We had a busier Christmas season than usual and a much WARMER season. We had our very first Christmas school program, the stomach bug, a few going away parties, a few birthday parties, work parties, and life in one month. But I am sure your schedule was just as busy and so was everyone I spoke with. I was reminded this week that Christmas is just one single day and it will return again next year, so I had to change my perspective, take a deep breath and remember that the Savior's birth was not meant to cause so much frustration and bustle. We are here to celebrate, teach and commemorate this special occasion; not judge the wrapping of the gifts or the mass cookies produced.
Siena performing on the front row of her kindergarten Christmas program at Black Fox. No, I did NOT get the memo that she was to wear red, so she is the only kid in lavender (her favorite color). But that is our little girl, the one who sticks out of a crowd, for a good reason. There is no doubt that God has a plan and a purpose for this gal because she is so unique and beloved by all.
The weather did not dip below 50 degrees all month, I believe so we did wear shorts most of the month. Christmas day found us in short sleeves with the air conditioning on (The humidity made it impossible to be without), recovering from a tornado watch two nights before. No white Christmas for us, but if I recall, there wasn't snow on the first Christmas in Bethlehem either. So again, I had to change my perspective and remind myself that Bing Crosby didn't have snow until the end of his movie either.
Allegra is 8 months old and is army crawling all over the house. She goes straight for the dog water and anything else that is down that is not appropriate for the mouth. She has joined the kids in the bathtub and playing all around the house. Carson and Siena continue to hug and love on her and treat her as their own baby doll. It broke my heart to take down the baby swing this month, but she would rather be moving than to just observe our goings and comings.
Our family at the Christmas Eve service at World Outreach.
Christmas day was simplistic and wonderful at our house. We did not have big gifts and honestly, the kids were super excited about the smaller things like a Spiderman watch and our new Beta fish, Rosie. Kurt made cinnamon rolls for us and we spent the morning in our pjs.
Allegra had a beautiful 1st Christmas and how could she not when she has two older siblings to teach her all about the excitement around the big day. She was also serenaded by carolers on Christmas Eve, dear friends who had not yet meet our newest addition.
May your new year be bright with hope and joy and may our holiday experiences bless you.
