Blessings Abound

Meet Leah, Emily's older sis'.  We had a wonderful time on Christmas Eve and Christmas day with our all kinds of people in our family.  Those two days always equate to running here and running there, like, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go..."  But the running and time are well worth it since it gives us an opportunity to catch up on all that is happening in each others lives and also gives us a chance to get to know newer family members better.

This year we spent Christmas Eve with Will's family and had a wonderful time meeting many of his family members for the first time and visiting with others we had met over the summer.  It is always interesting learning how others celebrate various occasions, and we continue to find that we have so much in common.  Many of our traditions involving family and activities are cut from the same Norman Rockwell collection!  Gathering with family, playing in the snow, eating, laughing, hugging, eating, sharing of gifts, trees, eating... did I mention eating?

Christmas day with Dawn's parents turned out to be a treat as well.  We broke our normal routine this year and decided to go up a bit earlier, take some food to make breakfast and spend most of the late morning and early afternoon with them (which is usually Mom's best time of the day).  She was really tired though because the day before she felt pretty good and wouldn't catch a nap.  The day after is usually when it catches up with her and Christmas day was no exception, but we still had the chance to cook some breakfast and enjoy the day together.

It was especially nice to have Candy and the girls stop in.  Emily was very tired, but she said, "There was no way they were keeping me in there [Pittsburgh Children's Hospital]!  I was coming home for Christmas and they couldn't stop me."  Of course, most every visit with Em involves the traditional, "Here, rub my feet."

It was great to see all of the girls - including Tori.  She has been a real trooper through this whole endeavor.  Check out my next blog... I am going to dedicate it to her.  Tori, if you read this, I want you know how proud I am of you.  Love ya!

Adam loves books.  He takes right after his mother.  Both of them have this thing about fanning the pages under their nose, then giving a very satisfied sigh, "I love the smell of a new book."  Go figure.

It has been really nice spending more time with Will.  He came home from California on the 22nd and will be going back soon, but we have had a great time together.  Last night we played Catch Phrase for a couple hours and ended up laughing till we cried!  Nothing like sitting around a table, playing games face to face, talking, fellowshipping, laughing, and yes, even crying together!

I pray that you thoroughly enjoy the rest of this wonderful Christmas season with those that you love.