Oh, Christmas! The anticipation of Advent, brought to glorious fruition in the long awaited celebration of Christ’s birth! Everything we do throughout this month – decorating, baking, planning, attending concerts and parties, points us toward this day.
In the days before Christmas Eve, we were able to get our lights up outside, thanks to Natalie’s stellar efforts. Paul kept saying “we have all kinds of lights, don’t buy anymore lights!” but I knew. I KNEW we did not have enough lights, and I was right. We have a big yard! With bushes! And lots of fence! I did need to buy more lights. Well, now we have more. Still not enough, since my long string of red fairy lights that I have been using on the bushes by the front gate went kaput – so prepare yourself Paul, I will be buying more next year! Still, we are blessed with all this festive illumination:
Our family celebrations were happy and relaxed yesterday… I timed my energy right this time! I can’t believe how much I was able to do physically, from preparations to moving around the house with my heavy camera to get photos, to cleaning up and doing some dishes – I DID SOME DISHES!!! I love my life!
Geneva and Laurent were here, along with Ana, Jose and cousin Noel. We had lemon blueberry loaf and tasty coffee concoctions for a lazy breakfast with stocking stuffers. Lunch was simple – various hors d’oeuvres, meatballs and rice. The Christmas Story was read, and Paul’s “homily” was brief yet meaningful. Ruben, who had been planning all year to be the Christmas elf and hand out gifts (even got him a hat), had to share the honors with Ellie since his broken wrist meant he could only handle smaller gifts. But there were those a-plenty, and the opening thereof was chaotic joy! And we were able to finish up before 2pm when Geneva and Laurent both had to skedaddle to their next commitments of the day. We are so very blessed, all because of Christ, the greatest of gifts!
I love my pics of the day. Jeff, with his hair being blown from the back by the fan; my kids and dogs; the fam gathered in the living room and around the table… Even with my new tables, we didn’t actually “gather round” and have a sit-down meal, and you know what? That’s ok. I love to see photos of long tables clad in beautiful linens, embellished with crystal and china, sparkling silverware and seasonal centerpieces! But that’s not how we do things over here at the West Side Heidmanns. Casual comfort is beautiful too.
I couldn’t be more delighted with my photography gifts from Laurent and Paul – a new “Kate” portrait backdrop, and a Haida variable ND filter (much needed here in the desert where the sun is so harsh most of the year). And dear Geneva hand-stitched me the sweetest gift – a pocket prayer shrine that coincidentally matches my purse, and precious Ruben got me a little candle I can use for my devotional time. There were tears.
Pics of yesterday – and then I have to wake up the kids and get us on the road to Grandma’s for even MORE Christmas joy! Feliz Navidad!
