Christmas 2018

This year we celebrated Christmas with our tribe Sunday, Dec 16.  Originally, Jamison and Ida had planned to be in Norway for Christmas, so we planned to celebrate early. When their plans fell through and Krissy and Devin had already asked for the day off, we decided to stick with the original plan.  I was so glad we did.  It was nice to spread things out a bit.  The little people were less tired and overwhelmed; the adults were less rushed.  It was a really sweet day.

It began in church.  I do not think we have ever attended church with both of Krissy's kids.  And it wrecked me. . . in a good way.  When Sophia marched around every other adoring family member to get to her Lala during worship saying, "Lala HOLD ME!" and proceeded to snuggle happily under my chin as we sang, tears dripped down my chin.  Looking down the long pew to see all of my most precious blessings all in a row, was nearly too much.  Who am I that God would choose to give me all of them to love?  My heart and joy leaked down my cheeks as we sang.  That was MY Christmas moment.  All others were frosting.

 This girl has my entire heart.  I often say that she brings out the LaLa in me.  Sophia and I delight in each other.  She has this "LaLa dance" she does when she sees me.  She says things like, "I got my LaLa!" and "No, my LaLa!"  and "I love you, LaLa." I can not get enough of her.

 Also - currently everything about Sophia is emphatic.  She knows exactly what she wants and needs, and she chooses to clearly communicate her desires!  Part of why  adore her so much is because I am on her list of favorites.  Those who are not. . . well, you better beware!

After church, Chad made the kids' favorite. . . cinnamon roll pancakes and bacon.  It is a sugar fest, but soooooo yummy!

 In the last few months we have reached a new milestone.  Instead of fighting or getting into trouble together, this trio actually plays!  Wyatt and Mataya are two peas in a pod, and Mataya is always very nurturing and inclusive with Sophia.  When they are together it is FUN!

 At 3.5, Wyatt is all boy.  He loves race cars, movement, race cars, and movement.  He is always on the move - but Grandpa did keep him still through church by sketching race cars for him to color.  He is an adventure a minute, but a very sweet, kind boy who always gives hugs and thank you's.

 Little Sophie-doodle was so proud to help carry packages.

 Our six.

So thankful they agree to pose for me once a year.

They didn't even complain this year!

 Now maybe you understand my tears of gratitude in church.  These are ALL my people.  Words can not express the blessing that they are to me.

 My grandma Regner once told me that every little girl needs a new dolly for Christmas, so I make sure to keep her tradition alive in my littlest ones.  

Our newlyweds.  There is no privacy in our busy house, but they have this ability to be alone in a crowd.  I hope they never lose it.

We spent Dec 21-24 at the lake with the four youngest kids.  The quiet simplicity of the lake in the midst of Christmas crazy was AMAZING!  We returned home in time to go to church and have dinner with the Hoff (Chad's mom's side of the family.)

Although I could have (and perhaps should have) taken many photos, this was the only one I snapped.  Chad's precious grandma is celebrating Christmas without her husband this year.  We all miss Chad's grandpa Cal so much.  Chad and Cal were very close, and thus we have many photos of them together - but very few of Chad and his grandma.  I wanted to make sure and change that!

We got home in time for Mataya to leave snacks and a note for Santa.  Joshua was terrified of Santa, so it had been a long time since we had left treats for Santa.  What fun her sparkle and enthusiasm was!

Mataya came into our room about 7:30 Christmas morning, convinced Santa's reindeer had awakened her.  She was quite thrilled to find a note and gifts where her snack had been.

Christmas Day was spent with my side of the family at my momma's house.  She fed and loved and gifted us with a day that only she is capable of producing.  My momma has a gift for hospitality.  She thinks of every detail, every time.  As for me, I just drank it all in.  The majority of photos I snapped happened before I even left our home.  BUT, there are worse things than being absorbed in the moments, are there not?

 I adore when Sierra and Mataya sing together.

It was one of the most peaceful and precious Christmas celebrations I have experienced, with a four day weekend, tons of unrushed family time and pleasant weather.  These are the moments I want to hide in my heart and savor, always.

Always!