Christmas.
This week we have OFFICIALLY gotten into the Christmas spirit.
We went back to Windsor to visit our grandpa who is in the hospital, and got to spend a few days at home. There was no pretense, home was home, exactly as it always is. Chaos.
Christmas decorations had started to make their way up, amidst leftover harvest decorations, the messiness that naturally follows seven kids coming home within a few days of each other, and wedding preparation.
We went to our church on Sunday, and there was no pretense there either. The moment I stepped foot in the doors, I was greeted by a hearty, "Hey! Can you do the slides for me?" Yup. Home.
When we got back to our home away from home, we all went out to buy Christmas decorations and a tree, and then came back to fresh cinnamon buns, apple cider, and a decorating party. It was lovely.
But who just has ONE Christmas party? Christmas is a season! I believe in taking full advantage of it, and thankfully, so does my family. So the next day we had Part 2, which was also great.
After that, we drove to Michigan on Friday for my sister Becky's wedding. But there is never an end to entertainment!
We had packed these oranges to eat on the road. So maybe two hours into our trip, we got them out and passed them around. I started to peel mine, and had a suspicion that something was off when all I saw was brown under the skin. I peeled a little more, but this orange just looked quite sketchy.
...yeah, I just won't finish that story. If anyone is a little squeamish, you won't want to hear it. So we ended up throwing that one out, but then, a few hours later, we discovered two extra oranges! Yay! "Now I'll get one!" I naively thought.
Yeah, that one was rotten too. Mine were the ONLY two that were rotten, I might add.
Anyway, the rehearsal went smoothly, the only thing was that the venue was FRIGID.
No worries though, they were putting heaters in. Well, as we were about to leave for the hotel, we breathed in the sweet smell of propane. Apparently the heaters had a gas leak. Typical.
But the wedding was WONDERFUL. Everything was beautiful, it all went smoothly, I had some good dances and meaningful chats, and gained a fantastic brother.
(also, I just thought this verse was appropriate for the wedding. God loves celebrations.)
P.S. Have you ever lain with your head underneath a Christmas tree? You should try it sometime, it's very relaxing. I learned this from my oldest sister, who, I have realized as of late, I have learned a TON of stuff from over the years. She is very wise.
P.P.S. Have you ever caught little pieces of paper with chopsticks as they came raining down from above? This I learned from my other sister, the one who just got married. She is also very wise, and knows how to start good Christmas traditions. Even if those traditions don't actually get off the ground. It was still fun while it lasted.
