December 30th

It's the last day of the year in which to meet my exercise goals, and I did.  I worked out totally differently this year.  I charted 10,000 minutes across the Peloton platform, and I bought my self their clearanced merch -- it's pretty drippy.  

Molly sceduled spa mani/pedi appointments for her girls.  She painted our toes and nails using multiple colors and directions.  Loved it.  Love her.  Love them.  Love us.

We did not miss our "Feast of the Seven Fishes" tradition.  Lots of food and good eats.

The shrimp was especially delicious this year -- along with the ceviche and crab legs.  Well done, Austin!  (I acutally was the sous chef, and quite liked the mindless task of chopping millions of veggies.)

December 29th -- My Birthday Bit

The lovely ladies at the office gifted Austin with a mssive gift card.  He brilliantly decided to use it on my birthday/Christmas dinner.  There was no prep, no cleanup, and lots of time to just not. My #43 Birthday Song

Bea and Winnie are held and kissed every second.  

December 29th -- The Christmas Concert Bit

We practice quite a bit for our concert in November and the first part of December, but the second half of the month I did not practice the duets as much as I wanted.  I'm going to count this concert as our best.

Good King Wensleslas

What Child is This?

Jingle Bell Rock

Angels We have Heard on High

Santa Claus Comes Tonight

Once Within a Lowly Stable

Hand Bells -- Jingle Bell Rock

I'll be Home for Christmas

Little Drummer Boy

Silent Night

O Come, O Come, Immanuel

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Birthday Month

Finale

December 29th -- The Christmas Bit

"Christmas morning" was a special treat with Andy home and the Armstrong family with us.  Our home was full again, and our hearts were filled because our separation was over. 

I love a good believer.

I love a good poser.

I love an efficient unwrapper.

I love a good parent.

I love a grateful collegiate.

I love watching the spectators.

I love a good reaction.

I love a handsome teen.

I love a good aftermath.

I love my beautiful family.

I love generous grandparents that make a delcious breakfast with one working burner.

I love an adoring uncle.

I love my three big kids.

I love a good group workout.

This year the seasomal magic was nothing about the gifts, nor the candy, nor the accumulation.  But, the seasonal magic was about the togetherness and our binding covenants because of Jesus -- the little babe born in Bethlehem.

December 28th -- Elder Babcock Returns with Honor

Today was one of the most rewarding days as a mother.  From the day that I found out that our second child would be a boy, I dreamed of him returning from serving a two-year mission for Jesus Christ.  Today he came home better than any training I could have given him.  He's a disciple of Christ in every way, and he knows that success comes when partnering with Him.  

I was up quite early to finish our signage.

We were at the airport 1.5 hours early, but no matter, we hardly could sit in our seats.

Melijah and the babies had flown in earlier that morning, so they were there when we arrived.  Bea and Winnie finally met their adoring Babcock aunts and uncles.  We were all buzzing with excitement and anticipation.  We knew today would be better than Christmast morning. It was.

Waiting.

Chanting.

Screaming.

Kissing.  

Hugging.

Crying (notice the father's red eyes).

Smiling.

Rejoining.

Posing.

Finally breathing.

I took this same picture two years ago when Elder Babcock as 18 and Molly was 5.  So much life and learning has happened.

We drove to Camp Verde so our nice stake president could release him.  "I have no regrets."

All the while Andy couldn't give enough hugs and kisses away.  We all wept as Elder Babcock stood before us and took off his badge.  We are so pround of his missionary efforts -- he left nothing behind.  He was exactly obedient.  He did it.  For him.  For us.  For THEM.

Thursday also happened to be our Christmas Eve.  After a lovely pasta dinner, we performed the nativity and shared our testimonies.  We had two baby Jesuses this year.  2023 Nativity

Pajamas for all members of the family, Grandma and Grandpa included, as well as the babies.

Out came the cookies and notes to Santa.  Down went all the children to the basement.

Molly's letter was epic.

So after two years of physical separation, endless prayers, numerous miracles and 1,600 miles of separation, we are together.  And the best bit -- we are an eternal family unit bound by the sealing power of God.  We are all on our journey heavenward, and one day I'll finally exhale when we all arrive.  Until then, my prayers are still filled with eternal hopes and dreams for my husband and children.  Hoorah for Israel!

(P.S. A nice Utah girl that was in the YSA ward in Nashville took our pictures in the airport today.  She did a grand job.)

 

December 27th

We spent the day in huge preparation for our relocators to come home to us.  We divided up the heinous kitchen chores and got to work.  Once again, some children worked harder than others, but we all worked.  Why is cleaning ovens, washing windows, vacuuming crumbs out of drawers and mopping the floor so necessary and so horrible.

Eddie took unsuspecting pictures of us during CFM.  The candid nature of these captures our study perfectly.  We study the words of Jesus Christ and His apostles most days this year = every chapter in the NT.  How blessed we are to have accepted the invitation to come unto Jesus and be perfected in Him.

Maisie is now really sick, so I gave her the assignment to paint letters for Andy's posters.  She sat and AP art-ed her afternoon away.

Every sibling then painted their own two letters.  I think Elder Babcock will like the effect.  We are so excited to have him come home.  There is certainly a vibe in the air.