This was a really good day. This photo, taken on a December’s early twilight, brings back many happy memories of a day spent together, working and celebrating family. It took some effort, but we captured a photo of everyone in their Sunday best. There is a chaos story behind most family pictures, but on this day, it was all good chaos.
2017: Paige reminded us that this was the last year that we were all together for Christmas. I think I had steeled myself to the idea of not having everyone around, so I hadn’t kept track. In 2017, there were 6 of us, and now there are 8. 🙂
As we opened gifts together, I enjoyed seeing how thoughtful everyone was. Some had created handmade gifts, and others had shopped to find perfectly matched gifts for a sibling or parent.
Whenever I remember that Mark will be on a mission for the next two Christmases, I stop myself. Why rob from the joy of this moment? Plus, having a missionary is another kind of joy. But mostly, I am avoiding all thoughts about this. Mark is my baking buddy, and he has faithfully helped me decorate the house, inside and out. He is a wonderful companion to me.
It has taken some time to draw Tim back into our family dynamic. The transition from missionary to everyday Latter-day Saint is not an easy one, but we saw more sparkle in his eyes during the past week. Don’t worry, he is fine, he is just adjusting to a huge change in his life. I remember Daniel’s post-mission life, and reminding him that it was worthy work to spend time with family. Tim has introduced us to enjoying seafood and a game called Bang. He also gets a funny happy expression whenever we serve rice at dinnertime. 😁 Mostly, we enjoy his humor and his light.
Daniel and McKenna are fun company. Daniel also plays background piano music as often as he can, and McKenna cracks jokes all the time. Mark and McKenna, being youngest siblings, really speak a similar language, and get along really well.
Paige has always been our traditions keeper, gently reminding us of things we do. One evening while people wrapped gifts in private corners of the house, she and Mike watched year after year of our annual home movies. Paige gave gifts of her art, including two children’s books and this precious portrait of Sparky:
Richard and I are behind in our tradition of preparing the annual Christmas video. This is our 20th year making one. Our show is shorter this year because of less family time, but the events are much more exciting and span the world. Richard and I enjoy the time working on this together and remembering the year. 2023 was full of important events, and we anticipate 2024 will be another big year.
Paige and Mike arrived in town on Wednesday, and Daniel and McKenna dropped by last night. As soon as they walked in, I realized that we had all of our kids together in our home. It’s been two years and several weeks since we have enjoyed time together like this.
It was a busy evening, with a friend visiting and preparations for my parents’ anniversary party. Daniel played through a Christmas songbook on the piano, and eventually several of us sang along. Paige and Mike played a game, Tim and Richard watched a movie together, and I moved from room to room, enjoying the sight.
We are in a very full season of life with so much going on and so many things I could share, but I can’t seem to sort these things into words.
Wishing you the best,
-A
We took a quick trip to Alabama to visit Paige and Mike and their new house. It is a beautiful house with a large yard. Their neighborhood is rural and quiet, surrounded by corn, cotton, and soybean fields. People wave to you and are very friendly, and there is a slower pace in the South which is pretty charming. Richard and Mike worked on a car dilemma and we helped select and install bathroom fixtures. Remember your first home? How exciting/daunting/fun it was to set up your own place? Well, this is where they are. What an exciting time of life. 💕
President Emily Freeman quoted Churchill last night in a devotional for youth, leaders, and parents about education.
I think the Lord taps us on the shoulder many times throughout our lives to help others based on our gifts and preparation. President Freeman’s words caused me to reflect on the times I needed to step up to do something special, unique to me, and fitted to my talents. Here are some of the things that came to my mind.
Mothering Paige, Daniel, Timothy, and Mark
Teaching homeschool
Speaking to congregations as a sister leader
Leading church and community groups
Writing family stories
Using my gift of listening
What positive things does this quote bring to your mind about your own unique contribution to the world?