Saturday, December 24, 2016
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| Jammies for Families! This was actually taken on Christmas Eve Eve, but it is one of my favorites from this year! |
This year we really had to pause to be thankful for health and family. Scott, Karen, Nora and Wesley were all supposed to come to town on Wednesday night and stay through Christmas. Unfortunately, Scott called on Wednesday afternoon to tell us he was sick and so were Wesley and Karen. Scott had the stomach flu, Karen had pink eye and Wesley was recovering from RSV. After much discussion, we asked them to reconsider their plans and come when they were feeling better. They agreed. Things were looking better Friday morning, but then Dan came down with the stomach flu! We were sure the rest of us would catch it since it is a particularly bad bug. But, Christmas Eve morning arrived and found all of us doing better with Scott, Karen and the kids on the way. We prayed a lot that we would all be happy, healthy and well for our visit and, as of Christmas Eve, our prayers were answered.
Early in the afternoon, Emily and grandma painted some little ceramic ornaments and had a big time. Mostly they were just trying to busy themselves as they anxiously awaited Scott, Karen and the cousins' arrival.
Scott, Karen and the kids all arrived about 4pm. This was the first chance Daniel, Emily and I had to meet Wesley and he is just adorable and doing so great after his rough start.
By 6:00, it was time for dinner. We had a big meal of ham, sour cream potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans planned. Emily helped prepare some of the dishes and grandma helped too. Many hands made lighter work for this hostess and boy was I grateful.
After dinner, it was time for the kids to make their annual reindeer food. Rudolph gets hungry too, you know. Oats, colored sugar and sprinkles are the required ingredients for this holiday snack necessity. Nora could not recall making reindeer food when she was here two years ago, but I bet she'll remember it for next time. She loved stirring it up.
Once we fed the deer, it was time for a bath. Emily introduced Nora to the wonders of the big bath tub with the jets that made bubbles. She loved it and I thought I would never get them out!
With all the cousins squeaky clean, it was time to be sure the man in red had a snack prepared for him too - cookies of course, but the girls could not decide on milk or eggnog so we left a little of both.
Then it was time for Wesley to have some pics on his first Christmas and he was sooo good. He is a very happy baby and barely fussed at all despite recovering from RSV and an ear infection too!
With reindeer fed, Santa snacks prepared, photos taken and tummies full, it was just about time for bed...but not before a quick peek up the chimney. You never know who you will find there this time of year.
We closed out the night with Daddy's annual reading of "The Night Before Christmas." This is one of his very favorite Christmas traditions dating back to when Emily was just 2 weeks old on her first Christmas. I figure some day he may have to call her up to read it to her over the phone on Christmas Eve, but until then, I cherish this moment not just this year, but every year.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...
I also took a picture of my mother's nativity that I can remember putting up as a little girl every year on the top of our upright piano. There used to be this dark green felt table cloth with pom-poms on it that sat on the top and looked like grass for the manger. Well, that cloth does not fit my skinny table, but the nativity sure looks good on it. It is getting old, but I sure do love it. So many happy childhood memories. The tissue paper that wraps the pieces still smells just like I remember. The little pine trees need to be replaced, they are pitiful, but I love them too, so they stay. A little Christmas nostalgia.
