Last night on our way home from Nana & Grandad’s house,
Makayla sang us a lovely song. She makes up her own songs on a regular basis, a
sweet trait her mommy had as child too. She sang, “It’s a celebration-oh a
celebrations. Jesus’ birthday. I love you. Oh celebration. Happy birthday baby
Jesus-celebration. Tonight is family movie night!” Tim and I laughed out loud
at the last part, but smiled and embraced those sweet words sang from our
daughter’s heart.
Christmas Eve
We always go to the Christmas Eve church service, so this
year was no different. We had a wonderful time just being still, observing the
past, and singing praise to God while lighting a candle in his beloved
presence. We are blessed in many ways. That evening we spent time looking at
Christmas lights and reading books with Makayla and Jackson. After finally
getting settled around 1:00 am we drifted off to sleep only to be awoken by our
daughter at 4:30 am. She was having severe ear pain-I mean the kind that makes
a child wail. It was heart wrenching to watch and also exhausting. Jackson has
a double ear infection so we figured that’s what she has too.
Click on the picture for a larger view!
Christmas Morning
Both kids ended up in our bed in the wee hours of the
morning. We waited for the Motrin to kick in to relieve Makayla’s pain before
we let them see their presents. Makayla got an adorable baby doll that she
named Ginger, a fashion Dora doll, a Barbie doll, and some other things. She’s
all about ‘dolls’ right now! Jackson got Little People Zoo Talker set, a big
truck, hot Wheels, and some other things. He’s starting to really get into
playing make –believe cars. They were
really excited and seem to appreciate the gifts we got them. Jackson gave me
some of the best hugs ever and Makayla came over and said, “Thank you so much
Mommy. I love you.” Her words melt my heart again and again. Around 9:00 the
pain medicine began to wear off. Tim called her pediatricians office and the
call was forwarded to Dr. Abby. We were a little surprised and I still feel guilty
for bothering her on Christmas day. She gave us some good advice, told us to
use olive oil in her ear, and said to be at the office at 8:45 the next day.
The olive oil worked! But by last night she was wailing in pain again. Before I
finish writing about our celebration I will tell you about her appt this
morning. She has a really bad double ear infection and received medication. The
part I want to share is when Dr. Abby walked in the room the first thing she
said is “I’ve been praying for you Makayla.” Yep, she wasn’t irritated at all,
but concerned for my daughter. In my book, that is a quality of a good doctor.
Makayla and Jackson are thrilled with their new toys. We
bought Tim a Kindle Fire and I got a new camera and several other thoughtful
gifts. And Santa Claus brought Makayla and Jackson teddy bears. They are very
soft and cuddly.
Christmas Afternoon & Evening
We are so blessed to have a wonderful family. We spent the
day at my parents house and didn’t leave until 7:00 pm. This was Annabel’s
first Christmas and that girl was having a blast. She and Makayla had on their
matching dresses!
I am so excited to tell everyone that once again I found the
pickle on the Christmas tree. It’s a family tradition that whoever finds the
pickle ornament gets the extra present. It’s so much fun and a real competition
between all of us. ;-) Sorry sisters-you’ll have to try again next year!
Click on the photo for a larger look!
The day ended with family story time and the kids getting
surprises out of their stockings. Actually it was a few things I forgot to put
in their stockings, but it was a nice way to end the day. My house is a mess,
clothes need to be washed, dishes need to be cleaned, and homework needs to be
done….but all of that can wait because I have them; my family. I am blessed
beyond what I deserve and thank God for my family. While all the gifts around
the Christmas tree were wonderful, the most important gift of all is the most
extravagant! The gift of Jesus is the greatest gift. That baby boy, who was
born over 2000 years ago, became my Savior; and because of Him I’ve received
the Greatest Gift of All-eternal life with Him.
Blessings,
Shawna
