Monday's Musings

Christmas has come and gone and we're just 4 days away from a new year.  I always find that the week between Christmas and New Years a bit long.  Once Christmas is over I'm ready to jump into the new year and the week between seems to drag. And, there's a certain sadness that comes over me during that week.  I think it's just all the reflecting I do from Christmases past and the loss of 3 of our 4 parents and a longing for "the way things use to be."  But, life goes on and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

 Monday and Tuesday of last week I finished wrapping gifts, went to the grocery store for final things and tried to get all things Christmas finished.  Then on Wednesday Hanna Beth and I decorated Gingerbread Trees.

 I found these neat little kits that had everything in them and we just tore into them and started to work.  Hanna Beth is very particular when it comes to decorating cookies.  She carefully places each piece and never gets in a hurry.  It's fun to watch her work so diligently.

On Christmas Eve my Dad and our son and his family gathered for dinner and then to do our gift exchange.  We enjoyed grilled steaks and all the trimmings.  It was at least 75 degrees and a grilling kind of day, so it was most appropriate.

Once dinner was over and kitchen cleaned we had our annual birthday celebration for Jesus.

Poppa reads the Christmas story and then we talk about the real meaning of Christmas.  Some years ago my Dad made myself and our two children a wooden manger.  Baby Jesus was in the manager but Andi Kate wouldn't leave Him alone.  It was really quite comical but, nonetheless, we had our celebration.  We sang Away in the Manger and then Hanna Beth blew out the one candle that signifies Jesus being the Light of the World.  It's a tradition we have done for about the past 4 years.

 It was then time for us to begin our gift exchange.

It was a bit of an overload of stimulation for Andi Kate but she loved the wrapping and bows.  Poppa and I always enjoy sitting back and watching the smiles on all their faces as they open their gifts and it's exactly what they asked for.
And, speaking of getting exactly what you ask for......

I have been wanting a battery operated blower for quite some time and Santa decided to bring me one for Christmas.  Yes, I'm plum excited that now I can go blow off the front and back porches any time my heart desires.  My 39 year old son could not wait to try it out so he decides to do so right in the house.  And, Hanna Beth had so much fun standing in front it with ribbon off of a package and watching it blow.  Oh, me, entertainment at it's finest!!!! And, might I add, the blower only weighs 6 pounds! 

We sure did miss our Oklahoma family but Bridget sent me this and I'm not sure there could be any cuter or sweeter little boys.........

We had a fun Facetime visit with them on Christmas Day.

And, as we close out 2015 I'm thinking this is what we all need to remember as we face 2016.