A FAMILY CHRISTMAS

A baby gives a family a new way of looking at things. 

Not necessarily 'new', but an opportunity to look at old things through fresh eyes.  Not to mention all the little chirping, happy noises and big baby smiles for any and all reasons.  What fun.

Our married kids came down the afternoon of the 24th for REINDEER GAMES.  They planned to spend the night with us and go home Christmas afternoon/evening.  They ended up staying until Sabbath afternoon.

In the last years - since we lost mom and dad Ludke - we've stayed home most years.  Once we went out east with Deb's family, but mostly we're forging ahead with developing family traditions of our own.  Not the same, but ... they are ours!  I feel that family traditions are vital to weaving our story together and keeping us connected.

Friday morning we awoke to little baby noises and puppy dogs.  Such life filled the house!  No big plans for breakfast - just a bowl of granola for whoever wanted.  Nick stayed sleeping and sleeping.  Finally it was Jaimee's nap time (and he was still sleeping!).  Eventually the two youngest ones were awake at the same time - and we began opening gifts.

Naturally everyone had anticipated Jaimee's excitement at her first holiday!  Oops!  She was almost more interested in the tree, the ornaments, the lights, etc.  ANYTHING we didn't really want her to investigate, she needed to investigate!  *lol* 

Usually we start our time by reading the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible.  Rhiannon had a children's version of the story (I think she got it when we were at women's retreat), so we all listened while 'mommy' read to us.  Jaimee was mildly interested (for her typical 2 or 3 second attention span!).  Yet, it is an important part of what we do and I was proud of my daughter for including this in her planning for us all.  Randy prayed and we started opening gifts.

I was given a nice camera (and case) which I am already enjoying.  Not sure everyone else is enjoying ME enjoying it!  (I took lots of pictures at church today!)  I also got a very super cool scrapbook carrying case - so when I go to our monthly stamping events I can have everything in ONE container.  Whoo hoo!  Well, maybe TWO containers because there was a littler one that matches. 

We had too small boots, sweaters, slacks, games, pictures, etc.  And little girlie girl ... we had to do her opening in shifts.  Ryan was excited about the cool bath toy that the Smudas had sent for Jaimee - he likes to give Jaimee her bath.  They'll have fun!

I love my family so much, sorely miss the ones I married all those years ago, but it helped having lots of family around Thursday night and Friday (and unexpectedly on Sabbath too!).  It was wonderful. 

The weekend has a bittersweet ending, as we will go up to Iowa City in the morning and help our married kids load a truck to take to Nebraska with them.  They are headed out there and except for a few trips back to get this and that and finish cleaning out the house -- they are done living up there in Coralville (for now anyway).  I'll miss the idea of being close enough that I could run over there if I wanted.  I know 5 months isn't that long, but yet there is a tiny girl changing so rapidly -- HOWEVER, I do know that it is important for their little family to be together.  Daddy Ryan loves his little girl, and she loves him.  Mommy Rhiannon and Daddy Ryan need to make a life together for her.  I'm sad, but I am okay with it.  (Of course I pray they'll eventually locate in our area, but ... for now I'm just looking forward 5 months.)

The next thing on my horizon, besides climbing out of bed on time on Monday (it's HARD after being able to sleep in a few days in a row!), is getting ready for our New Year's Eve party here on ... NYE!  Hey!  If you don't have anything planned - COME ON OVER.  I'm not providing snacks (everyone needs to bring something to share - and soft drinks if they want them).  I will have two or three tables set up for games, or people can visit, or ... ??  WHATEVER!  The church family is invited to come - but anyone can join us.  I WANT TO PLAY GAMES!!!  We'll start at 7 p.m. (or so) and go til midnight (or so!).

As always - we love to hear from you too!
V