This December I wanted to feel the reality of Christ coming on Christmas Day. With all stress, excitement, business and worry that has been typical to Christmas, I wanted to stay focused on the actual presence and peace of Christ on December 24th and 25th. And He came.
I felt Christ during our visit to California to meet Harlow. It was impossible not to feel her utter sweetness and perfection. She is so beautiful and tiny. Wendy will be good a Mom and seems to have the support of her family. We were reminded of the miracle and protection of her safe arrival when Wendy told her delivery story.
I felt Christ when Max did not show up for his ride home from California to Utah, and we left him there to figure it out. We didn't get angry or upset, but also didn't solve the problem for him. His resourcefulness (with a small loan) helped him get on a Flix bus to Vegas and pay a friend to get him home from Vegas. Tony arrived to his racquetball tournament and we didn't have the resentment we usually do when a kid sabatoges our family.
It was also fun to go get burgers at the In N Out where Eliza works, see her apartment, and spoil her a little. She rode home with us and I felt Christ come through her sweet personality and obedient spirit.
She and Sam spent the day perming his hair and he was thrilled. :)
On Friday morning we picked Cooper up about 11:00. The kids were happy to be together and ran last minute Christmas related errands and got unhealthy food. Tony smoked a brisket, and I prepared for Christmas Eve dinner. My favorite part of the day was when Eliza insisted we were all sit around and play the game "hot seat." We were all laughing and playing like a normal family and I felt Christ come.
It seems odd to say, but the cold I got was a blessing. It slowed me down and forced me to be present and less hyper. I don't know if Sam would say the same
Mom and Dad came for Dad's birthday dinner. Wilson came right on time and offered one of the beautiful prayers that exposes his true greatness and potential. We read Luke 2 together and sang a couple of Christmas songs. We listened to "Guard Him Joseph." It was a very simple, and I felt Christ come.
Christmas Day was about as perfect as we have ever had. Tony and I woke up and put out the gifts. We went for a walk and read some scriptures. When Wilson got there, we opened all the Santa gifts. The highlight for everyone were the remote control cars and nerf guns. All the kids relived their childhoods. Max spent the day trying to reinforce his car with tape and glue. Wilson built jumps. Cooper raced around the neighborhood and almost caused a lady to fall off her bike! After Monster Pancake breakfast we opened the gifts from each other. I was excited to see my kids find the joy of giving, especially Coop and Eliza. We had a nerf war and played pickleball all afternoon. Potpie for dinner, at the kids request, simplified my life and was a perfect comfort food. That night Tony popped popcorn and we watched a movie together. Today we put Coop and Eliza on planes and end our Christmas together without any ruptures or blowups. I feel Christ come by experiencing healing and rupture repair.
It was a little odd not to have Jes here, because we have fully embraced her into our family. She and Coop are not sure what their future looks like, so we will learn to be patient and supportive and try hard to not offer advice.
My favorite gift was from Cameron. He drew up the houseplans of our childhood home in Spokane. Then on the builder's notes, he referenced our childhood memories. We met on Zoom to laugh our head off and come up with more ideas. It was my favorite gift. I also got Tony and I applewatches to improve our accessibility during stressful or crisis times. No more excuses.
without any ruptures or blowups. I feel Christ come by experiencing healing and rupture repair.
It was a little odd not to have Jes here, because we have fully embraced her into our family. She and Coop are not sure what their future looks like, so we will learn to be patient and supportive and try hard to not offer advice.
