Project 365, Week 52

Christmas and more Christmas! 

December 21

The sweetest!! All on his own, Aiden decided on a gift for his sisters that he was sure would have a huge impact on them. For days and days he thought about it, counted his money and schemed with his cousin Maddy to do the actual shopping. She's a dance teacher so she gets a little discount to the store with the overpriced leggings. I picked him up early from school and they went shopping together. With Maddy's guidance he put in so much care and thought to picking out just the right color and size. He came back beaming, just SO happy to have these gifts for his sisters. He couldn't have been happier to spend over $200.

When he came back, he opened his Bible to Ezekiel (?!?), researching a conversation he and Maddy had. 

December 22

Two days before Amanda had done such a great job being responsible for her little cousins during our family Christmas. When a neighbor asked if one of the girls could watch her 7 & 9 year old boys, I knew Amanda was ready. As I spotted her walking to their house, excited and nervous, it struck me how grown up shes getting.

Aiden and I worked on wrapping gifts.

December 23

"Go time"! I hit the grocery stores early and spent the day in the kitchen baking and preparing all that I could do in advance. The kids had a half day and were very helpful.

December 24

Shaun spent most of the day trying to fix our boiler that had given out. Very unhandy timing but I'm so thankful he can put on his work clothes and take care of it.

And then...Christmas Eve service. With our pastor's encouragement, we went ahead and registered our group to sit in the actual service. It was overwhelming to stop and take in God's great love for us, that He would choose us to be a part of His story.

Then we were back to Amy and Colombo's house for our traditional dinner and birthday cake for Jesus. Great food, great company, even though we were missing a few VIPs.

I caught the girls all huddled around the island being silly and happy to be together.

December 25

Christmas morning! For so many years, my Christmas mornings have been spent with my Uncle Lee, sipping coffee, catching up and greeting those who sneak downstairs two-by-two. The New York family did not travel down this year and they were sorely missed. Instead we texted each other before anyone else was awake and I drank coffee and enjoyed the sweetest squeals and whispers and Secret Santa guesses. It was very special.

 

New, for the first time ever, a Christmas morning workout. Impressive!

The day quietly unfolded....stockings, brunch, presents, appetizers, presents, dinner, dessert, playing, laughter, cuddles, young adults in and out and a FaceTimed game of Scattegories with Melody. It wasn't flashy but it was perfect. Literally grateful to be alive for another Christmas, grateful for the families God placed us in. Especially thankful for the message of Christmas...Hope has come!

'06 Club still growing!

This guy.

December 26

Christmas night after everyone had gone home, it was just the five of us. We lingered in the living room, talking about life, hearing the kids hearts. It was slow and special. During that time, we also made a plan to de-decorate and clean and pack for our upcoming trip. The kids gave a great team effort. 

Shaun went to check on one of the apartment buildings and discovered 21" of water in the basement and the boiler no working. He waded in freezing cold water to fix the pumps and spent hours there. He came home frozen to the bone.