Those lyrics, from The Carpenters' Family Christmas, are some of my favorite of all time. This morning brought the light of the sun, and the Sounds of celebration. As Grammy and I were getting ready early, I heard something through my bathroom window. Thank goodness Grammy is menopausal and had to open the window. Otherwise, we wouldn't have heard it. The sound kept getting louder and louder, and I stopped painting my face to listen. The most beautiful music was playing from what seemed like every church in my neighborhood!! I hurried to the other bathroom and got Grammy. We both stood by the bathroom window and listened. It was a Gift to our ears. As I listened, I looked at the pictures I have perched up on my bathroom window sill, along with a wooden "Smile" sign. On my vanity sits another picture. These pictures are of three of my guardian angels, my Uncle Eric (Grammy's baby brother,) my best friend from college, and my other best friend from middle school. I wept with tears of joy but also tears of sadness. It's our fourth Christmas without Uncle Eric and Amanda's family's first Christmas without her. Grammy said they are the ones who arranged our little musical enjoyement this morning. I smiled, knowing they were there.
After getting ready, Grammy and I started our Christmas lunch. This was the first year for us to host Christmas and I wanted it to be perfect. The perfection included homeade mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, and well that's about I can offer for homeade gourmet, unless it involves protein powder and oatmeal. Therefore, we had Fritz's BBQ smoke a turkey, Grammy and Grandpa brought a ham, stuffing came from a box and the pies were from the frozen section at Hyvee. Trust me, no one wants my homeade stuff. Promise.
We had just finished prepping the mashed potatoes when we heard Koko Bean rustling around downstairs, where she had been sleeping. I went down and got her, took her potty, then after waiting forever for Daddy to primp, we turned her loose to see what Santa brought her.
She loved everything Santa brought her.
Uncle Paul got some great stuff from Santa too!
But Great Grandpa got the best gift- some Beef Eater's Gin. :)
After checking out all the loot Santa brought, we opened presents.
I'm pretty sure we opened presents for a solid two hours. Koko Bean was too distracted by her new racetrack to finish the rest of hers, so I had to finish them for her.
At noon, more guests arrived. Cousin K2 and her parents, J and T came over for our Christmas lunch.
The best part about us hosting Christmas, was that I got to say grace before our meal. I was a bit nervous, but it turned out great if I do say so myself. As we all held hands around our small island in the kitchen, I thanked God for all the blessings He's bestowed upon us. I prayed for those we missed this Christmas and for Him to fill the void in our hearts with His everlasting love. That's what this day is all about to me. A King was born to save our souls from our sins. What better Gift can be given?
The other part about this Christmas that I was most thrilled about, was that Great Grandpa was here. It had been thirty years since I got to spend Christmas with this most wonderful man. He is the patriarch of my family, my dad's dad. I am truly grateful he has been a part of our lives and that Koko Bean gets to know him. Not many kids get to know their great grandparents.
The other part about this Christmas that I was most thrilled about, was that Great Grandpa was here. It had been thirty years since I got to spend Christmas with this most wonderful man. He is the patriarch of my family, my dad's dad. I am truly grateful he has been a part of our lives and that Koko Bean gets to know him. Not many kids get to know their great grandparents.
To finish the first of our new Christmas traditions, Daddy, Koko Bean, and I drove out to Raytown to enjoy Christmas in the Park. Koko Bean was thrilled to sit on my lap as we drove through the magical display of lights. I took all the pictures on my phone because I forgot to bring my camera. Go figure. However, it was one of the coolest diplays I've ever seen.
In closing, I don't think this Christmas could have been any more special. Here's hoping for more to come just like it. I have been truly blessed this year.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
- Linus Van Pelt (from a Charlie Brown Christmas)
No comments:
Post a Comment