A Wonderful Life

Christmas is behind us and boy what a Christmas it was! We went to Fayetteville and I helped Mom prepare for the big Christmas Eve-Eve party. I wanted to go down early to help her out... I'm not quite sure what I was thinking! With Ivey in tow, I was at about 20% of my usual pre-party helpfulness. But, I was able to run some errands for her, clean up a little and fix a few food items. At around 4:00 I started to panic. The house is usually a disaster area right before the party, but for some reason that fact wasn't making me feel much better with only 3 hours to go. I did what I could and headed upstairs to nurse Ivey and get a shower. Of course, in typical Mom fashion, the starts and moon aligned themselves and viola! I came down the stairs to a beautiful house full ready for guests.

The party was a blast, like always. Charlie, Kristi, Hal, Jen and we spent the night. The next morning was a bit weird because both Mom and Roland had to work! But, Chris and Leslie and the kids came and all of us siblings exchanged our gifts for the kids. We were able to have our annual Christmas Even Morning festivities, even though the people who actually live there weren't able to come. Mom and Roland saved their gifts so that they could bring them to each of our houses on Christmas Day. It wasn't the usual schedule of events, but it worked great! Flexibility is the key!

We went to Randy and Linda's house later that day and went to church. It was a great kid-friendly service (and my one and only time that I have nursed Ivey in church!). We returned to their house for dinner and presents. The boys really racked up. Legos, pinball game, army men, slot car track, model car... actually Uncle Mike (aka Cool Mo Dee) was a bit upset that he bought the kids such cool presents only for Addison to say he favorite gift was the box of army men that Grandmomma and Granddaddy got them... the same little molded plastic men that we all had.. probably the cheapest present in the bunch!

Santa brought Leapsters (huge hit for Addison), Star Wars men, Pixos for Asa, art supplies, a rock tumbler, Battleship, and a Playmat, plush seat and toys for Ivey. Dad, Hal and Jen came over early and Dad unloaded the presents on our poor living room. He went totally overboard!! Then, Mom and Roland made their stop and brought yet another car load of presents. These boys have more toys than they know what to do with! I think next year, we may set some kind of grandparent limit! Later in the day, we could not find Addison anywhere. Finally, he was spotted sitting on the floor behind the living room chair.. playing his Leapster. Either he didn't want anyone to make him stop or he thought we were all ruining his concentration.

I got some great presents, too. Really great ones. My very best one, though, was to be well. Thank God. I am healthy. This recent hospital stay and scary times gave Jeff and I both a whole new appreciation for each other, our kids, our family, our life. Merry Christmas. God is Good.