whoa! Just saw Josh Downs on the news saying hello. I don't comment on your blog often (ever?) but I do read and enjoy it! Was the link here the same as what was on the news? I couldn't get it to work on my computer. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and I'm so grateful for families like yours who sacrifice so much for the rest of us. Thank you.
Posted by: Mari | December 21, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Can anyone post a link to the video? Not working here and I'm dying to see it!!
Posted by: Jodie | December 21, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Merry Christmas and God bless!
Posted by: SusanC | December 21, 2011 at 06:45 PM
...and then there were tears!!!!
Merry Christmas to all our SERVICE MEN & WOMEN!!!! What a sacrifice to be away...especially this time of year!!! I'm missing my boy TREMENDOUSLY!!!! The first Christmas holiday we've EVER been apart....
Posted by: Tina | December 21, 2011 at 07:03 PM