Christmas 2013

So I'm sure you had a special day with your people, not that this is an easy season for many of us who grieve along with rejoice.  For me there is someone missing who would have loved this Christmas with a mountain of presents, great food, warm family fellowship.  How she would have loved seeing the kiddos enjoy their presents and the joy of what was inside.  Yet we as a family have pulled together and everyone has done their best to make it a magic time.  Our lives are so rich mainly due to the incredible adults but also due to the bright and happy children.

I jumped up this morning after 6 to make sure a fire was roaring, to lift the temperature.  The heaters in each of the guest rooms have helped a great deal in keeping the chill away.  We had fires burning in the living room fireplace this morning and in the trusty wood stove in the family room.  The fires easily overcame the chilly air.

We had an incredible breakfast at Nikki and Steve's this morning.  Nikki made Swedish pancakes and they were terrific, wow, what a feast.

The kids had no problem getting started opening their gifts and this year Mia knew just how to rip open a gift, she even came and helped me open some of mine.  There were dolls, more dolls, games, puzzles, Lego's seemed to be a big hit and for us adults there were needed clothes, I have a new jacket, a really nice one and a new pair of dress shoes, a new giants hat, beautiful photos of the families all set in frames, some really cool little boxes of candy and host of other things that enhance a life.  I even got a gift certificate for IHOP.  Kallie bought a little pencil with a soccer ball on the top from her school store, I love it.

Sending love to all as the family has all settled in for the night.

Jason arranged for a birthday dinner at a local highly rated Asian food place, the food was really good.  Then after the got the kiddos ready for bed I watched them so Jason and Jo could go to the movies.  Unfortunately the one they wanted was sold out, that was an unexpected bummer so they selected another one.  The kiddos were great and easy to persuade of their bed time.  Nice!

Merry Christmas to all,


Tim

ps.  It is sure special to have the family here at the house, what fun to see things used, enjoyed in the kitchen and thanks to Tanya everything sparkles, seems like the dishwasher is running a lot and that is great, there is a reason for it to run, life is happening and it is very special.

Thank the good Lord for our families.