Our Christmas Celebrations: That's a Wrap!

This Christmas season did not disappoint.  All was right with the world except for Nessa still being sick and needing her breathing treatments every four hours. Her Pa drove down a day early to bring us a breathing treatment machine--very thoughtful and appreciated!!  But the spirit of Christmas was alive and well in this place.  Christmas Eve day found us driving around the streets of Pomona looking for our homeless friends.  The Uncle Dennis/Santa Clause look alike was on the same corner he has been on for the last three years.  As always, they blessed us more than we blessed them.  This year we had a special envelope in honor of Uncle Dennis who was once a recipient of our Christmas givings because he needed a minor surgery and we had some leftover envelopes to give him. . .we decorated one, put more money than usual and dressed it up in his honor and gave it to a homeless couple that had hit hard times.  It felt like we were doing the right thing. . .this year, with Uncle Dennis on our minds.  

Christmas Eve mass was without Nessa who took a marathon four hour nap.  But she was in better spirits (the first time in real clothes in four days: thanks for the dress Aunt Cookie) and we headed out on Christmas Eve for the first time in a long time.  Usually we host--it seems for the longest our kids have been little and someone has been in bed early and it just made sense to be home doing what needed to be done but this year was different in a good way.  We were invited to Ernie's uncle's house: the ones whose life was turned upside down with the passing of their son, Devin.  It felt so nice to be included, so good to be around Ernie's family--to have my kid's experience what I know they used to be like when E was growing up--big and close!

We missed his sister DeeDee and the girls terribly, their presence would have made the party perfect! But it really did feel nice to be a part of the larger brood--and a fun realization that our kids are not the babies anymore--not as much work as it used to be to let them be and be a part of the festivities.  I couldn't get enough of the stories, the laughter, the conversations about faith and raising kids. . .Just being there was truly gift enough.  We were all sad to leave with Nesa crying, "But it's the best party ever!"  It was the feeling of being listened to and paid attention to and enjoyed that she was sad to leave.  We had to leave early hoping to get a glimpse of E's parents but unfortunately that didn't happen--long story, different day.

Christmas morning came too soon with Jonathan determined to catch Santa in the act.  He had all his spy gear out and booby trapped the place.  At three in the morning he realized he had missed Santa, but he did proceed to organize the gifts for the mornings opening. At 3 am. we had to tell him he needed to go to sleep!

Our morning was spent with Uncle Scotty, big brother, and Uncle Alan, watching the kids open their three gifts. I was too busy taking it all in to really snap pictures this year.  I was so PRESENT and it really was the greatest gift!  Our home-made gifts were the best--Ernie and I couldn't get over the quality of the ornaments that these kids put together now-a-days, a far cry from toothpicks and construction paper!! E smiled big as he received the watch he has been wanting for some time. It was a nice morning with breakfast that followed and then waiting outside with the neighbors for the fire department to drive by.

The food was great: ham in the crockpot and my potato dish.  Uncle brought by donuts and there was coffee from my new Keurig.  Buying the kids three gifts was the best idea ever!  I really get a sense that what they get is truly appreciated and special!  There is so much more time enjoying each other and doing things together because they are not swamped by the huge-ness of the morning.

Later in the day we head to grandma and grandpa's house to continue the festivities. The kid's time here was pretty huge!  They were gifted a sign for their tree house AND a swing set.  To say this is where they will want to be most of the time is an understatement!

Sometimes the closeness of our family feels perfect when it is just the siblings, just like the good old days.  Christmas at home is --always a good time!

and we always get good, thoughtful gifts. . .especially now that we are all homeowners:)

 I really have to remember to take pictures in front of the tree--one with our whole family. I also need to get one of the cousins together and of course grandma and grandpa.  I think I forgot because  I was nursing a sore throat trying to will it away.  Unfortunately, it did not work.  I have a full blown cold now.  My turn: (

These two: I never want to forget how December 23rd, Nessa Bessa was crying as she had to take another breathing treatment.  She sounded horrible and looked so sad.  I sent a picture to her ninouncle because she was crying for him.  Within minutes, he was at our house--(having left the happening party at his own house) to hold her. She is loved.  She got a brand new lambie to love now too.  She trusted grandpa to do surgery on the original...and we haven't seen him again yet. 

This might have been another hand-made gift that I just loved!

And the only baked goods we received this year by my love bugs were devoured in a day!  

For some reason, the kiddos and I didn't bake. 

 I think with Dennis' passing, it made me miss and remember my Uncle Ted more.  

Baking at the holidays is something we enjoyed together--messes and all. 

Maybe next year. . .or next week.  There's still time.

At the end of the day, Christmas was a gift in and of itself.  Being truly present made all the difference.  I have a strong suspicion that from this year on--due to the memory of  Uncle Dennis and new beginnings with extended family--that this season will always be intentionally filled with love and good deeds to honor those we've lost and loved.  To honor the love we have for those that remain. To bring hope to those who feel abandoned or forgotten.  To be a gift to others in our words, actions, and deeds. Hopeful to continue being His hands and feet in whatever capacity He calls me and praying it is revealed to me. . .

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?--Romans 8:24

At the end of the day--all that was left to do was rest.  So we did.