We've had such a nice Christmas break! I'm in shock we've all stayed so healthy (mask benefit?), Brian's had more time off and energy than he's had in years, and we actually got to all be together with plenty of sweet baby snuggles, puzzle & game time, and LOADS of great food!
Brian was so great to think of a young intern from their office who, having recently divorced and only having family in Slovenia (!), would have had Christmas alone with her two boys. We loved having them join us, and they spoiled us with TONS of European cookies, chocolates, herbal tea, and even bobbin lace!!! They joined us for our Christmas Eve dinner, Nativity, and pajamas. We opened gifts Christmas morning, played games, and girls went sledding in some beautiful sunshine. We had the treat of hearing Brent & Breely speak in Church on Sunday (to let Brent report on his mission) and being all together, and the girls were happy to have 2 babies to hold during church (though a year apart, Thomas and Seth are almost equal weight!!).
To break up the coziness, the girls and I ran errands one day, when I stepped on a dislodged security pin in Ross (!!!!!) trying on a shoe (tetanus shot the next day), and I washed a banana in a load of laundry thanks to Seth's help!
We celebrated Dad's birthday with Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, and Brian grabbed gelato for dessert. We had another round of great food for New Year's Eve, and Brent and Breely joined us for our early celebration (only Spencer at a party, and the girls stayed up til midnight--I even slept through fireworks!).
It's been so relaxing having a good stretch with so few demands on our time. We've had hours of the couches full of us reading, watching GBBO together, playing Just Dance, and even shoveling the neighborhood when it snowed. For once, I'm not anxious for school and routines to start again, but I'm really grateful for this time we've had. We ended the break with a family bowling trip after putting away all the Christmas yesterday, and then Emily & Anne had a few friends over for games. The last few winter breaks have left me a bit overwhelmed with a surprise pregnancy one year, and a sleepless new baby year the next, so it has been wonderful seeing the hope of a new chapter and new year ahead. I have such a hard time balancing being at peace & content with life and how things happen, and wanting to "be an agent unto myself" in choosing directions I should go and making good things happen. When Seth was born, I felt so conscientious about being more easy going with my expectations and avoiding frustration and resentment, since I was getting a sort of second chance at doing the baby stage. I have tried to be more flexible and patient in perspective (most days), which has been good, but it's been interesting that now my lack of contentment comes from not having enough direction/ purpose! Life is SO full of balancing!! Part of me loves the endless possibilities of life, and part of me (the body part) is aware that my TIME is not endless! Hopefully I'll do better at goal setting and striving this year, while still being able to retain some patience and self-mercy. One of my goals is to finish reading all of the references to Jesus Christ from the scriptures Topical Guide, and as I read through the list of His visits/appearances to people, I loved how much He meets people going about life--at a well, at fishing, doing household work, on a path. I think God honors our ordinary moments even while He sees the greatness we're capable of. Happy New Year and New Hope to everyone! I AM overwhelmed with gratitude and hope of life ahead! Love, Mom/Char
