From my heart: December 2006

All that glitters, is not gold...

Nose, nose, anything goes...

It seems as if the holidays have taken a lot of concentration to keep things rolling. Plans, parties, PADS all fell into the last two weeks. I have been to three wakes in three weeks. We attended twice probably the best Christmas program Willow has ever done. "Imagine" was the most creative, imaginatve yet right on telling of Jesus' birth one could imagine. Get it? Imagine. Get it?

So, imagine now in the quiet of Christmas now past, images rolling into the new year. I can review some of the gifts we gave as good things, some "God things" still not received. We had visits from many, spent time at fun places, ie Brookfield Zoo with Tommy and the Michel kids, freezing as we viewed the Winter Laser Show. I am thankful the twins are here and in good health. Probably the most fun, crazy thing Pete and I decided to do for fun was for me to get my nose pierced and he, his ear pierced. As we texted Katie and Kristin, waiting for our appointment, one would have thought we had said we were joining the Manson Family. Each of our kids have had neutral at best reactions, but I think these will grow on them. If only Brooke doesn't beg her parents too much to get her nose pierced, we'll be cool.

We are winding up 2006 with me babysitting Hayden and Reece tonight at their house; Grandpa Pete is just too sick to even have the boys over here. And Pete has 24 hours to get better so he can DJ a friend's New Years Eve wedding, plus make an appearance as 8 ft. elevated Elvis. I think I will go take a bubble bath and think about what outfit looks best with a pierced nose!

Denver, Rylan and Grandma have a moment.

Yippee, Santa was here...

Christa Elmo Eyes...

Reecie loves his Elmo.

Dad Chris gets to try out Rockin Elmo...

Santa was here!

Ah yes, the fun just doesn't end.

Aunt Kristin holds the mellow Kylie...

Great nephew, Brock-in-a-box.

Celebrating Pete's mom's Christmas Eve birthday. Yes, I could not find the real birthday candles.

Drew blows out his candle on his half of the Christmas birthday cake.

A brand new, never seen before, picture of La, long kept in our old camera. What a great gift!

And a Merry Christmas to All...

Our second Christmas without Laurie; still so hard to fathom but we got another unexpected Laurie gift. A few weeks ago our old small group was going to be getting together for our annual Christmas dinner and white elephant gift exchange. We found a full 5 pack of 35mm film and thought that could be a good white elephant since we are digital camera folks now. To up the gift appeal we found our old 35 mm camera to include; there was still a roll of film inside, era unknown. After getting the roll developed, somehow Pete and I both knew there would be a picture of Laurie. We opened the envelope and there she was. I love how God keeps giving me glimpses of Him and ways to be grateful. I need to say it again: 20 years with this incredible girl was a tremendous gift.

Last night Pete and I worked at PADS, our homeless shelter. We wrote out Christmas cards for each of the guests and included McDonald's gift certificates donated by someone. I did load after load of their laundry, sad to think of what their Christmas will be like. Hardest of all was a young woman in her 20s who was a late arrival. It was after midnight when I showed her to the mattress that would be her bed for the night. She was so close to tears; I asked if she was okay, if she needed anything. She said she just wanted to sleep, she was so tired. Poor, sweet girl. I have so much to be thankful for, a roof over my head that I take so for granted.
Praying for protection for this girl.

This Christmas will be different again. More things to be thankful for, more things that just bring tears to my eyes. Unexpected gifts from Alaska, an unknown friend from this blog who sent a beautiful stained glass cardinal. (Thank you so much, Natalie.) But overall a sense of peace. Pete and I saw The Nativity Story movie a few nights ago. This wonderful movie set into motion a palpable feeling of wonder at how amazing a gift we have been given...that little baby born to another young woman who was just so tired. Her baby, Jesus...what a gift.

Merry Christmas to all.