Christmas

We had a fantastic time on our tour through Central California. Lucy had a grand first time in the snow. We thought she'd be all done in 5 minutes, but she was out for more than 90 min and wanted more.

I thinks he likes it. =)

Geeky Cracker hats at Christmas. =)
At Aunt Amy's on the trampoline on Boxing Day. =)

Sadly Lucy picked up a flu bug from her cousin and was sick last night. She's totally fine now, but today was my turn. I still feel pretty lousy, hoping that a night's sleep rights the world. I must take a moment to praise my husband up and down... since Lucy first got sick, he has been uncomplaining, cheerfully picking up the slack and then some. I had the day pretty much to myself to sleep and recover. What a good man!

From the Homestead

Vacation finally begins once we all get settled in at Grammie's house. It is probably my favorite vacation destination. Good food, good company, childcare, a place to just be lazy and comfortable. It has been beautiful here because of the rain--blue skies and autumn leaves and green.

Let me back up, though. We did our "get one free" trip to Sea World the other day for Steve's birthday. Perfect day! Gorgeous weather, no one there, well-behaved kid--doesn't get a whole lot better than that! I stinkin' love Sea World--that Shamu never fails to impress. This is Lucy looking at a heron standing on a Walrus' back.

Back up to Tuesday, this was Lucy's "Christmas program" with her pre-school playgroup. They all lined up against the door at Mrs. Katie's house and recited Psalm 23, then sang "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing," and "Heark, the Herald Angels Sing." Correction: the other FOUR children did all this lined up nicely against the door. Within seconds of this picture, Lucy bolted from the stage. But then she couldn't resist reciting from the sidelines.

It was a very long, very busy week which included the memorial service for my college friend, Jason, who was killed in a car accident a few weeks ago. So needless to say, it is just delightful to get to Grammie's house and be with her and "Grumpa."

Yesterday we visited with my grandfather and Aunt Cindy before Grandpa Mick and his wife headed out to AZ for Christmas with her family. We had a nice time, but I have yet to forgive my Grandpa for giving Lucy a harmonica for Christmas.



Today we are thinking of a quick trip to the snow, if we ever get off our duffs, so that Lucy can see some real snow. Tonight is a get-together with my amazing best friends from high school. Then hopefully we will get to see my dear cousins for aebleskiver before we head to San Luis Obispo on Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas, all!

Joy and Sorrow

This Christmas season has been so strange and surreal. It really has been one of much joy and much sorrow. So much joy--a friend who miscarried earlier this year is now pregnant and doing great! Another friend accepted a referral to adopt a son from China! Another friend has two days to go before their court date to adopt their two precious children from Ethiopia! Great joy!

And great sorrow. A friend from college was killed in a car accident last week, as a young driver evaded the police and led them on a high speed chase. The car smashed into Jason's car, ending his life instantly.

And then updated news that a friend from high school is losing his wife quickly this week. She has battled cancer for 23 months. They discovered it just as she was about to deliver their third child. She delivered early so that they could begin treatment right away. A year later, they celebrated his birthday, and the end of her treatment. Only days later, she began to lose feeling in her right arm, and discovered that the cancer had spread to her spine. It looks like this is likely the week they may lose her.

And at home my dad's friend and field boss who worked on our farm for years and years lost his senior-in-high-school son to a car accident only days after his son's best friend was killed in a car accident.

But in the midst of all this I think I have never been more aware that God is who he says he is. Sovereign. Good. Unfathomable.

And in the midst of it all, one of my great joys is watching Lucy delight in the Christmas season. She has been a fan of all things Christmas throughout the whole year, and to watch lights going up and decorations making appearances has lit her up! We go as a family to Home Depot just to look at all the Christmas kitch. Most wonderful to my heart, though, is hearing her little voice singing "Heark, the Herald Angels Sing." Glory to the newborn King indeed!

Home again, Home again

Oh, so wonderful to be home! I won't say "in my own bed," because we had a SWEET bed up north. My in-laws parked their trailer out front and gave us their room--they have one of those amazing Sleep Number mattresses, and MAN it was nice.

I was so delighted to get home and head to our last Mugs of the year (that's our moms' group at church). I brought a fantastic potato casserole (thanks, Mandi!), and just enjoyed the company. The next few weeks are surprisingly open. Lots of little things sprinkled in, but thankfully not super packed. It just felt good to put my suitcase in the garage for awhile. =)

I can hardly believe we all were smiling in this picture! Don't you love the little black jumpsuits all the little girl cousins have?

JJ on the floor with ALL of the kids! What an aunt!

The girls having brunch together.

This is pre-Thanksgiving at a Potty Reward outing. Notice the double-fisted spoons.