We decided to go fairly low key this year and, for the most part, let things happen organically and without force. That means that I only sent out 9 christmas cards (but they were hand painted!) to those I felt they might mean the most to: parents, rarely seen friends, a struggling nephew. We did keep our 12 days of Christmas tradition and gifted a family Milla babysat last year (and for the first time, got a present 'To our Christmas Stranger' left for us when we did a drop!). Once when we did a driveby before our daily drop, we caught their 2 children crouched hiding on the side of their house waiting for us! 'Abort! Abort!'
We ran out of steam and didn't get any cookie plates taken to our neighbors, but I did have all 4 children come and want to help me make our Candy Cane Cakes at various stages of the process. This is one of those things that I always wish for but often doesn't happen.
The Christmas Eve nativity was an 'outside of the box' production this year. The kids had us begin upstairs with the angel and the shepherds, after which they invited us 'to come and see the babe'. We all went downstairs excited to view Mary, Joseph and the babe set up in the basement. There was an impromptu rendition of 'Silent Night', followed by probably 6-8 more requested songs and the reading of Eugene Field's 'Jest 'Fore Christmas' by mama and 'The Night Before Christmas' by Milla. Getting my family to sing as much as I would like is always a chore (as Alyssa has also expressed), but on this night all of the stars aligned and everyone was engaged. In fact, I was the one that jumped over several verses to the end when we were singing 'Deck the Halls'! Just a few too many 'Fa-La-La's in that song. ;)
Christmas morning I had a weak temper moment with a poorly behaving child just after getting the kids up at 5:30 am (we hadn't even made it to the living room yet), and in frustration I hit a chair. I was aiming for the cushion part but ended up slapping the wooded arm and severely bruised the middle two fingers on my left hand. They bruised and swelled up so quickly, I had them on ice for 30 minutes before I felt I could come down with the family and 'start' Christmas. This was especially crushing for me because I was supposed to accompany a friend on my cello at church that morning and was very much looking forward to it. At 8:00 I attempted to practice the piece but could only wince in pain every time I pushed down on a string with those fingers. I decided to go on faith and a prayer and ibuprofen and play anyhow. I played the piece at about 9:45 and, although my fingers were still visibly swollen, I was able to play without feeling pain. My Christmas miracle.
Despite this, we had a lovely morning in each others company giving and receiving gifts. Rin made me a beautiful paper flower with various pictures of our growing family on the petals, Milla gave me my favorite brand of bubble bath, and Sean gave me a coupon for 'a day of ice skating' with him this week (this especially meant a lot as I know this isn't his favorite thing to do, but he knew how much I love spending with my kids). Brandon got me 2 experiences: a pass to the Botanical Gardens and a behind the scenes 'Penguin Encounter' at the zoo. Double love for these!!
I have had many opportunities to serve the families at church over the holidays of which I am also very grateful. I feel the Lord is constantly 'growing' me as I have been able to see many people in my life (both family and community) when they are not their 'best' selves. I can still love and have patience with and see the beautiful efforts of these 'brothers' and 'sisters'. And I hope that they can have the same perspective in seeing my weaknesses. I have also had many show my family and I tender mercies. How grateful I am for Christ's atonement to lift me up and give me strength. How grateful I am for my amazing family!
To a new and exciting 2017!!
 |
| World's largest land mammal |
 |
| Some of that great family I mentioned earlier |
