Christmas Eve

Every year the Polar Bear Plunge is the worst game, but we play it.  We invited our friends -- the event was a delight.  With 15 boys among the families, wrestling was inevitable. 

These are the survivors.

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(Yes!  I added the link, so there is no more copy and paste to see the video links.)

Austin took the big kids on the loop.  Meg fell into cacti -- she was thrilled.

While they went out, we stayed in a bowled.  212 was my new high score.  Molly did bowl and double.

Austin titled his dinner, "Fruti di Mar."  Various fish and sauces kept us all guessing and content.

Piles of shells were all that remained.

Grandma and Grandpa feasted and worshipped in our annual nativity.  Next year I will prepare and make this event the most anticipated of the day.  Just wait.  I better write it down, so that I remember.

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Maddie wanted to make special cookies for Santa.  She did.

While she decorated, we all stood around the counter and took a deep breath.  Our home and hearts were ready to make Christ the center of our celebration.

Maisie helped Molly write a note to Santa.  We have fewer and fewer Santa believers.  She still believes.

All the wrapping was done earlier in the week, so after the children filed to the basement to sleep, I talked Austin's ear off.  I have no idea what I told him, be he just sat a listened for a really long time.  That was so nice of him.

I like Christmas Eve better than Christmas, because excitement rings in every voice and laugh, and Christ is not forgotten.  Before the presents come pouring out, we don't forget Him.  How can I change this I wonder?

December 23

 Today was a day of laundry and meals.  Maisie's selfie.    

Ryan perfected hand and soap bubble.  He was quite pleased.

Meg's honey bun came to visit for a few days.  Elijah is kind and good.  He's patient during chaos and calming among the storms.  We all really like him.

He's on the BYU track team as well.  Naturally they spent hours running, eating and recovering.  Molly will marry him if things don't work out.

I did watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and found myself crying, like always.  Good thing I had eight loads of laundry to fold, so I justified it.

December 22

Today was a day of just getting stuff done.  We needed a few special screws to fix a chair, so we headed to Home Depot where our favorite employee showed us the way.

I finally wrapped a good deal of present -- 3 per person -- the fort building and sorting naturally began.

Lit trees cast my favorite evening ambiance.  I like to sit and just stare at the lights.  It's really feeling like Christmas, because the tree is filled, the cupboards are stocked and the children are a glow. 

I took Maisie, Meg, Andy and Elijah to HIGH.  They were crazy.

 

December 21

Our day was spent in preparation for our recital.  We did eat a lovely lunch and clean up all the leaves around the pool, preparing for the polar bear plunge.  Helping Austin with his chore list and listening to Christmas duets all day sure put me in the mood for Christmas -- it feels real now.

Ryan chizzled his candy cane down to an impressive spike.  It's his holey smile and tongue poking through that space that makes my heart melt for this terrific boy that is six.

Grandma and Grandpa were our guests of honor.  Each of the children participated, and we ended the evening reciting "The Living Christ."  That when I felt the spirit -- listening to all of my children testify in unison with His apostles. I mean, our recital is not amazing, but I hope my children know my love of singing and worshipping Jesus Christ through songs of my heart.  There were so many mistakes that did not happen in dress rehearsal, but doing something worth while means it's worth starting out poorly.

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(Taking the time to copy and paste the links is a chore, but I still haven't taken the time to come up with another solution.)  

December 20

Our day begn early with the sacrament in Mom's home.  Then, we drove home today. Already.  John and Rebekah just bought a new home in southern Utah.  We stopped by and it was so nice to be with them.

Meg brought Elijah home.  Austin invited him to the front seat for five hours so they could get to know each other.  He has all the right answers which means he makes all the hard and good choices.  (Poor guy, Nick and Andy passed eye-watering gas every six minutes the ENTIRE way.  It was so gross.  Molly called the stench, then those two boys in the front seat would roll down the windows and freshen up the air. Sick.)

Mother sent home these lovely cookies.  I'm busy eating all of them.

We had time for CFM and family choir.  Elijah sings!  His tenor voice echoed through the halls of the basement along side Nick's alto.  Yes!  A boy that sings without hessitation or promting.  I think we just might need family choir every night this week.
 

Decmber 18

We drove to Utah today.  We got a late start, because Andy had one last final to complete.  Of course there was mandatory nap time.  

He's an expert driver.

Snow!

Baker came over later that evening.  He and Emily sat closely together.  They just took in all in -- no one would have ever guessed they were to be wed the next morning.  They are young and in love, and they are disciples of Jesus Christ. Can't you just see it?  You feel their desire to follow Him in their presence.  These two are destined for greatness in this life and the next.  And they follow Him effortlessly, because that's just who they are.

 

December 17

We leave for Utah tomorrow for Emily and Baker's wedding.  I was just plain busy gathering and packing most of the hours.  Grandma and Grandpa did come over for the afternoon of sewing and haircuts.  How lovely they are.  Austin was a gem when he got home, he helped with the packing and cleaning.  He's a miracle husband everyday.

 

December 16

I ran around with me head cut off today.  My children know exactly how to be still, calm and create in simplicity.

These big kids have tons of finals and projects.  They quietly get after it.