DATE:
No, Andrew wasn’t my date. =) My Mom was smarter than that. =) She decided to separate us which meant that my brother was my mother’s date, and I was my father’s date. It really was lots of fun. We went out to Chinese, goofed off, teased my Dad, had some good conversation, saw a movie (and ALL the credits), =) and just had a nice relaxing evening. The kids spent the night elsewhere so there was no pressure to get home. And then when I did get home I could meander my way to bed as I pleased. Lovely!!
CHRISTMAS:
Christmas went well. I had my holiday slump over Thanksgiving and so was in a much better mood for Christmas. We had family over the day before Christmas and just had hoagies (subs) for lunch and opened some presents after that.
Christmas day had its ups and downs. My parents (and brother) came up again in the morning and watched the kids open the rest of their gifts. We had a treasure hunt for baby Jesus (for our manger scene), played a while, made cookie cut-out PB & J for lunch, had a tea party with the girl’s new dishes, made some “Thank You” cards, took some naps, cleaned up a bit, and then headed down to Nana’s to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Josiah (7) got a tool box and a birdhouse kit for Christmas. He’s been the one asking for a new daddy that does construction ’cause he (J) wants to help him. He was so excited and wanted to put it together right away. I just couldn’t figure out how to squeeze in the time to help him do that. I knew that a Daddy was needed. So I asked for a volunteer, . . . Now the birdhouse has it’s first coat of paint and waiting for the second and Josiah has declared that it’s his best Christmas present. I think what made it so special was the “putting together” part with a “daddy.” (Thank you, Daddy!)
Benjamin (8) got a computer game (Worms2). This was a game that he played with his Dad and he even remembers beating Dan once. I remember it, too, ’cause Dan was almost offended at the idea of being beaten by a 6 yr old (I’m sure he played easy, tho). Our previous game got broken and Benjamin has been trying to save up money (a quarter at a time usually) so that he could buy another one. He was quite thrilled to get one as a present. (Thank you, Glenda!)
Abigail(6) got a china tea set that she is struggling to remember to keep out of the reach of her younger brothers. I’m actually hoping it will teach her some responsibility. We had great fun using the tiny tea pot and cups with some little shortbread cookies at our tea party.
Hadassah (5) also got some kitchen tools, cups, plates, cookie cutters, silverware, and such. It was her cookie cutters that made our “special” sandwiches for lunch.
Maranatha (4) got some more play dough which is a favorite of hers, as well as another stuffed beanie baby with a tag (the tag being the best part).
Payden (3) got a barn and some animals to play with and the playroom hasn’t looked the same since. Animals, animals everywhere . . .
Caleb (2) got a Noah’s Ark with more animals and has really enjoyed playing with that with his brother, but his cars still win out. And with his little quilt made especially for him he can still sit and play with his cars for hours.
And once again many people have helped to make this Christmas something to remember with happy thoughts, rather than sad ones. Before Dan died I had no idea how Christmas could be sad. Friends and loved ones have joined together to remind us that we are not alone and not forgotten and we are thankful for each one of you. Thank you for the gifts you sent our way, the pictures and cards, the notes and letters . . . each one has served as a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness to us.
CHRISTMAS LETTER:
I feel quite guilty about this one. I had great plans to get our family photo printed (we got a really good one this summer) and get letters sent out to all of you with an update . . . It just never happened and it never quite made it to the top of the priority list. Then when I finally did get around to it . . . well, I seem to have lost my copy of our pictures . . . I’m still hoping to get some of those sent out, but it might be Easter before you all see them. Maybe I’ll start a new tradition of ”Belated Christmas Cards.” Who knows! It could be a seller!
