Christmas Holidays

Before I knew it, Christmas holidays had begun!

We had good intentions of getting down to Lethbridge where we would spend Christmas well in time for our Grandson, Jordan's first birthday. However, we decided not to leave until Wednesday, the 22nd. John's folks drove down to our place the morning of, we had lunch and then left for Sherwood Park.

Of course, it wasn't that easy. :-) John was putting the finishing touches on his gifts and I was still sewing buttons on the ones I was making, Monday evening. Wrapping the last of the gifts was done Tuesday evening. Then it was the super human effort of getting everything organized and packed into our truck. We not only had Christmas gifts and luggage to take with us, but 800 pounds of moose meat for our son-in-law's brother and friend. Finally, we were ready. John's mom and dad arrived shortly after 11 am. I made us soup and had buns for sandwiches ready.

We were grateful to God that John's mom and dad were able to accompany us and the rest of the family that awaited us at John's sister's house were also very happy to see us all. Our son, James and his family: Sophie, Evie, and Noah joined us at Johanna's for the evening meal. Johanna outdid herself again: roast pork, potatoes and veggies, salad and Swedish latkes (I think this is what they're called.). Dessert was apple crisp and ice cream. Tim and Brendan were also there to make us feel at home. John's brother, Bill and his wife, Jo and her brother, Johnnie were also there for supper. Nelly, John's sister (same age as me), also came for a visit after supper. John and I stayed at Nelly's overnight.

Early Thursday morning, John and I left for Lethbridge and arrived there at noon. We stopped for a few groceries for Penny and then we were off to the farm at Wrentham. We arrived just in time for Jordan's first birthday party. His little cousin, Tim, was there along with many of the family of Dagnone. It was a great time and Jordan enjoyed his birthday cake immensely. It was blueberry cobbler with whipped cream. He especially enjoyed the whipped cream and blueberries. Jordan had fun opening his presents and playing with the paper and boxes. :-)

James and his family had hoped to arrive on Thursday as well, but trouble with the van lights kept them in Nanton overnight. However, they were in Wrentham by 10am. The cousins had a blast playing together. Noah made a new friend in Morris the cat, and with the combined toys received over the birthday and Christmas, all the kids had fun! Even the big kids. I know Grandpa spent some time checking them all out. Uncle Tony came down from Calgary to join in the fun too.

We all went to the Christmas Eve service at Wrentham and although it was not a Catholic mass, I enjoyed the Christmas reading and the singing. It was especially poignant when the children lit the candles to put them in the windows of the little community church as is the custom each Christmas eve. After the service, we went back to Penny's for a fantastic meal and visiting with each other.

Of course, no holiday is without incident. Evie came down with an ear infection and I ended up with a doosy of a cold that I am just today beginning to recover from. Still, we enjoyed each other's company and I'm sad that I'm home alone today.

Every Christmas I miss those I cannot be with, especially my mom, who is in heaven, I'm sure. She's been gone seven years now and I'm thinking that she smiles down on us each time we get together. Those Christmases past were her favourites too - the ones where we all came home and brought our families. I remember the meals and the pictures and the games we used to play, along with the singing and music.

That is what Christmas is all about - sharing the love of God in our families and being grateful for the loved ones we still have with us. God bless us every one!