As the day went on and the snow got deeper, I began to wonder about Christmas Eve Service. Our family had been asked to light the Christ Candle and we were all looking forward to this special honor. I was also going to sing in the 11:00 service, as I have been a part of that service since it's beginning 6 years ago. The services were, indeed, cancelled, and although I agreed with the decision, this was huge dissappointment #2 for us. I have not missed a Christmas Eve service since we began going 20 years ago and it has always been a huge part of my Christmas. At this point, Ethan informed me that this was going to be the "Worst Christmas EVER!!!" I vowed right then to make sure it wasn't. (I must admit, at this point, it was hard not to agree with him!)
I found myself cooking lots of goodies, which was fun-Muddy Buddy Chex Mix, Peanut Butter/Chocolate Fudge, Mint Chocolate Fudge, and I prepared the Casserole for the next morning. We, of course, had Christmas movies on and I stayed in my PJ's all day! (Quite nice for a 9 month pregnant Mama!) We had a great lunch of homemade Italian Subs (to which Ethan said "These are the BEST sandwiches EVER!) and we had homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream. (To which Kaedyn simply said "Yum!!!")
Throughout the day, I found myself to be very relaxed. As much as I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I found it to be quite a gift to be able to slow down a little and take it all in. Don't get me wrong-I would NEVER give up getting together with my family-those times are too special, but being forced to slow down was nice, too. And the snow really was beautiful! It would be the Whitest Christmas I have ever seen!Blessing #2.
I will back-track a little now...when Tara, the Children's Minister and a very dear friend to us, called to tell us that the services were cancelled, she also informed me that she was stuck on the side of the road. (Along with hundreds of other people!) When Dave heard this, he jumped up and started getting his coat on to go get her. (My Hero!) Tara is from Missouri and was not going home for Christmas this year because of her duties at the church. She has an Aunt here but she lives a litle ways away and could not get to Tara. So, Dave left in the Blizzard and went to rescue her. (I was NOT relaxed for that hour!) Both made it home safely and in tact and the truck didn't get stuck until it was about 100 yards away from the house! Blessing #3. (After lots of manuvering and pushing, the truck was finally free and parked in front of the house.)
Dave had managed to make it to the store earlier that morning before things got too scary and bought steaks for us to have a nice Christmas Eve Dinner. He grilled them (pretty funny in a Blizzard! Ha!) and I made baked potatoes, salad, veggies and rolls to accompany. It was a wonderful dinner with the family and I was thankful to have Tara join us and also very thankful to know that my family was safe and warm. Blessings #4 and #5.
After opening their Christmas PJ's, the kids finally nestled into their beds while, I am sure, visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads! Tara had never seen "It's a Wonderful Life" so I put that on and we munched on "Muddy Buddy Chex Mix aka Puppy Chow" as I prepared everything for the next morning. (Of course, we had already watched "A Christmas Story" at least three times!:)It's a family favorite!)
The next morning, Ethan and Kaedyn woke us up and we started the gift-opening ritual. Both children seemed extremely pleased with Santa this year. I fixed our traditional breakfast of waffles and fruit along with a Breakfast Casserole. Tara's Uncle was able to pick her up that afternoon. I know she had to be a little sad to not spend Christmas with her family-I think we all felt a little "dis-placed" this year-but I was greatful that she was able to spend Christmas with us. SHE has been a true blessing to our family. Blessing #6. The rest of the day was very quiet-both Dave and I took turns taking naps as the kids played with their new gadgets and toys.
Dave's brother and family were supposed to come for Christmas Dinner that night and were still plannign on comign so that afternoon, we started preparing two turkey breasts and all of the "fixin's". We were planning on a total of 12 for dinner. As they were on their way over, Robert got a flat tire and they were forced to turn around and go home. Dissappointment #3. But, they were all safe-Blessing #7. So, we had enough food for an army! We enjoyed all that we could and packed up the rest to take to my Mom's the next day.
We were able to make it her house on the 26th for Family Christmas and it was a joy. Cousins from out of town were there and my cousin who just had a baby boy a few weeks earlier was able to make it as well. Blessings #8 and #9. I was pretty exhausted by this point (9 months pregnant...) so I did alot of sitting! It was nice to finally be out and about and spending the holiday with family, though!
Overall, if you have been counting along, the Blessings out-weighed the Disappointments and it was a beautiful Christmas. I think even Ethan would agree! We were able to slow down and enjoy eachother and really reflect on the meaning and joy of Christmas. It is a time for Hope and Anticipation and Peace and I think we definitely experienced all of that this season!
1 comment:
great post. I missed you guys so much!
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