Having a "sleep over" with the grand kids!

I am extremely thankful that Gwen and Tim are volunteer youth leaders at their church!  Not just because it warms my heart to see them serving Jesus in this capacity, but also because their times away at retreat give me a chance to stay with the grand kids.  Except now that Lia is actually IN the youth program, I only have three of the kids to enjoy.  Anna was just delighted that I was having a sleep over at their house.  There is something fun about being there without the parents.  It really gives you a glimpse  at what their life is like, on a day to day basis.  

I was especially excited to have the chance to get to see Zeke play "No Ice Hockey". He only has one more game left in the season after this one.  This is his first year playing floor hockey, and after watching him play, I see a lot more hockey in his future.   This is no surprise since Tim plays ICE hockey and has even played on adult leagues!  These kids are only six to eight years old and it was amazing to see them play.   During the game that I watched, the coaches did a great job of letting the kids all play different positions.  Zeke played offense, defense, and center and actually scored a goal!  This was especially memorable since the team they were playing against is the number one team in the league (mostly older boys who have all played for a long time) and they have not had a goal scored against them ALL SEASON!  You can be sure that this grandma was cheering from the sidelines!

Besides Zeke's game, all three of the kids worked together on this 500 piece puzzle.  It was especially fun since it is a camper puzzle and these guys just love camping.  They talked about keeping this puzzle by coating it and framing it to hang in their camper.  Here is all three kids helping put in the last piece of the puzzle.

And with the finished puzzle!  It was so much fun to watch the kids helping each other out and working together on this project.  Such a fun way to spend a couple of rainy, cold and windy days!

(Not complaining about the weather - at least it was not snowing!)

As part of the fun "sleep over" time, Anna and Ellie wanted to "do my nails!"  So, as any good grandma would do, I allowed them to paint my nails.  Anna, at five years old, is just getting used to using nail polish.  She told me that it would be okay since "I don't paint on your skin anymore!"  And she did a really good job on my left foot!

Ellie is an old hand at doing nails, and she painted my right toes.  She also insisted on putting on a top coat and making sure that my nails were totally dry before I could leave the "Salon" (the bathroom). 

Besides these fun activities, there were games played and forts built and of course the extra long bath (that apparently only happens when grandma is there for a sleep over).  There were books read and prayers, prayed.  Zeke brought me "The book without pictures" to read to the kids.  Of course we were all laughing by the end.  The best part about that book was that Ellie wanted to read it to us all again!  So we all listened to it again and laughed some more.  Ellie has dyslexia and had a difficult time learning to read.  So her willingness to read a book, out loud, to more than one person, with no pictures, is really amazing.  Thanks to Gwen's perseverance, Ellie's hard work, and a good reading program, Ellie is reading at grade level now!   Anna asked for a "Little Blue Truck" book.  And then Ellie offered to read a story to Anna in bed.  Again, so amazing.  

Ellie and Anna helped set the table for our last dinner together, before Gwen, Tim and Lia got home.  She reminded me that we should pray before our meal.  Anna immediately said that she wanted to pray.  Her simple prayer was for all the people on the  "treat" (retreat) to get home safe, and then we prayed our family meal prayer "Come Lord Jesus".  

Come Lord Jesus, and be our guest.

And let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen

I couldn't help but reflect on that simple prayer.  My mom had always said that prayer with her family before eating, and she carried it on with my family.  I taught it to my children and now they have taught it to their kids.  Such a simple little prayer, yet so meaningful.  Inviting Jesus to be with us at our table.  And then asking for God's blessing over our food and the time together.  

I had one of those sudden moments, remembering my own childhood, saying that prayer with my parents and siblings.  And then remembering my own kids as small children, sitting in our kitchen together, praying that prayer.  Such a warm and wonderful feeling of Spiritual connections across multiple generations.  All through a simple table prayer.  

We ended our special time together, all cuddled on the coach watching a movie.  It was such a wonderful end to a special couple of days.  

Jesus, thank you for simple prayers that speak through the years.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminders of our Spiritual heritage.  Help us remember that even simple prayers can last for generations and impact into the future.  Jesus, thank you for children, for fun and for laughter.  Amen

Weekend away with the kids.....

We spent the last couple of days with all the kids (and grandkids also) at one of our favorite places - Timber Ridge Lodge.  This fun time is for me one of the best times of the year.... we get so much fun crammed into just a couple of days.  This place is a business gold mine, since they have really thought out family get-aways.   The rooms are all 1 or 2 bedroom suite rooms that also have a pull out couch.  There is a large dining table and an (almost) full size kitchen.  We discovered that they don't have an oven - only a stove top.  So no frozen pizza  for the kids.  But they do have a microwave also.  The highlight is the indoor water park that is really perfect for kids preteen and younger.  The toddler area is perfect for really young ones and there is also a lazy river.  Ken especially liked the "adults only" hot tub!  There is also an indoor/outdoor hot tub that kids are allowed to use.

I snapped this picture of Lia, Ellie, Anna and I and you can tell by our squints that the sun was very bright!  You can also see the snow in the background!  It is interesting to be outside yet still warm in the water, even when it is snowing!  

We got to spend lots of time together, eating, playing games and laughing! I confess that I participated in a game with the kids that had something to do with sushi (?) but I sure didn't understand the rules or even how the game was played. I just kept saving any random cards and discarding whatever was left.  The kids had a great time and I think Tim won.  It was still a fun filled time - even if Grandma was very confused.  I love this photo of the five kids together, watching a quick video before heading off to bed.

After the kids were in bed, the adults spent time playing a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.  The guys managed to eek out a win, even though the girls were close behind. I was happy to actually answer one question correctly.

Hours pass quickly during water park fun, with hardly a break to grab something to eat or drink.  Lia took Anna on the tube slide over and over again.  As fast as they came zooming down, they were headed back up the stairs for another run.  

  

What a wonderful time we all had!  We were especially thankful that Ken was feeling great and able to enjoy the time.  Just a few weeks ago, it seemed unlikely that this event would even happen.  It is really a miracle that we were blessed to have this chance to be together. 

By the end of the day, we all felt a bit like Grace, who fell asleep on Susie's lap.  She insisted she  wanted to go back into the water, but could hardly keep her eyes open.  In spite of all the noise and commotion going on around her, she managed to catch a short nap.

This trip to the water park has become a yearly event for our family.  It is one of those "traditions" that the kids just beg to continue.  Just for fun, here is a picture from our first ever trip to Timber Ridge in 2011.  Lia was 4 and Ellie was a month shy of 2.  You can't quite see Grace's swim suit in the very first picture of this blog (because of her floaty) - but she is wearing the same suit that Ellie has on in this photo!  Gotta love those hand me down clothes!  Not only the clothes get recycled, so do the events!

Bonus picture of Grace with her suit more visible! Almost exactly the same age as Ellie was above!

I am just so thankful today, sitting here looking back on this years trip, but also thinking of all of the years of fun we have had.  I am thankful for digital photos and ways to easily find pictures when you want to.  I am so thankful for the medicine and doctors to help us stay healthy and active, so that we can enjoy our grandchildren.  

We have had our share of worries and concerns in 2019.   This weekend has reminded me that spending time doing what you love is the most important thing.  Being with the people that matter to you, sharing love - yep that is the best.  Just writing this blog as brought me so much joy.  Joy and love can sure cancel out worry and concern.  This trip was just what Ken and I needed.  We are going into March feeling much less worried and far less concerned and much more joyful and so, so loved!  I'd say that was a really good couple of days!

Jesus, thank you so much for times of fun and laughter.  Holy Spirit, help us remember when we are worried and concerned that you are always with us.  Give us grace and courage to let our families know when we need more hugs and more time together.  Keep us watchful of others so that we can share your love and bring joy to others.  Amen 

Thank goodness for indoor playgrounds!

Yesterday our family had a short get together at an indoor playground. The Treehouse,Lake Zurich is truly just a video game free- playground, with climbing, running, sliding and more!  And, considering the weather (rain, rain and more rain), we were very thankful for this place!  Because of every ones very busy schedules, we planned to get there as soon as they opened, let the kids play for a couple of hours and then go to lunch together.  It is difficult to find activities that are good for a 2 year old as well as not so bad for an almost 13 year old.  Thankfully, Lia is happy to just be with our family, no matter what the activity is!  There was plenty for her to do at this place and all of the kids had a great time.  Grace ran for the entire time.  Doug and Susie had a difficult time getting her to stop to drink some water. This was a new place for all of us, and the kids all wanted to know when they could come back.

I managed to snap this photo of Doug and Gwen together!  We don't often think to take pictures like this, and I was grateful to catch a "sister/brother" shot.

After all the running, sliding and playing all of the kids were hungry.  Gwen, Susie and I were very thankful for a close by eating place that we always order from during our scrapbook weekends.
We took our "crew" (that's what it feels like when there are 11 of us) to Meat and Potato Eatery!

 When I snapped this picture, I missed Susie and me, so here is a bonus selfie of the two of us!

 Everyone chowed down on really delicious food and we all had a great time sharing stories and large amounts of various fries. Everyone went out the door with multiple carry out boxes.  So if you ever have a chance to visit this place, know that the portions are really big!

Gwen and Tim and the kids had to scoot out quickly since Zeke had a floor hockey game in the early afternoon.  Tim and Anna also had a late afternoon "Daddy and Me" event at her preschool (so Gwen also had the same event in her classroom).  Susie and Doug and Gracie were off to look for a new vehicle to tow their camper.  Ken and I were grateful to just be heading home!

I was thinking about the fact that this was just a couple of hours that we were together.  Yet, it was such a good time.  Sometimes we think that we must have big, long events to make memories.  The truth is just being together, even when it is just a short time, is so life giving.  Nothing makes this mom and grandma happier than seeing everyone having fun together.  The kids were certainly glad to see Ken feeling so much better.  After finally getting free from his PIC line and IV, and mostly able to stand and walk normally, all of the kids were glad to give Grandpa lots of hugs!

My advice today is to make those memories - even when you only have a couple of hours to spare.  Don't wait around for those big events.  Call up your friends or family and spend a couple of hours doing something fun.  Cap off the time together by sharing some snacks or a meal.  It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.  Just be together.  Give those hugs, and share that love!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that love is what matters.  Holy Spirit, nudge us to connect with the people around us who matter the most.  Help us to find time to share fun, laughter and love with others.   Give us hearts that are willing to find time in our schedules to make memories.  Thank you for wonderful indoor (year around) playgrounds.  Amen

When pictures on the walls makes you feel at home....

It has only been a few weeks since our painting project was completed, but it feels like it has been a long time since the house has felt like my home.  Isn't it funny how pictures on the walls make your home feel "right"?  I wanted to make good decisions about the placement of pictures and weed out things that really didn't need to be up any longer.  But, boy was this a difficult task.   I had piled everything off the walls from almost the entire house (except my scrap room and Ken's camera room) into my scrap room.  What a mess!  I couldn't really use my room at all for the totes and bags and boxes of wall stuff.  Once Ken was home from the hospital and I had a bit of time to just breathe, I started to sort and figure out what I wanted to put up right away. 

First up - the grandchildren frames. 

Susie actually created each of these frames for me and there is one for each of the grandchildren.  They are "Grandma and...." frames and I cherish each one.  It felt so good to hang those up! Nothing makes me smile more than seeing those frames every time I walk in that hallway.  

We got some new shelves that fit my scrapbook collection and allow for display of some other family photos!

I have wanted a way to have easy access to my scrapbooks and it was such a wonderful thing to find these shelf units that are big enough to hold the 12X12 albums.  I actually have lots of space left for all of the books that I still need to fill with pictures.  

Slowly, the home improvement work is getting done.  We still have a couple more big projects to complete (interior doors, carpet upstairs, and railings on our stairs) but it is actually starting to feel almost done.  It is interesting that I am blogging about these updates during this week.   It is actually the 41st anniversary of our moving into this house.  Ken and I closed on the house on February 17,  1978 and moved in on the 25th.  This was just before we closed on the house...

There had been a large snowstorm just a week before our closing and we had to wait for the builder to install some kind of driveway for access to the house.  The front yard was just a mud pit and there were piles of snow and dirt everywhere.  But we moved in!  

One thing is certain.  This has been a wonderful home for Ken and I and our children.  We brought both kids home from the hospital to this house.  The room that is now my scrapbook room (which is where I am currently sitting) was our nursery.  There were countless birthday parties, Christmas celebrations and everything in between.  So many memories, so much love.  While we have gotten rid of much of the interior that was here in 1978, the foundation is the same.  And it is a good, sturdy foundation.

I love the old children's Bible song The Wise Man Built His House On The Rock.  There have been many prayers going up from this house, and so many blessing have come down..  Yes, it was a good decision for us when we purchased our home so many years ago never thinking that we would still be in this house 41 years later.  Every time I open the front door, I am thankful for this house, for my family and for every one of those years.  

Pictures on the walls have helped me feel more at home in my house, but it is really the love and the memories that fill me inside these walls.  Yes I am thankful for the house and all of the stuff inside of it.  But mostly I am thankful for the blessing of my family.  And so thankful for the foundation of Jesus in my life, that has given me my own firm foundation.  

Jesus, thank you for pouring out your blessings on my family.  Help each one of us to see the importance of building our life on your strong foundation.  Holy Spirit remind us of every time we have been secure in times of trouble so that we will not fear the approach of any flood.  Give us courage and boldness to share your love Jesus.  Amen

Longing for a return to my "normal" life....

You just never know how much you will miss your "normal" routine, until you suddenly are so far out of the routine, you wonder where you are!  These past four weeks have been a whirlwind of events that included our return from Florida to a "polar Vortex", Anna's 5th birthday, Grace's 2nd birthday, Ken tearing three major muscles trying to clean up our house, getting our upstairs totally painted, Ken spending 8 days in the hospital, followed by home IV therapy that requires frequent trips to the hospital, plus multiple snow events, freezing rain, ice storms, and all around really lousy weather.  Yeah, this is a four week time period I would not want to relive!

This was my view from Ken's hospital room.  I spent quite a bit of time looking out that window.  Several times there were giant snowflakes that were floating UP due to the strong winds.  That's right!  I forgot to mention that we also had 60 mile an hour winds after an ice storm!  The very painful tear of three major muscles left Ken pretty much not able to move around and wondering when his next pain medicine was due.  Because of the serious muscle damage in his hip/buttock region, his leg swelled to a really alarming size, which compounded his walking ability.  A urinary tract infection (caused by one of his medications) had the doctors searching for the site of a blood infection (which turned into a real wild goose chase).  Needless to say, we now know that his heart is in pretty good shape, he doesn't have an infection in the area of the muscle tear, he doesn't have any lung problems and most likely the whole thing is a urinary issue!  It was a stressful, long 8 days dealing with way to many doctors.  This was the view from the waiting area on his floor, when I could manage to take a walk for a quick breather....

This was quite a learning experience for me and Ken.  We learned it is true that the medical world doesn't really care if you can afford treatment or not, and they don't take that into account when ordering tests and scans and more tests!  We found out that often times, when there are multiple doctors treating the same patient, they will not agree on

 A. what is actually wrong with the patient or 

B. how to treat the patient!  

Several times we had heard one specialty doctor say "don't do that" only to have a different specialty doctor order that exact test!   At this point we are just extremely thankful that Ken is home from the hospital, the end of the IV medication is in sight (in two days he will be done), and he is walking fine and getting around well.  The orthopedic doctor who saw Ken on the first day said "In three weeks, you will be amazed with how well you are doing and in three months you will be totally healed".  That doctor really knew what he was talking about.

For me personally, there were many lessons learned.  I learned that I really miss seeing the grandkids every week.  With our two week vacation just prior to all of this, it has been a LONG time since I got to spend the day with the kids.  

We did make it to Anna's 5th birthday and Grace's 2nd birthday, but it is not the same as being with the kids while watching them.  

Anna and Grace are almost exactly three years apart- Anna's birthday is January 30 and Grace is February 1.  Seeing them play together at Anna's party just reminded me of the special cousin connection that they will have in the coming years. 

Additionally I was reminded, again, how thankful I am for Gwen and Tim and Doug and Susie.  Because we live close by, there were many hospital visits, lots of phone calls and text messages, and so much care and concern for both Ken and I.  It was such a blessing to have them around to be a sounding board as decisions needed to be made. 

My praying small group kept me held up in prayer, when I was just exhausted and unable to even know what to pray.  They were checking in with me, sending me encouraging words, and letting me know that I was not alone during this stressful time.  They kept Ken covered in prayer when I didn't even know what he needed!  I truly learned that this group of ladies are not just my friends, they are also my support and helpmates. If you don't have a close, small group I encourage you to find one soon.   Like right now!  Because you never know what tomorrow will bring. 

Which is, in fact, the biggest and most important lesson that Ken and I learned from this last month.  While it is good to make plans and look ahead into the future, it is also important to stay in the present day and appreciate all that it has for you.  Things can change on a dime and you just don't know when a sickness or injury or job loss or some other event might just change your normal routine. 

Last week, very near to our home, a senseless tragedy happened.  A lone gunman walked into his long time place of employment and opened fire on his coworkers and on the law enforcement  who responded to the event.  There were deaths and many were injured.  For so many families in this community, their normal was shattered that day.  The nation has rallied to this community and prayers and support have come from all over the country.  It was a wake up call for many who live their lives feeling as if nothing can touch them.  It is a false sense of security. 

I am so thankful that my security comes from Jesus and knowing who I am in Him.  No matter what happens to shake my normal, to rattle those in the community around me, I know that Jesus is on the throne and He is in control.  Whatever the storm, whatever the event, God has got this. Jesus warned us in Matthew 6:34, to not look ahead at tomorrow, but to stay focused on today.  And I can assure you, in the last four weeks, every day has had enough to worry about!  And knowing that God is in control, has given us great comfort.

Today I actually returned to my old "normal", meeting with my small group. It was a wonderful thing to actually get hugs from my dear friends.  My heart and spirit were filled to overflowing with thanksgiving.  Not only for these warrior women and their prayers, but mostly for the God that can not be shaken, who helps us walk through whatever comes our way.    Thankful for today.

Jesus, thank you for being so near to us when we most need you.  Holy Spirit, remind us to stand with those who have experienced a day that has changed their normal forever.  Keep us mindful of those closest to us and give us sensitive hearts to bring your comfort and peace in times of trouble.  Thank you Jesus for loving us.  Amen

January travel to (slightly) warmer places...

Sometimes those last minute trips just work out.  This was one of those times!  We got an incredible deal on some air fare and decided to leave snowy, cold Chicago and travel to warm, sunny Florida.  Well, it was certainly warmer - but it was COLD for Florida.   We saw more than a few winter coats walking the streets!  One weatherman actually said that they might break some records with low temperatures in the 30's.    We did escape the first real snowstorm of the season, with more than 6 inches of snow and really cold temperatures.  That brought a smile to Ken's face!

We started our trip with a visit to Ken's sisters.  It was wonderful to see them since we have not seen them for several years.  We had time to visit and also time to explore around Marco Island and see some amazing sunsets.

We moved on to Miami Beach. We took the Tamiami Trail which takes you through the Everglades.  It was worth the small amount of extra time for the drive with a view.   Ken has always wanted to photograph the Art Deco area of Miami Beach.  Little did we know, the weekend we decided to visit was the "Art Deco Festival" weekend!  Even though it was chilly, the beach was amazing.

We ate at lots of outdoor cafes and walked and walked and walked. We had one day of rain but we managed to still enjoy ourselves.  We never made it into the Atlantic Ocean - it was just very cold, but we enjoyed walking the beach.  It was a nice few days, but it was very crowded.  I don't think I would ever go back, however Ken said he would!

Leaving Miami, we drove up to Venice, Florida taking mostly the back roads.  We saw lots of interesting fields of crops - some we never could identify.  It sort of looked like clumps of really tall plants with some grain looking things of the top?  And there were lots of Orange Groves filled with soon to be harvested oranges.  Also lots of cows and horses.  It was a nice change from traveling the interstate.  

The beaches of Venice and Nokomis are Ken's favorite part of Florida.  He spent lots of time here from the time he was really small, when his grandparents retired to Nokomis.  Ken remembers the area when it was much less crowded and much less developed.  Most of Casey Key is covered with houses now.  And the entire area is built up.  From the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, we walked the beaches!

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 We took time to drive by the house that Ken's grandparents owned in Nokomis.  I am sure that the current owners wondered why we were driving by slowly and stopping for pictures.

Vacations are interesting. You can visit brand new locations or revisit areas that hold fond memories.  The one thing that you can not control is the weather.  You can always expect that you will have some bad weather.  For us, it was bitter sweet visiting Marco since Ken's dad has died.  We had many good memories of visiting him each year that he lived there.  While it was fun visiting Miami Beach for the first time, it is also nice to RE-VISIT beaches that have been a part of family pictures for years and years.  We have a picture of Ken on Nokomis beach when he was only a couple years old. While it was nice to see Grandma and Grandpa Bakers house, it was certainly a reminder of the passage of time.  

Reflecting on the last week, I am missing my own siblings.  I am also thinking about visiting some of my childhood favorite places.  I guess that means Ken and I will have to plan a trip to South Dakota and Minnesota sometime in the future!

Being by water is for sure my happy place.  And we have certainly been by water on this trip. Usually I am able to spend time just reading, praying and listening.  This trip has been a bit different and I haven't really had that time.  But the one thing that has been coming to mind, over and over, is that I need to do a better job putting words onto a page in this blog.  It is already the 21st of January and this is my first blog of the year.  I will be making time to share more regularly so hopefully I will   get inspiration for the time ahead.   For now, I am just very thankful for this time away and for the warmer weather.  It has felt like such a blessing to be here.

Some things I have learned on this trip...

*Sometimes the cheapest rental car is not the fastest!  But I am thankful for the car!

*Hotels in Miami don't have heat in their rooms?  At least they provided small heaters!

*Always make sure you get breakfast with your hotel room.. There was  a small bakery close by!

*January is cold in Florida.  But the water is still beautiful!

*Don't take a room facing a pool and bar in Miami! However it was nice to have a covered patio in the rain!

*Earplugs don't drown out the very loud music at 3am!  The hotel comped our room night!

Jesus, I know that you are always with me.  Thank you for reminding me that your love surrounds and protects us.  Holy Spirit, help us all to appreciate times away from our regular routines.  Jesus help us all to step away from our day to day things and to spend time with you even when we are at home. Thank you for memories and reminders of the past and also for those new experiences that become treasured memories.  And thank you for helping me see the bright side of some odd travel experiences.   Amen

Thinking about the 2018 Christmas season...

This morning, I was drinking my coffee out of my brand new "photo mug" that I received from the kids for Christmas, and reflecting back on the last few weeks.  I love that this new mug has all 6 of our grandchildren pictured.  It is such a good way to begin each day, looking at these sweet faces!

Needless to say, it was not exactly the holiday that Ken and I had expected.  We had arranged to celebrate our "family" Christmas on the Saturday before Christmas.  We have found that having the day away from the holiday actually makes for a more restful and fun celebration.  Unfortunately, Ken was not feeling well on the Friday before that and ended up in the ER after some serious stomach pain.  After a series of tests, it was determined that he has some stomach ulcers and inflammation most likely caused by a course of antibiotics he had been taking over the last few weeks.  After an overnight in the hospital and a slightly uncomfortable test, we begged to be released to still make it to Gwen and Tim's in time for our Christmas.  Thankfully he was quickly released and we got to our celebration by early afternoon. We are also thankful that the new medicine to reduce his stomach acid has given him total freedom from any stomach pain.    The thought of missing being with our family made both Ken and I especially grateful for the time spent together. 

It was a wonderful, crazy and fun day.  Tim made a wonderful ham dinner (which Ken ate with no problems!)   The kids had so much fun opening presents and as usual, there was lots of laughing and just being silly. 

I love this picture of the kids together!  Grace had a wonderful time with the older kids. She pushed her shopping cart around and around the room.  It is hard to believe that soon she will be two years old.  Lia has made the move away from the "toys" to much more grown up things.  Her gifts included clothes and slippers and tickets to see "Hamilton"!  She had to immediately text her friends with the exciting news.  Yes, it is clear that she will be 13 in a few months, as we have moved into the "teenage" years.  Ellie got her long awaited "Calico Critters" (which included a zillion little tiny pieces of "stuff").  Anna loved all of her Shoppie dolls and especially liked the Backpack set (that included a water bottle, lunch box and pencil case).  Zeke was all about Pokemon (no surprise there) but also loved a roller coaster game that is really quite amazing.  We all had so much fun doing a science experiment taken from a book given to the older kids by Doug and Susie.  Lets just say that balloons, string, tape and lots of very odd noises accompanied this.  Doug managed to find a way to make really loud noises during the experiment.  Needless to say, Ken was able to catch a nap (after a sleepless couple of nights) and the noise didn't bother him (or Chandler) at all!  

The kids were running around, the adults were laughing like crazy and these two slept on!  I guess when you finally relax pain free, you can sleep through anything!  What a wonderful family time together.  One that we will remember always.  

The rest of our Christmas was really low key.  Ken and I mostly just stayed home and watched some movies.  We did go to Gwen and Tim's church for Christmas Eve candlelight service.  Gwen sang and played flute, so we joined Tim and the kids for this late night service.  We ended up getting home around midnight.  For a change the weather cooperated and the night was clear and relatively warm for Chicago (30 degrees).   A wonderful way to remember the reason for the season!

Christmas Day was another quiet day for us.  We did decide to go to see a movie in the afternoon and really enjoyed "Mary Poppins Returns".  So nice to go the movies and come away with a smile and feeling good.  

On the day after Christmas, Ken and I were shopping for a few sale items for next year.  I found really nice stuffed animals for our Operation Christmas Child boxes, reduced to $1.50 each.  I got to talking to a lady behind us in the checkout line about this great sale.  She had never heard of the Operation Christmas Child boxes and was greatly interested.  I gave her all the information and she  said that she would be doing this next year with her Girl Scout troop and her own children.  Passing on information about this ministry was one of the highlights of my holiday.  I love that our participation in honor of Lucas, may bring others into the joy of touching children around the world.  This year my boxes went to Rwanda, Africa, and I pray for those little boys who will soon receive our boxes.  

Christmas is about receiving and giving.  It all started when God gave us an incredible gift through the birth of Jesus.  And it is all about our receiving that wonderful gift when we grow to know and love Jesus as our Savior.  I love that our family finds so much joy in being together - in sharing love and laughter. That is what the season is really all about.  Giving and receiving warm hugs.

Yesterday I took down all of our Christmas decorations.  They are still sitting in the garage, awaiting a time to return them to the attic.  We had a light dusting of snow the other night, which made it a little bitter sweet to see the decorations go away.  It actually looked a bit more "Christmasy" than it has for the last month.  But no complaints for me about the lack of shovelable snow!   Today it is pouring rain.  I was thinking about how much snow we would have if the temperature was just a few degrees colder.  So I am feeling very thankful that we are starting the New Year on the warm side.

I am ending this year feeling so thankful and happy, content and ready to contemplate the new year ahead.  Yes, 2018 has been a good year filled with family, friends and fun.  Looking forward to all that Jesus has in store for us in 2019.  

Jesus, thank you for giving us reminders to appreciate each day together.  Holy Spirit, help us all to reflect on the year just past while also nudging us to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Give us courage and boldness to continue to share the kindness and generosity of Christmas all year long.  Give us eyes to see needs around us, and hands willing to do the service.  Keep our feet moving forward into your plans for us. Thank you for love, laughter and fun.  Amen