I can't even believe this day has arrived, but it is Christmas Eve, and it is time to part with Little Kitty. Did you know on day one Zeke named her Echo? Isn't that cute? (It never really stuck) We are all so sad to see her go! Here I've been telling everyone to not get too attached, and well, the jokes on me. It was very tender to pass her over to Kassidy. For such a tiny little fur ball, she is greatly missed! I went about my day making rolls and cookies for Christmas Eve dinner and felt a little sad. Does this little kitty even know what is going on in it's short life? At least she knows safety, a full belly, warmth, comforts and lots of love. I know everyone felt so sad to see her off! I get texts and pictures from the new family, it was the best Christmas surprise ever! They sent us cookies to thank us for caring for her and loving her so much. They say she is adjusting nicely to her new family. We love you, Little Kitty!
Soon enough Grandma's and Grandpa's Taylor and Geertsen arrive along with Cash! The house is full of excitement and yummy smells and there is nothing better to add to the cheer! We dined on the delicious Christmas Eve dinner of ham and potatoes, fresh rolls and salads. Then the kids still ice fresh baked cookies for Santa!
Afterwards, Jon led us in a Christmas program, having everyone read along with songs.
Then Cade had Mommy & Daddy open their Christmas gift- he handed her a little cat carrier, inside was a Kitty!
It's a cute mechanical kitty that purrs when you pet it. Granny loved it!
Once everyone heads out into the Christmas night, we all get the kitchen put away and gather in the glowy front room.
We're missing Adren, but also happy for where he is. His last Christmas on the mission. And our last Christmas without him:)
The kids had drawn names and opened each others gifts which are mainly each others favorite snacks. Then they opened their Christmas Jammies!
The boys aren't sure how to feel about their silky dragon bottoms.
I am so grateful for this family! We sure miss Adren. It always tugs a bit at my heart and I have a little cry. I think of all the years when they were all so little and running around. During these years it is strange to think there will be a time when you aren't all together.
The kids all headed upstairs soon enough. Not to bed, I'm sure. But out of Santa's view at least...
Once everything was into place, I went out to take in the Christmas night like I always do. All the homes are dark and quiet. It feels holy. And then I turn back to look at our cheery house, and see all the kids lights are still on, and they are going strong.
I had sent Adren and his companion Advent Calendars at the beginning of the month. In his packages that arrived throughout the next weeks, I sent Adren gifts with instruction to open some on Christmas Eve, the others on Christmas Day. I thought of him that night with his new Jammies and Christmas Eve cookies before bed. Merry Christmas, Elder Geertsen :)
Adren called us Christmas morning before the kids were up (surprise). He was surprised I was all ready for the day. We spoke with him a bit, he was in the Sacred Grove! It looked so pretty all covered in snow. They had the whole place to themselves and he said it was the perfect morning to visit, and he wanted to remember next year that is where he was on Christmas Morning. I thought that was special.
Soon enough, the kids stirred.
Adren was able to chat throughout the day!
Christmas Boys!
It was another lovely break. School let out right before Christmas Eve, so we now have a full two weeks, which is nice!
There are always workers coming and going outside. We now have to gather kids at night and let them know if they need to park out on the road and move cars out of the garage so we don't get boxed in. It is all very exciting!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY 2025!
It's going to be an exciting year!
House Progress! Concrete footings are poured! More tarps!
I am remembering Christmases past when Eli got this awesome Lego Set and spent days putting it together. Soooo cuuuuute!
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| Christmas Cousins! |
I feel so blessed at this stage of life. It is so wonderful having a missionary out, for so many reasons. It makes the Holidays special in their own way, yet there is a hole that seems sacred that cannot be filled. I think of the Christmases growing up in my own family that were so special, and now I have my own family, and they will one day have their own. All of this is just for a time. I am grateful for this time on Earth to live and learn and grow and love each other. I am so grateful that I have a loving Savior who understands all of my big feelings when my family is growing up and changing, never to be the same, yet it is all good, just sometimes hard for my heart to keep up.
