Well, it's already Christmas Eve... time goes by so fast! We are cozy warm in our house with plenty of hot cocoa, chai, and mocha mix available for once the kids come in from sledding- enjoying the snow before the weather gets ugly again. Nate made an executive decision after everything happened with the van that we were not going to have everyone here for Christmas because we were all sick (and some of us are still recovering...) and we were going to have to spend all of our extra time looking for a van instead of finishing the dining room (so we wouldn't have enough space for everyone to eat). We were disappointed, because we had been looking forward to having everyone over- but he was right- the dining room is still in the exact same state of affairs as the day we left for Thanksgiving, because he has been so busy between church needs and the van search. So we are very thankful that he has been able to have today and hopefully tomorrow to spend with us. We are also glad we weren't planning on having everyone down because of all of the ice and more to come... the roads are bad here, and we're supposed to be getting even more ice tonight and tomorrow. So, at least we don't have to worry about the Lansing and Royal Oak Harlans traveling down here through that. But, we miss all of you and can't wait to see you at Liam's birthday party!
We did get a 2004 12 passenger E-350 super duty van. Praise God! It is wonderful and meets all of our needs. Nate is so excited about it being so big and tough, too... no more wimpy minivan! :)
We've done lots more reading, making different types of ornaments, baking, and delivering of homemade goodies these past two weeks. It has been wonderful to simplify things- I am not stressed about getting everything done, and the kids have been saying that this is the best Christmas ever. We have been reflecting on the most precious gift of all- Christ- for the entire month, instead of rushing around to get things done and giving thanks for Him as an afterthought. We have spent our precious time together as a family... well spent time, indeed. Singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel " and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and hearing our children singing loud and clear is something I'll hold dear to my heart forever. Thank you, Lord for blessing us with our children! And may all of you be blessed this season! Merry Christmas to all of you!
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