There were Carpenters and parties and a tree getting. Manger play. Advent books read and often by a child's voice. Special new ornaments. Butter, lots and LOTS of butter. Butter Letter, a first for me to make, though family tradition through the years and generations passed down. A real special Holland treat!
A school concert.
There was sickness, though just for a few hours and just two. One who even 'took care' of it ALL in the night. He might be six but he is competent and capable, obviously!
Packages every few days. It was an 'Ebay Christmas' of sorts. Toys and loot and 'lots' galore. Bidding wars and adrenaline. Making those dollars stretch!
Familiar Christmas books. New winter season ones.
Beard oils. Perfume. Scrubs. Thanks to the Internet you can make just about anything. Treats. Bows. Ribbons. Tags. No tags.
New things to try. Old comforting traditions. Secrets. Project presents the week of. It's a Wonderful Life and our own special candlelit Christmas Eve service here due to sickness. It was one I will never forget.
Christmas with my parents. Our own Christmas. Christmas with my siblings and the kids' cousins. One yet to come with Gabe's parents here as we ring in the New Year.
A little Dutch boy turned 3 months. A little blond giant turned 4. I turn 31 next month.
And only in recent days, hot coco with marshmallows after afternoon outside play. It finally feels as December should.
Concert night.
Everyone has a Christmas mug thanks to Gabe's mom. This was Gabe's as a little boy. Something about thinking of him as a little boy down Stoney Lonesome Rd. sipping from his bear mug makes my heart swell.
We are a 2 car everywhere now family. My tree getting posse.
In this season of life, there is always someone to read.
Naps by the tree.
My dad.
Mom
A 'dressed up' family photo.
We had beautiful weather!
My mom's plant gave a bloom.
I finally found a place for all the stockings.
The dollhouse even got readied for Christmas!
Details!
A night of 'Butter Letter' making.
Presents with NO tags. And only a few brought out before Christmas Eve. Surprises all around. "Mom, just the cutest little tree we've ever had."
I don't have 'Elf on the Shelf' but I may as well have had 'Nativity on the Shelf'. This little figurine nativity was always in a different set-up.
A date out with her daddy.
Just because they're very sweet.
2 days before:
I painted.
Worship by the tree.
My man who makes dreams come true.
Christmas Eve:
Final finishing touch ups.
Sophia set the table.
And then took pictures of it. She's learning so well ;-)
It's a Wonderful Life, viewing 1. The rest of hidden presents.
Stocking tradition of yogurt and a piece of fruit (grapefruit, orange, or clementine) to hold kids over until a brunch around 10.
We have learned many new jokes!
Brunch
Family selfie? Just missing a person.
Sibling exchange.
Asher had his heart set on making this for Lemuel's trains.
I love that baby!
We took our time all day.
A real surprise for Sophia. A place to leave her furnishings set up.
Sophia's gift to Gabe and I.
It's a Wonderful Life, viewing 2.
December 31! This last day in 2015 to give thanks, remember the year past, look to the new one ahead, but mostly live and embrace this very moment. Praising His name for whatever that moment looks like and allowing my weary soul to rejoice, always. Not in circumstances or moods or situations or people, but in the truth that my Savior came to rescue the souls of men.
My soul gets to rejoice in that! What a gift to little me.
