Rowley/Johnson Christmas celebration - 2024!

Our family Christmas was celebrated before the holiday this year, and one perk was that we had a "white Christmas", which the kids sure enjoyed.  We always gather at Gwen and Tim's house, which has enough space for all the stuff that accompanies the Holiday!  The first thing we do is take these pictures!  We have learned that trying to get everyone to cooperate after food and presents just does not work.  So, photos it was!

I made a special request this year for a beef roast for dinner, and Tim was happy to make it.  He put a ton of beef in a crock pot with carrots and potatoes and then also made a serious mound of mashed potatoes for this "spud" loving family.  We managed to squeeze around the table for this wonderful Christmas dinner.

After dinner, we proceeded to the present portion of the day.  The kids all seemed to really enjoy their gifts.  This year I think Lia got the prize for being the most excited about her gifts - most were practical things for her College dorm.  After presents, all the kids wanted to go outside to go sledding on the hill in Gwen and Tim's front yard.  This is the second year that we have been able to play in the snow during our Christmas celebrations since 2020 when they moved into this house.  

The kids managed to get in about an hour of sledding before the sun went down.  The promise of dessert and hot cocoa got everyone inside without too much complaining.  Susie and Doug had stopped at our favorite bakery (Blessed Little Kitchen) and brought cupcakes, cookies and a French Silk pie!  We managed to squeeze in a family game time and this years new game was a card came called "The Chameleon".  It is supposed to be for older kids and adults but Grace and Anna played with no problem.  As a matter of fact, they did much better than this grandma! As usual!  It was sad to see the day end, but everyone was tired.  Doug and Susie have quite a long drive home, so it was an early goodbye.  

Every family day we have makes me so grateful for my children and grandchildren.  I am so aware of many who do not get to celebrate with their grown children, or those who don't have any family nearby.  I don't take these times for granted.  Each celebration, each event, each family get together is another memory.  These are memories that I know I will cherish in the years ahead.  

These times with family pictures highlight just how fast the kids are growing up.  This year we have one in preschool, two in grade school, one in junior high, one in high school and one in college!  Quite the spread.  And before I know it, they will all be grown and flown.  So I continue to make being with my children and grandchildren the top priority of my life.  It makes for a full and fun calendar of events!

Jesus, thank you for family and time spent together.  Holy Spirit, remind us all of the value of memories and the importance of spending time together.  Keep us mindful of those around us who are alone or lonely.  Give us courage and boldness to share kindness and love with those around us.  Thank you for this season to celebrate your birth.  Amen