christmas 2011

Where I grew up in Tulsa, on the street where I lived, my next-door neighbor was a little old lady named Mrs.Thomas. Although she was white haired, frail, and hard of hearing, her home was very much alive. She was the mother of ten, and Grandmother to many, including children like me whom she invited over in the summer to use her pool that was old and cracked, surrounded by overgrown bushes, and filled with frog eggs, but nonetheless a delight to young naturalists, and in the winter she must have welcomed us as well, because I can remember sitting in her living room with wide eyes gazing at her Christmas tree surrounded by mountains of colorful, ribboned gifts.  I decided in those visits, that I would have ten children as well.  It wasn't a desire for what was inside the boxes that convinced me, but the beautiful scene that their colors created as the lay nestled next to each other, stacked in seemingly endless connection.

Now December 26 is possibly the most difficult day of the year because that is the nature of being so abundantly blessed. Where to put things, and how to respond to all the newness, and take ownership? The boxes are opened and what was inside comes out with it's own demands and all of it's wrappings must be attended to as well. Like any responsibility, inevitably comes the need to remind oneself that this new chore is what comes with the blessing of this new connection.

  But I do wake up aware that I have completed something. My single mom Santa hat can now be boxed away with the lights and paper ornaments...quickly as the branches are dry ,and the tree must go out before it goes up like an incendiary,and now to take control of all the wonderful gifts that surround me, to clear away the wrapping, so I can focus on finding a new focus.

This was Christmas morning. Some of this was the single mom Santa, but most was the responsibility of our extreme home teachers who snuck into the house Saturday evening left colorful boxes filled with sweaters and boots, pants, socks, DVDs, toys. They did the dishes, vacuumed the rug, and left the glass on the fireplace open, so Grant looked in and said he swore he could see Santa's foot prints.

Saturday evening they had asked me to have the kids out of the house, so I drove them to the McDonald's in Springville. We brought the girls' friends and sang Christmas carols as we drove along Springville highway,  singing in what Kyle called our "lower class British accent."  I am grateful for that memory.

eleven

Friday March 11, we celebrated Kyle's birthday at Nickle City.

Kyle geared up for laser tag.

That's Caitlin.

Laser Sophie.

Nickle City has suprisingly good pizza. Yummy crust.

Kyle's Friday cake, one of three.  Friday evening the weather was beautiful. Kyle and his friends and siblings played out at the park, a violent kind of  knock each other down the hill game.  A good time was had by all. I guess.

 I think Kyle had a pretty decent weekend of celebration. Saturday morning I sent the kids off to a movie, forgot which one.  In the evening, per Kyle's request, we went to Golden Corral.  Remember not to go there on a Saturday after six again too packed. We loved that it was seafood night. The coconut shrimp was yummy.

After dinner we went to Pet-co to bring home Kyle's new pets.  I had promised him a bright green frog.  I didn't know how expensive the start up would be.  We decided on the more interactive parakeets.  The kids named them Pablo and Pauli.  I said isn't that the same name?  They weren't concerned.

 Sunday morning church.  In the afternoon our home teachers invited us over for a barbecue in honor of Kyle.  Salmon and steak. So delicious. Then home for presents.

This is the banjo that Rob sent for Kyle.  It's a beautiful instrument.

I  love the detail.

Happy Birthday Kyle. I love you.

santa giraffe

My favorite thing overheard... Christmas 2010.  William pointed to Mary's new reindeer and said "Santa giraffe."

Christmas morning...

Sophie's first.

One of our new hamster friends...

Stockings...

Breakfast...

We were grateful to spend the day with Grandma Martha. It's been a long time since we've been together for the holidays. In the evening we had dinner with Granddad and Judith. They reserved the clubhouse so the kids would have more space to run around like crazed Christmas candy junkies.

Judith made a wonderful feast for us.

Olivia has been attached to that camera since she opened it.  It was one of the many gifts we received from our home teacher Santas.

Judith also made these adorable cupcakes with yummy cherry frosting.

Jackie and Isaco  and Isaco's brother came to dinner too.

Jackie brought their beautiful gingerbread houses and gifts for the kids...sparklers for New Year's Eve and a snowman building kit.  We can't wait to use them.

Iron man came too.

This is Iron man flying.

How was your Christmas? Please let me know.

visions

...danced in their heads...

I have five in my room this Christmas Eve..

We had a visit from our home teacher and his elves.  Grant said our home teacher is "the real Santa." He came with "a pack."  We felt very blessed.

Some one is waiting to be discovered.  I need to speak to my therapist about this.  I thought I was a recovered pet owner,  but Christmas brings out my inner includer.

The children came home from their visit with Rob, each one excited to tell about his or her favorite part of the few days. I'd stayed up well past midnight each night, feeling to hesitant to go to bed without my little companions, and trying to get the wrapping done. And here I am again.

It's Christmas morning. I am grateful for the birth of our Savior. I am grateful for the friends who have reached out to me and my family this Christmas time, with gifts and kind words. I am grateful for friends faraway, you grace my memories, strengthen my children and me with your good influences. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas..a blessed holiday season. I pray that you feel the love of God in your life. I am grateful for the friends and family who have helped me recognize it too.

Merry Christmas!